Renée Fleming Honored By Daughter's Alma Mater Harvard

Talented Offspring: Amelia Ross, daughter of Renée Fleming,
is a Harvard University alumni and singer as well.

"One of the most acclaimed opera singers and sopranos of all time, Renée Fleming sang 'America the Beautiful' at Harvard's 364th Commencement on May 28, 2015 at Tercentenary Theatre." The star also received an honorary Doctorate of Music from the prestigious University. It also happens to be where her eldest daughter Amelia Ross attended college. As a graduate of the 2014 class, Ms. Ross has experience as Treasurer of the Harvard-Radcliffe Gilbert & Sullivan Performers as well as a Tanglewood Office Associate for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She also speaks German and French. Watch videos of the young singer performing during her time at Harvard, in the title role of Massenet's Cendrillon and in Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore, after the jump. [Source]

Back row from left: Robert Axelrod, Wallace S. Broecker, Denis Mukwege, Patricia A. Graham, Linda B. Buck, Bryan Stevenson, and Peter Salovey. Front row from left: Alan Garber, Renée Fleming, President Drew Faust, Deval L. Patrick, and Svetlana L. Alpers (Photo: Harvard Magazine/JC)

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Gilbert and Sullivan at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis

Beginning tomorrow, June 18, the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will begin previews for their production of Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore directed by Joe Dowling. The show will feature Christina Baldwin (Buttercup), Robert O. Berdahl (Captain Corcoran), Barbara Bryne (A Very Special Visitor), Aleks Knezevich (Ralph Rackstraw), Seri Johnson (Cousin Hebe), Heather Lindell (Josephine), Robb McKindles (Bill Bobstay), Jason Simon (Dick Deadeye), Peter Thomson (Sir Joseph Porter) and J. Tyler Whitmer (Bob Becket). The production is put together by Joe Dowling (Director), Andrew Cooke (Music Director), David Bolger (Choreography), Frank Hallinan Flood (Set Designer) and Fabio Toblini (Costume Designer).

Joe Dowling, Christina Baldwin and Robert O. Berdahl (Photo: Brigitte Norby)

Production photos and video interview with Joe Dowling, after the jump. Visit the company's facebook page for more photos and information.

Bartione David Wannen as the Pirate King in Columbus

"Singer and actor David Wannen contends every child should be exposed to Scripture, Shakespeare and the works of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. Wannen learned about all three during his years at the Sheridan School in Washington, D.C., and the lessons stuck with him. He now performs with and serves as managing director of the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players.That troupe, based in New York City, will bring The Pirates of Penzance to the Southern Theatre in Columbus June 10-12 in conjunction with Opera Columbus and CAPA....'The comic operetta combines contemporary performance values with topical humor for today's audience,' Wannen said....'When you go to see a Gilbert and Sullivan show, you can't leave without being in a better mood,' Wannen said. 'Your spirits will be lifted.' Wannen portrays the Pirate King in this production. He previously

played the Sergeant of Police in a 2007 version of Pirates that also visited Columbus. Originally from D.C., he now lives in New York City. His credits include television work on The Guiding Light and a tour of Camelot with the late Robert Goulet. Wannen spent four consecutive summers, from 2000-03, with the Ohio Light Opera Company in Wooster. He portrayed more than 20 different roles in 180 performances, including Tommy in Brigadoon and the Boatswain in HMS Pinafore." [Source]

Read more about the production here and here. Ticket information after the jump.