Nicholas is a classically trained tenor; he studied at Lee University in Cleveland, TN and did graduate work at Belmont University School of Music. He performed for the second inauguration of President Barack Obama as well as in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and Le nozzle di Figaro in Prague, Czech Republic and Salzburg, Austria. This is Nicholas’ second production with Franklin Light Opera, after playing the role of Ralph Rackstraw in Fall 2023.

Karen Wonder Dumont is thrilled to be performing once again in one of her favorite roles, Mabel! Karen is one of the founders of Franklin Light Opera, which was inspired by the Cornell Savoyards (Ithaca), a G&S group she led in Western NY. Favorite musical theatre roles include Mother Abbess (The Sound of Music), Rosa Bud (The Mystery of Edwin Drood), Cunegonde (Candide), Marian (The Music Man), Johanna (Sweeney Todd), and Kate (Kiss Me Kate). Favorite Gilbert & Sullivan roles include Mabel (The Pirates of Penzance), Josephine (HMS Pinafore), Yum-Yum (The Mikado), Ida (Princess Ida), and Rose Maybud (Ruddigore). She has done numerous recital programs including Cornell University’s Summer Concert Series. As a concert soloist, she has appeared in Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mozart's Requiem, and Handel’s Messiah. Behind the scenes,  Karen is working as the Production Manager for Pirates and the President of FLO’s Board of Directors.

Andrew Hutton is honored to be joining the FLO gang! Andy is a theatre teacher in Gladeville, TN - bringing the joy of Theatre to middle schoolers! Although he usually performs in Musical Theatre, he is excited to be performing as his first role in an opera. Other opera experiences: Ensemble with Nashville Opera Chorus for Pagliacci & The Magic Flute. Andy would like to thank the cast and crew, and his family for their love and support!

Chad Jones returns for his second season with Franklin Light Opera after playing Sir Joseph Porter in 2023’s production of HMS Pinafore. Many years ago, he was a professional musician singing with The New Orleans Opera, Jefferson Parish Performing Arts Society, Pensacola Opera, Atlanta Choral Society, and other small opera companies and musical societies in the South. In the summer of 2023, he was a featured soloist and member of the parish choir at the Royal Parish of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London. Chad, a proud father of three, has been an Episcopal priest for 22 years. He and his wife, Kim, met in a performance of HMS Pinafore 28 years ago – she was a clarinetist in the orchestra.

Jessica Lynn French (Ruth) would like to thank her husband and three sons for their support. National Tour Credit: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Nashville Opera Tour Cover and Recording Credits: Frau Viehmann (The Brothers Grimm); Jodi (Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing); Favorite Regional Production Credits: Miss Hannigan (Annie), Mother Abbess (The Sound of Music), Martha Cratchit (A Christmas Carol), Ulrica (Un Ballo in Maschera), and La Principessa (Suor Angelica); During her time as an NYC based performer, Ms. French also served as a Teaching Artist for The Metropolitan Opera Guild. She has taught vocal masterclasses for the Carnegie Hall Association, Lincoln Center's Boro-Linc, Studio Paulsen in Ecuador, and various universities across the US and internationally. Ms. French has provided recordings for Musical Theatre International, McGraw Hill, and Guitar Hero. Ms. French has directed and vocal directed over twenty productions in six states. World Premiere Directing Credits: Queen E: The Reluctant Royal (New York Musical Festival 2019); Castlewood (Neenah, WI 2022). She currently runs a private voice and acting studio in Nashville. Her students have been seen on Broadway tours, on stage at the Metropolitan Opera, in major films, and on Fox's American Idol and NBC's The Voice. (B.M. in Voice Performance from Boston Conservatory; dual M.M. in Voice Performance & Vocal Pedagogy from Belmont University; M.A.Ed from St. Mary's University of Minnesota.) Proud union member of AGMA!

This is Emilee Upleger’s third performance in a row with Franklin Light Opera! She previously enjoyed playing Cousin Hebe in the FLO production of H.M.S. Pinafore in 2023, as well as Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus last Spring. She is delighted to be playing the role of Kate in Pirates of Penzance this season. Emilee wishes to thank the donors and contributors who make these shows possible, as it is as much of a blessing to those who perform and participate in the making of this art as it is to the audience and community who are entertained and inspired by it. Thank you!

Megan Calgaro, soprano, is a graduate Vocal Pedagogy student in her second year of study at Belmont University with Dr. Angela Yoon. Originally from Wisconsin, she has obtained Bachelor of Music degrees in Vocal Performance and Choral Music Education from University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, as well as graduate certification in Vocology from Lamar University. Megan is no stranger to performing on the operatic stage; she has sung as a member of the chorus in several productions and has performed roles such as Fifi (The Merry Widow), the Queen of the Night and Papagena (The Magic Flute), Sally (Die Fledermaus), and Sorella Cercatrice II (Suor Angelica). Upcoming roles include Edith (Pirates of Penzance) and Beth (Little Women) in the opera scenes program at Belmont University.

