D I G I T A L P R O G R A M

Opera in the Pines presents The Barber of the Cape, an immersive, world-premiere adaptation of the beloved opera, The Barber of Seville. This production is a true celebration of Maine’s people, key industries—lobstering, seafood, and tourism—and the distinctive culture that makes the state so special. Set at the Cape Neddick Lobster Pound, The Barber of the Cape transports the classic story into a contemporary Maine setting. The tale follows Rosie, a clumsy waitress preparing for the bustling tourist season. When Rosie catches the eye of a visitor from Manhattan, her protective, tourist-hating uncle Bart, the restaurant’s owner, intervenes, sparking a comedic whirlwind of mistaken identities, love, and the quirks of our friends “from away.”

Rossini composed Il barbiere di Siviglia in 1816 for the Teatro Argentina in Rome, during a prolific period in which he was writing operas for cities across Italy while based in Naples. The opera was not initially well received. Its premiere was marred by stage mishaps and vocal supporters of Giovanni Paisiello, who had written an earlier opera on the same subject. Rossini's version was originally titled Almaviva to avoid direct comparison. However, by its second performance and especially by its revival in Bologna, it had won audiences over and was retitled Il barbiere di Siviglia. The opera rapidly eclipsed Paisiello’s version and became one of the most beloved and frequently performed works in the operatic canon.

We’re quite sure Rossini never imagined The Barber of Seville set in a bustling lobster pound on the coast of Maine, but we think he’d have gotten a good laugh out of it! The Barber of the Cape reimagines his timeless comedy with all the heart, humor, and hijinks of the original, while celebrating the uniquely Maine blend of community, industry, and hospitality.

Director’s Note

Thank you for joining us for our fourth production in the pines! It feels like The Diary of Anne Frank was just yesterday. I've had the pleasure of meeting so many of you at our productions, and to know that you all keep coming back for more, no matter the opera, is the reason we keep creating ways for Mainers to enjoy opera in everyday places. Not only am I lucky enough to have the best audiences a director could ask for, I also have an incredibly talented and enthusiastic team and cast of singers that are essential to this atypical operatic scenario. I can't wait for our audiences to see the way our performers have taken on these roles with the vocal integrity of someone standing in a large concert hall. While creating this production design, I transplanted the character dynamic of Bart (Bartolo) and Rosie (Rosina) to a different struggle for power: boss vs. employee. Rosie still wants to be set free from Bart's expectations, while Figaro is still her confidant and the "man about town". Chief (Count Almaviva) remains the lovesick outsider with money. Basil (Basilio), similarly to the original, is the henchman of Bart with ulterior motives. Our Bertha (Berta) cleans up everyone elses messes, and this remains true whether you're seeing Il barbiere di Siviglia or The Barber of the Cape. Please sit back, laugh with us, and enjoy our opera that was created with YOU, fellow Mainers, front of mind. I'll be saving a seat for you next year in the pines!

Sable Strout

Composer: Gioachino Rossini (1792 – 1868) was a celebrated Italian composer best known for his 39 operas, which include enduring masterpieces such as The Barber of Seville, La Cenerentola, and Guillaume Tell. Born in Pesaro to musical parents, he began composing at an early age and quickly rose to prominence with a prolific output that shaped both comic and serious opera in the early 19th century. His works are admired for their melodic invention, dramatic vitality, and orchestral color. Despite retiring from opera composition in his late thirties, Rossini remained an influential figure in European music, later composing sacred and salon music including the Petite messe solennelle. His legacy endures as a pivotal force in the development of Italian opera.

