Featuring opera scenes and songs from the Italian bel canto tradition, A Country Store Opera showcases the talents of 14 Vermont teen singers from 10 different schools. The original story, written by YOC founder Sarah Cullins, takes place in the local country store of the fictional town of Venice, Vermont. You will meet Addie, the young store owner, Nemo, the townie who is in love with her, Duke, the moonshine kombucha brewer, Bella, the shepherdess who sells fruits and flowers at the farmer’s market, Johnny and Janet, the siblings who work at the store, Alma, their widowed aunt, Mark and Joe, the high school seniors who just came back from a trip abroad to Italy, Tessa and Vicky, the high school girls who are fascinated by their tales of the “real” Venice, and finally, Kat and Tabby, two formerly cranky goth NYC teens who moved to VT during the pandemic and ultimately adopted Vermont as their home. With support and product donation from local businesses such as Vermont Flannel, Vermont Smoke and Cure and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, this production celebrates Vermont traditions, Vermont products and Vermont talent! Led from the piano by YOC Music Director Mary Jane Austin.
Suggested donation at the door: $20/adults, $10 seniors/youth. Donations support this program and all of Opera Company of Middlebury’s educational and community outreach initiatives! Learn more about our Youth Opera Program here.
A Country Store Opera's set includes generous donations from local businesses, making this production a celebration of Vermont traditions, products, and talent! Many of these items will also be included in a raffle, with opportunities to win at each performance!
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR RAFFLE DONORS!
AO Glass
Vermont Flannel
Vermont Smoke and Cure
Vermont Salumi
Vermont Teddy Bear
Aqua ViTea
Middlebury Agway
CAST:
Bea Antos-Ketcham, homeschool community
Neve Bruno, Stowe High School
Emma Cerutti, Norwich University
Ambrose Cusick, Burlington High School
Momo Cusick, Burlington High School
Siena DeMink, Burlington High School
Lili Diemer, Rice Memorial High School
Lex Leikin, Montpelier High School
Elsie Pawul, U32 High School
Celeste Pullis, Essex High School
Nathan Stefani, Middlebury High School
Rowan Thayer, Burlington High School
Connor Trombly, Rice Memorial High School
and
Zoe Hirsch, Colchester High School (stage manager)