Jiana is thrilled to be making her FLO debut! Originally from Texas, she is in her senior year as a Classical Voice Major at Belmont University. She had the opportunity to be a soloist in Belmont’s 2023 Classical Singer’s Recital and is involved in Belmont Opera Theatre where she performed the role of Margo (The Merry Widow) and is preparing to sing the role of The Prince (The Little Prince) in Opera Scenes this Fall. She is also involved with Belmont’s musical theatre club where she performed the role of Rona (Spelling Bee). She is so great full to be performing with such a talented and creative group of singers!

Otha "Abe" Gibson is a 23 y/o vocalist, actor and pianist from Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Having sung classically since heading to college in 2019 and with vocal coaching and tutelage from professors of Cumberland, Vanderbilt and Lipscomb Universities, Abe is extremely excited to be starring in his 2nd ever operatic role with the Franklin Light Opera. He would like to thank all of the board members and directors of FLO for giving him this wonderful opportunity and casting him as the Pirate Lieutenant Samuel, as well as his parents, family and friends for all of their continued support.

Will Lasley (bass) is utterly delighted to be performing in the very show that led him to fall in love with opera alongside some very talented friends. He began doing theater in his early teens with Act Too Players, where he would eventually play the title roles in both Sweeney Todd and Shrek the Musical. After joining up with FLO in 2022 as the bass soloist in their Best of G&S revue, he then went on to play the Boatswain’s Mate in H.M.S. Pinafore and Frank in Die Fledermaus. When playing a role like the buffoonish Sergeant of Police, Will likes to live by the mantra “Abandon Caution, Act Boldly.” He thanks the whole cast and crew, his parents Tom and Michelle, his sister Anna, and the person currently sitting to your left.

Susan has performed with the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, singing with the Dayton Opera Chorus. She performed the roles of Rosina in “The Barber of Seville “and Carmen in “Carmen” with the Dayton Children’s Traveling Opera. Susan toured around the world as a vocalist and dancer with the United States Air Force’s premier entertainment group Tops In Blue. She also sang with the Elgin Master Chorale and Chamber Singers and was featured with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Susan is delighted to perform again with Franklin Light Opera and expresses her gratitude for the continual support of her husband and two daughters.

A classically trained soprano, Catherine studied at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and did graduate work at Austin Peay State University, receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocal performance. She has performed ensemble and comprimario roles with the Nashville Opera. Passionate about choral music, she has had the privilege of singing with multiple choral groups in both Tennessee and North Carolina. Catherine lives in Franklin with her husband Gray and son Heath. She is delighted to be performing with the Franklin Light Opera.

Claiomh Hogan is so excited for her first show with FLO and her first Opera! She’s been in many plays and musicals but never an opera. She would like to thank everyone involved, her friends, family, and her wonderful singing teacher Deidra Hughes!

Karina Saunderson is thrilled to be joining her first production with the Franklin Light Opera. Originally from London, UK, Karina found her love for theatre as a child watching shows in the West End. Since then, she has been in several productions, including Sister Act, where she starred as Sister Mary Roberts, The Phantom of The Opera, A Christmas Carol, and most recently, She Loves Me, with the Pull Tight Players. Karina thanks her family and friends for their support, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Haley is so excited to be performing in the cast of Pirates! She graduated from Belmont University in 2018 with dual degrees in Music Education and Music Therapy. After four years of teaching music in MNPS, she now works as a music therapist at an acute behavioral health hospital in Murfreesboro. While she loves getting to use music daily in her work, it has been an immense joy to have a new personal musical outlet through Franklin Light Opera. She is grateful to everyone at FLO for welcoming her into their fun and encouraging community.

Stephen Clark was born in Hong Kong, a place with a very piratical history. Stephen has been in love with music his whole life. He moved to England as a child, where he sang as a boy chorister and learned the piano and violin. He was heavily involved in all aspects of the Cambridge Christian Musicals Society at university and in church music as an adult. He is glad to be back singing again with Franklin Light Opera in the Pirates of Penzance.

Vincent Davis, an American tenor, hails from Knoxville, Tennessee. Most recent performances include: The National Civil Rights Museum ~ Memphis, honoring the life and legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, La’Boheme, Pagliacci, Pirates of Penzance and Florencia En El Amazonas, The Magic Flute, Carmen, HMS Pinafore, Lucia, Die Fledermaus (Dr. Blind), The Jonah People premiere ~ Hannibal Lokumbe ~ Nashville. Featured on nationally televised CMA Awards with recording artist Jelly Row and Winona Judd. The Grand Ole Opry Stage, Leslie Jordan Tribute, with recording artist Eddie Vedder. Featured singer of W. Crimm Singers, Nashville. Featured performer with Nashville Opera’s Opera on Wheels Program, Juneteenth Celebration: National Museum of African American Music June 15th 2023rd and 2024th, Autumn Tour Oct 27th 2023: Donelson Fifty Forward. Featured soloist on recorded works of Brazilian composer, Daniel Bondaczuk, Aurora and Lux Mundi ~ Nashville.