Figaro: "A master of his touching, yet bold baritone" (Berkshire Fine Arts), Matthew Cossack is quickly making a name for himself at notable opera houses in the USA and abroad. He holds degrees and awards from SUNY Purchase, Mannes College and the Yale School of Music. A native of Brooklyn, New York, he was a winner in the Opera Foundation Scholarship Competition in 2019 and made his European debut in 2019 as a member of the Stipendiat Ensemble at the Deutsche Oper Berlin. There, he performed roles such as Dancairo (Carmen), Imperial Commissioner (Madama Butterfly), Christiano (Un ballo in maschera), Fiorello (Il barbiere di Siviglia), Starveling (A Midsummer Night's Dream), and was the baritone soloist in a world premiere 'Once To Be Realised' which toured through Berlin, Munich and Athens in 2021. Mr. Cossack was named winner of the 2022 Sullivan Award with the prestigious Sullivan Foundation, and a Role Preparation Grant recipient in 2023. He was a 3rd Place Winner in the Opera Birmingham Competition, a Finalist in the Premiere Opera and Opera Index Competitions, a Quarter- Finalist in Opera Crown Tbilisi International Voice Competition, and a Regional Winner in the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. He's an alumnus of Young Artist Programs such as Florida Grand Opera, Central City Opera, Opera Naples, Chautauqua Opera, and Music Academy of the West. He made his French debut in 2024 with the Opéra Orchestre National Montpellier singing Bassidji (Négar) by Keyvan Chemirani. This season, his role debuts include Dr. Malatesta (Don Pasquale), and Marcello (La Bohème) and Ko-Ko (The Mikado) with Opera Naples.

Rosie: Soprano Kaileigh Riess is a dynamic performer dedicated to bringing fierce authenticity, lyrical beauty, and vivid expressivity to operatic, crossover, and contemporary repertoire. Favorite stage credits include include Nannetta (Falstaff), Violetta Valéry (La traviata), Anne Trulove (The Rake’s Progress), Contessa Almaviva (Le nozze di Figaro), Laurie (The Tender Land), and Blanche (Dialogues of the Carmelites). Kaileigh completed her education at Northwestern University, USC, and the Boston University Opera Institute and has since worked with Boston Lyric Opera, Virginia Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Central City Opera, Pacific Northwest Opera, Seaglass Theatre Company, Beth Morrison Projects, and the Boston Pops. Kaileigh has received awards in the Lotte Lenya Competition, the Laffont Competition, and the Jensen Foundation Vocal Competition and was a recent quarterfinalist in the American Traditions Competition. She can next be seen this summer at the Glimmerglass Festival as Dot (cover) in Sunday in the Park with George, Bard 2 in Odyssey, and Lucy (cover) in The House on Mango Street. Maine holds a deeply special place in Kaileigh's heart, as her family has gone camping there every summer since before she was born, and so it is a true privilege to be singing this role and house debut with Opera in the Pines. Kaileigh is based in New York and represented by Encompass Arts. 

Chief: Jared Vigue is a tenor classical voice student at the Osher School of Music, where he studies with Professors Scott Wheatley and Mary Letellier. He has performed several roles in Osher Opera Theater productions, including Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore, Candide in Bernstein’s Candide, Roméo in Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette, Alfred in Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, and Rinuccio in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. Jared has sung in the chorus for professional productions of Le nozze di Figaro, Aida, La Bohème and La Fille du Régiment. Recently, he sang in Opera Maine’s Studio Artist Masterclass with Ron Raines and was a Studio Artist with the Opera Company of Middlebury. A recipient of the 2024 Nordica Scholarship  Award and a winner of the National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition in his division, Vigue was also selected as an Honors Recital performer for the Osher School of Music in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, he was also one of the winners of the OSOM Concerto and Aria Competition. This summer, he will perform the role of Bastien in Mozart’s Bastien und Bastienne with Modern Vintage Opera in Connecticut, and serve as a soloist at the White Mountain Musical Arts Bach Festival in North Conway, NH.

Bart: Bass-baritone John David Adams is a versatile and accomplished artist, with a career spanning concert, opera, recital, and award-winning vocal ensembles. He made his debut with Opera in the Pines last season in the role of Rev. Hale in The Crucible; other opera and musical stage credits include Lucrezia Borgia (Opera Boston), Tosca (San Francisco Lyric Opera), Carmen (Granite State Opera), Romeo et Juliette (PORTopera),  Cosi fan tutte (Apollo Opera), Trouble in Tahiti(Goat Hall Opera), The Medium and The Telephone (SOLO Opera), Die Fledermaus and The New Moon (New England Light Opera), The Desert Song (Maine State Music Theater), and Susannah, Sweeney Todd, and A Little Night Music(Heartwood Regional Theater Company). He sang the U.S. premier of Karl Amadeus Hartmann’s Simplicius Simplicissimus in San Francisco, and created the role of Marino in Daughter of the Cabinet, Berkeley Opera’s timely political adaptation of LeCoq’s La Fille de Madame Angot. An acclaimed concert soloist in repertoire ranging from Baroque masterworks to world premieres, his engagements include the San Francisco Symphony, Berkeley Symphony, Hartford Symphony, Portland Symphony, Bangor Symphony, Berkeley lyric Opera Orchestra, Redwood Symphony, Arlington Philharmonic, North Shore Philharmonic, Masterworks Chorale, Choral Arts Society, Oratorio Chorale, Longfellow Chorus, San Francisco Bach Choir, and the Blue Hill Bach, Portland Bach, White Mountain Bach, and Portland Early Music festivals. He studied voice and opera at the Hartt School of Music and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and currently serves on the vocal faculty of Bay Chamber Music School in Camden, Maine.

