The Gypsy Baron opens in just under 2 weeks!  We're excited to continue with our cast interview series, and today we bring you more information about a talented VLOC newcomer, Marybeth Verchot!

Name
Marybeth Verchot

What's your role in The Gypsy Baron?
Mirabella, Governess to Arsena

When and how did you first get involved with VLOC?
I very recently moved to the Maryland/D.C. area. I heard from a singing acquaintance that he had a good experience with the Victorian Lyric Opera Company, and that it was full of talented and lovely people. So far, that has been completely true! I was fortunate to be successful in auditioning for The Gypsy Baron, and am enjoying the rehearsal process tremendously. It is also wonderful to have an opportunity to explore music from a show that is seriously under-performed in the States. This show is both hilarious and beautiful in turns, and it's exciting to bring something less well-known to this audience!

When you're not performing in community theatre, what do you do? (job, hobby, family, etc.)
I'm a big fan of hiking, yoga, cooking international-inspired food, and I love knitting. I also dye and spin my own yarn with a drop spindle - and actually got to use this skill on stage the most recent time I performed in Suor Angelica!

Don't have your tickets to The Gypsy Baron yet?  Don't wait!  Call the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre box office at 240-341-8690 or go online to get your tickets here!

Today we're happy to bring you a cast interview with another long-time member of VLOC - artist and singer Ellen Sherfey!

Name
Ellen Sherfey

What's your role in The Gypsy Baron?
Alto chorus

When and how did you first get involved with VLOC?
1980s with Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore, Gondoliers, Trial By Jury, Ruddigore via a singing/schmooze buddy's recommendation.

When you're not performing in community theatre, what do you do? (job, hobby, family, etc.)
I'm an artist.

Thanks, Ellen, and we're glad to have you in The Gypsy Baron!  Catch Ellen and the rest of the amazing chorus and cast the second weekend of September - get your tickets now!  Call the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre box office at 240-314-8690 or go online and snag your tickets here.

Today VLOC's cast interview series brings you more information on another long-time VLOC member, Gary Sullivan.  He is known for playing comic roles, but another fun fact about Gary is that he served as the dialect coach for VLOC's production of Ruddigore back in June, earning the nickname "Lord High Elocutioner"!  

Name
Gary Sullivan

What's your role in The Gypsy Baron?
Count Carnero

When and how did you first get involved with VLOC?
My first VLOC role was in The Mikado (2005), where I played Ko-Ko. I had a really terrific time, and met so many wonderful people that I just kept coming back. 

When you're not performing in community theatre, what do you do? (job, hobby, family, etc.)
I've had a long career with Marriott, spending most of my time in roles related to training, e-learning, and employee development. I also enjoy old movies, crossword puzzles, and boring my fellow cast members with Jeopardy questions.

Thanks, Gary!  Don't miss Gary and the rest of the fantastic cast in The Gypsy Baron!  Get your tickets today by calling the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre box office at 240-314-8690 or going online to purchase your tickets here.

VLOC is super happy to have members that stay involved with our productions for many, many years!  Today in our series of Gypsy Baron cast interviews, we talk with long-time VLOC member (and one of VLOC's founders!), Laura Hubbard.  

Name
Laura Hubbard

What's your role in The Gypsy Baron?
Chorus

When and how did you first get involved with VLOC?
I am a founding member of the company, having joined in 1978. After my first 10 years, I went on a 20-year hiatus, doing other things, and returned to get back to my first love: light opera.

When you're not performing in community theatre, what do you do? (job, hobby, family, etc.)
I am a copyeditor for a Silver Spring company that provides services under a number of contracts.

Thanks, Laura!  Don't miss Laura and the rest of the amazing chorus in The Gypsy Baron.  Tickets are already on sale, so get yours now!  Call the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre box office at 240-314-8690 or go online and get your tickets here.

Gypsy Baron rehearsals are in full swing, and our cast is hard at work!  We're happy to bring back the popular Cast Interview series so that you can get to know all the wonderful artists that will bring this show to life. We start the Gypsy Baron series with Rachel Ackerman, who sings the role of Arsena.

Name
Rachel Ackerman

What's your role in The Gypsy Baron?
Arsena

When and how did you first get involved with VLOC?
My first production with VLOC was Pirates of Penzance in June 2014 where I played the role of Edith. I started graduate school this past year, which took up most of my time. As a result, I couldn't audition for the 2014-15 season. I was so excited to see that this production was early enough in the season for me to audition. Pirates was such a great experience, and I am very excited to be in another production with VLOC!

When you're not performing in community theatre, what do you do? (job, hobby, family, etc.)
I am a full-time MM student in Vocal Performance at George Mason University in the studio of Patricia Miller. I am also very passionate about music education. I work at Harmonic Music Studios in Washington, DC where I teach voice and piano. I also love to cook, play the piano, and read at Rory Gilmore-level rates.