Chad Dumont is excited to be performing with Franklin Light Opera again in this wonderful show. He’s enjoyed being cast in Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore, Pirates of Penzance, Patience, Trial by Jury, The Sorcerer and Ruddigore.

Eileah is excited to be making her FLO debut! She was first introduced to the world of opera through classical voice training in high school and has held a love for it ever since. Eileah most recently music directed Nunsense at Playhouse 615 and was seen in Circle Player's production of Urinetown last fall. She is also a Teaching Artist with the Nashville Children's Theatre. Outside of the arts, she is a behavioral special education teacher with Metro Nashville Schools. Much love to her two cats for dealing with her practicing and her partner Ezra for his support and encouragement in trying new things.

John Schultz is a professional educator, having served as Principal for 32 years.  His theatrical experience includes acting in, directing or conducting over 160 shows at every level - school, community and professional theater.  He made his Franklin Light Opera debut last season as theCaptain of the HMS Pinafore. He is thrilled to be back as  a pirate and Policeman in the Pirates of Penzance. John is also a member of the FLO Board of Directors and serves as props master. 

Lee Spitzer is an Oracle IT consultant specializing in healthcare and supply chain applications.   He graduated with a music degree from Rhodes College and sang with the Rhodes College singers, many years ago, before his IT career.  He also plays guitar, sings in the choir at the Church of the Resurrection, and enjoys spending time with family.  This is his first performance with FLO.

Emma is 15 years old and in 9th grade. Emma has performed some impressive leading roles, including Elsa in Frozen, Ariel in The Little Mermaid, and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde.

Julia is 15 years old and a sophomore at St. Cecilia Academy. She loves classical voice, choral singing, and playing the piano. Julia has performed with the Nashville Symphony, the Vanderbilt University Symphony, and at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican with the Vanderbilt Youth Choir. Her favorite piece to perform is “Let the Bright Seraphim” by George Handel.

Charlotte is 15 years old and is a sophomore at Brentwood High School. No stranger to the stage, Charlotte has performed the role of Belle in Beauty & the Beast, as well as performed in Oddly Puddle is from Inner Space, and Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.

Simon is 15 years old and a sophomore at Page High School. With a resumé of 26 stage performances, among his favorite roles are Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, Claude Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Lord Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes.

Cameron is 14 years old and a Freshman at Brentwood High School. Some of his favorite previous roles include Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka, Grover in The Lightning Thief, and Trunchbull in Matilda. He can be seen next in the Art Center of Cannon County’s production of Guys and Dolls and hopes that you laugh and enjoy Pirates of Penzance!!!

Julia is 14 years old and in 9th grade. You can catch her on stage again at Music Man Kids with the STAR cast, performing November 8th & 9th at the Williamson County Performing Arts Center.

Nathan is 15 years old and a sophomore at Page High. Nathan has starred in many roles, including Patrick in the Spongebob Musical, Captain Phoebus in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and King Triton in The Little Mermaid.

Christopher Cooper is a theatre artist and recent graduate of the Middle Tennessee State University Theatre & Dance Department.  He is so thrilled to direct The Pirates of Penzance with Franklin Light Opera; it has truly been an honor to collaborate with these wonderful artists.  Previous directing credits include: The Second Steve and Cabaret (assistant director) at MTSU. This fall, Chris will make his Nashville Repertory Theatre acting debut in Our Town and will music direct Alice in Wonderland Jr. with Starbright this winter.  All the thanks to his family for their endless love and support.  He hopes you have a swashbuckling time!  www.christophercoopertheatre.com

Makai Keur is an orchestrator, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Franklin, TN. He began his career at Cubby’s Music, working with artists like Katy Perry and Josh Groban. As a composer, his musical theater work was a finalist in a national songwriting challenge. After attending Berklee College of Music, he now freelances in Franklin, TN, and works with Carnival Cruise Lines in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Ahoy there! I’m a freelance costume designer, a landlubber, born and raised in Nashville, TN. I’m a mom to three creatives (Rio, Emily, Charlotte) to whom I give many thanks for their encouragement, inspiration, assistance and patience over the years. I am happy to sail again with FLO and this rowdy pirate crew, after costuming HMS Pinafore last year. I absolutely love stories and getting to do my part in telling them with costumes, especially for this colorful and fun show.  Blimey, it is great fun to collaborate with this crew of such talented hands who are all dedicated to bringing these stories to life for you. Thankfully, not a one has been forced to walk the plank, at least not yet.

Donovan Hughes (Stage Manager) is a theatre artist and educator originally from Memphis, TN. He received his Bachelor's degree from MTSU with a focus on Performance and Production. He is right handed, loves four-square, and a nice spreadsheet. All of these things make him perfect to be the Stage Manager of this production.

Stephen Calgaro is a tenor classical singer from Nashville in the United States. He has over a decade of stage performance experience, having performed the opera roles of Alfredo in La Traviata, Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni, Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Gherardo in Gianni Schicchi. He has performed with opera companies in the US, Italy, and Scotland. This is his first production since moving to Nashville this summer, and he hopes you all enjoy the show!