Basil: Baritone Jacob O’Shea is a rising young artist whose performances have been deemed, “visually and vocally [commanding]” (Boston Musical Intelligencer). In the 2023/2024 season, O’Shea completed his second year as a Bailey Apprentice Artist at Palm Beach Opera and was an Apprentice Artist at Des Moines Metro Opera. Current season highlight include winning the Boston District of the Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition and joining the Aspen festival as a Reneè Fleming Artists covering Marcello in La bohème and Guglielomo in Così fan Tutte. Equally at home in standard repertoire and new works, role highlights include Dr Gibbs (Our Town), Guglielmo (Così fan tutte), Colline (La bohème), The Sodbuster (Proving Up), and Paul (If I Were You). O’Shea has been seen as an emerging artist at some of the top programs in the country, including Palm Beach Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Central City Opera, Boston University Opera Institute, and the Seagle Festival. He has also worked with companies such as Cambridge Chamber Ensemble, Opera in the Pines and Syracuse Opera. Offstage, O’Shea finds solace in the art of embroidery, a creative outlet that complements his musical pursuits, allowing time to explore various unique forms of artistic expression. Hailing from Albany, New York, O’Shea completed his BM in Vocal Performance from Syracuse University and his MM in Vocal Performance from Boston University. He is currently under the tutelage of Bill McGraw.

Bertha: Originally from Evian, France, Mezzo-Soprano Joëlle Morris has performed throughout Europe and the United States and is admired for her versatility, from the concert stage to the operatic arena, in intimate jazz settings and French cabaret or simply sharing her gifts as voice teacher and coach. An accomplished recitalist, Joëlle has performed extensively across the United States and Europe. Most recently, she portrayed Mary Magdalene in the premiere of Blood & Breath, a concept opera by composer Lucas Richman and librettist Honora Foah, held in the Vatican City, Rome, Italy. Since relocating to Maine in 2011, Joëlle has appeared with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, the Mozart Mentor Orchestra and is regularly a featured artist at Colby College, Bates College, Bowdoin College, the Franco Center, Waterville Opera House, Nordica Auditorium, the Colby Jazz Faculty Ensemble, and the Early Music Festival in Portland. Mrs. Morris is the co-founding member of the Resinosa Ensemble, which specializes in 21st century chamber works, and the Amethyst Chamber Ensemble, a professional vocal and instrumental group based in Midcoast Maine. In addition to annual summer appearances in France, she is currently on the music faculty at Bates College.

Venue Partner

Perched along the tranquil shores of Cape Neddick Harbor, Cape Neddick Lobster Pound has been a cherished gathering place since 1959. Founded by the Young Family, this harborside gem is known for its unbeatable views, fresh seafood, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're watching lobstermen haul in the day's catch, enjoying a sunset from the deck, or savoring a meal fireside, there's something timeless about this beloved spot. Now under the ownership of Ian Miller and Morey Highbarger of Pepper’s Landing, The Pound begins a new chapter, honoring its storied past while introducing thoughtful updates to the menu and space, making it the perfect place for this one-of-a-kind opera experience.

Season Sponsors

The Onion Foundation is a private charitable foundation established in 2014 by Fritz and Susan Onion. It was created with the mission of encouraging conservation and stewardship of the natural environment and promoting music and the arts in the state of Maine.  Having grown up in Farmington, Fritz and Susan Onion both value living in a rural community with access to artistic experiences and the outdoors.

Founded in 1995, Portland Conservatory of Music has provided exemplary music education for students ages 1-90+ for over 23 years, leading the way for other music schools in the region and throughout the state of Maine. They believe that high quality music education should be available to everyone and strive to make that happen.

Rooted in rich Episcopal tradition and a legacy of faith since 1889, The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary is a welcoming parish in Falmouth dedicated to building an authentic, joyful, and compassionate spiritual home. With a focus on nurturing children and youth, deepening spiritual connection, and caring for those in need, Saint Mary’s continues to grow as a beacon of love, service, and sacred tradition in the heart of the community.

Gwendolen Elwell Flanagan Foundation

Show Sponsors

Since 1990, Leonardo’s Pizza has been delighting Vermont and Maine with creative, high-quality pies that push the boundaries of traditional pizza. What started as Phil George’s bold vision on Pearl Street in Burlington has grown into a beloved family-run business known for inventive flavor combinations. With his daughter Sara and son-in-law Kelly now helping lead the way, Leonardo’s continues to serve award-winning pizza while staying true to its roots and supporting local communities through its renowned philanthropic efforts. At Leonardo’s, every slice is a celebration of innovation, family, and giving back.

Production Covers: Liam Shannon, March Steiger*, Luke Scott, Sarah Tuttle*

Production Direction, Design & Libretto: Sable Strout*

Adaptation: Kellie Moody*, Sable Strout*

Musical Direction: Kellie Moody*

Set Design: Tomas Amadeo*, Aaren Rivard*

Props Design: Jennifer Kennedy*

Costume Design: Sarah Kennedy*

Costume Assistant: Jericah Potvin*

Supertitles: Aaren Rivard*

Branding Design: Allie Norman of Girl That Designs*

Promotion, Marketing and Content Management: Lauren Yokabaskas*

Educational & Outreach Partners: Rob Westerberg & York High School, Virgil Bozeman & Richmond High School

Production Videographer: Brandon Blinderman*

Production Photographer: Jordan Rowe Photography

*denotes Maine based or tied artist or organization

We are deeply grateful to the following organizations for providing rehearsal space: Portland Conservatory of Music, Episcopal Church of Saint Mary, and Mad Horse Theatre Company.

Thank you to the media and promotional partners who helped share our story: Haley Clough and The Boston Globe, Rob Caldwell and News Center Maine, Gillian Britt and Eat Drink Lucky, Aimsel Point, Megan Gray, and The Portland Press Herald, Portland Sea Dogs, and Heather McDougall and Maine Public Radio.

Special thanks for in-kind gifts and assistance: Michael Donovan and Portland Players, Lyric Music Theater, Nick Nelsonwood, Sam and Gabe Carlson.

We are especially grateful to our housing donors: Susan Samberg, Marcia Gronewold Sly, Colin Whiteman, and Susan & Robert Yokabaskas.

Annual Giving

Thank you to all who contributed during our fiscal year ending December 31, 2024.

Eastern Hemlock: Ann Elderkin & James Bucknam, Winfield Field

Tamarack: Dirigo Talent Agency, Carol Yokabaskas, Susan & Robert Yokabaskas

Northern Cedar: Thomas Jorgensen, Mary Mitchell Friedman, Eric Einhorn, Robert Morrison, Christina Alden-Kinne, Tomas Amadeo

Cone: Doug Pedersen, Marcia Gronewold Sly, Emily Barber, Ashley Emerson, James H. Huebener, Kevin J. Stack, Luba & Larisa Blinderman, Mark Blinderman, David R. Cote, Jennifer Kennedy, Denise LaRue & Bob Furman, Molly Lee, Vincent Yokabaskas, Anonymous

Seed: Elizabeth Hope, Virginia L. Albanese, Steve & Noriko Feeney, Inna Gringauz, David & Jesse Myers-Wakeman, Robert Russell, Timothy Steele, Elizabeth Harmon, Erica Ryland, Susan Samberg, Melanie Ashkar, Michelle Rawding, Judson & Sasha Merrill, Gabrielle Blinderman, Marcia Brown, Sarah Neal, Nicholas Strout, Eileen Hanley, Eric J. McConnell