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SOVIET  ZION
By Giles Howe with Katy Lipson and Roberto Trippini

Giles Howe

BOOK, MUSIC, LYRICS, DESIGN, PRODUCTION, CREATIVE DIRECTION

,Katy Lipson

ADDITIONAL MUSICAL MATERIAL, CO-PRODUCER

 Roberto Trippini

CO-AUTHOR (BOOK)

 Brian Freeland with Giles Howe

ORCHESTRATIONS

 Gittel Schwartz with Giles Howe

YIDDISH TRANSLATION

Kate Radmilovic
MIRELE
David Francis
JOSHUA
Kimberley Blake
ZOFIA
Michaela Stern
BAYLA
Sam Young
ISER
Michal Ish-Horowitz
VARIOUS
Joseph Claus
DAVID
Naomi Kilby
ENSEMBLE
Bruno Loxton
OFFICER
Jeff Kuznicki
GUEST VOCALIST
Toni Green
YENTA/NARRATOR
John Ellis
OSKAR

Cast Biographies

(Accurate at time recording was made)

Kate Radmilovic

MIRELE LIBERMAN

Kate Radmilovic, began her studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, with a Peter Moores Scholarship, and after winning “Best Singer of the Year” Elizabeth Harwood Award she went onto study at the Zurich International Opera Studio where she subsequently took on house repertoire contracts in Germany and Switzerland as a leading Lyric soprano. Winning the Public performance Prize at the Robert Stolz Operetta competition in Hamburg, in 2008 she returned to the UK to play Carlotta in Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's, West End, and Freia in the award winning Ring Cycle at the Longborough Wagner Festival. Among recent roles in theatre she sang the role of Mrs Zero in Joshua Schmidt’s Rock Opera “Adding Machine” at the Finborough Theatre, and Mrs Strauss in Titanic on the International China Tour, Tarento Productions, Lottie Child in Crazy for you, National Tour for Jamie Wilson Productions, and Mrs O Brien and Parthy in Showboat at the New London Theatre. Opera credits; Koenigin der Nacht in The Magic Flute (Eutin Festival/ St Gallen Theatre), Minette in the English Cat (Deutsche Radio/ Osnabrück Opera), Lady Billows in Albert Herring (Dortmund) Mimi and Musetta - La Boheme, Tatijana in Eugene Onegin, Vitellia in Mozart’s Titus, Agathe in Der Freischuetz ; Donna Elvira - Don Giovanni and Susanna in Figaro, (Osnabrueck),Violetta in La Traviata, Madame Butterfly (Osnabrueck and Heidelberg State theatres), Frau Fluth - Merry wives of Windsor (Osnabrueck and Weimer Opera). Operetta credits: Hanna Glawari in The Merry Widow , Rosalinde in Die Fledermaus, and Lisa in Land des Laechelns , (Osnabrück), Sylva Varescu in Kalmanns Czardas Fuerstin (St Gallen Opernhaus) Kate is delighted to be returning to the role of Mirele in the Soviet Zion having performed the role at the Jewish Museum in 2015.

 

Kimberly Blake

ZOFIA LIBERMAN

Training: Eiddwen Harrhy - The Royal College of Music. Theatre includes: Violetta in the Original London cast of Pretty Woman (Piccadilly Theatre), Carlotta in The Phantom Of The Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre, London), Giulietta in Aspects of Love (Hope Mill Theatre) u/s Florence & Svetlana in Chess (ENO London Coliseum), Jenny in Company (Aberdeen Arts Centre) Mrs Bindo-Botting in Half a Sixpence (Chichester Festival Theatre & Noel Coward Theatre), Jenny Lind in Barnum (Cameron Mackintosh UK Tour), Scheherazade in Aladdin (Bristol Hippodrome) Maria in Momo (Stratford Circus), Mrs Nordstrom in A Little Night Music (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre), Ursula in The Sound of Music (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Lady Larken in Once Upon a Mattress (Union Theatre), u/s Johanna & Swing in Sweeney Todd (Adelphi Theatre), u/s Mimi in La bohème (Soho Theatre) and vocalist in Sondheim’s 80th Birthday Prom (Royal Albert Hall).  Workshops include: Sorrel Nag in Gulliver’s Travels. Television includes: How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? (BBC). Voiceover work includes: Jim Jam and Sunny, Pocoyo and Postman Pat (Lemon), Mary Poppins, American Express, Tipi and OMUK gaming studio. Kimberly would like to thank her friends and family for all their endless support on her journey. She is delighted to be singing the role of Zofia.

 

Sam Young

ISER LIBERMAN

British baritone Sam Young trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, having previously studied at Bath Spa University. His awards include the Chartered Surveyor’s Vocal Prize at GSMD and the Bath Spa University Music Performance Award. He was a finalist in the Dean and Chadlington Singing Competition in 2015.  In opera, Sam’s roles include Marcello cover in La Bohème (Oxford Opera), Leporello in Don Giovanni (Rogue Opera), Sacristan in Tosca, Alfio in Cavalleria Rusticana (North Wales Opera), Guglielmo in Così fan tutte (Flat Pack Music), Papageno in The Magic Flute (Opera Anywhere), Moralès in Carmen (Oxford Opera), Don Alonzo in Le Cid, Coryphée in Le Comte Ory, Herald in Macbeth (Dorset Opera Festival), Squire in Thomas and Sally, Moore in The Dragon of Wantley (Bath International Music Festival). Sam has appeared in concerts across the UK, Europe and China. In 2019 he performed as a soloist for Downton Abbey Live with the Chamber Orchestra of London at Highclere Castle, and again with the City Lights Symphony Orchestra at KKL Luzern, Switzerland. Other solo concert and oratorio credits include Brahms’s Ein Deutsches Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Opera in the City Festival), Orff’s Carmina Burana, Jesus in Bach’s St John’s Passion, Haman in Handel’s Esther, Howell’s Requiem, Handel’s Dixit Dominus and Violetta’s Party with Iford Arts.  Sam’s recording credits include the soundtrack of Urban Myths: Bleak House Guest (Sky Arts), Bath Camerata’s The Passing of the Year (SOMM Recordings) and John Featherstone’s Te Deum.

 

Toni Green

YENTA, NARRATOR

Toni Green is an Actress, Singer, Comedienne and Announcer and can currently be heard on BBC One, BBC Two and BBC Four introducing television programmes. She has appeared in numerous plays and musicals including Stella Deems in "Follies"- Pleasance Islington, “Nine” Royal Festival Hall (with Jonathan Pryce), Jenny in “Close of Play” Theatre Royal Plymouth, Mina - “Healthy Memory” - Old Vic & Aunt Em/ Witch in “The Wizard of Oz” - Northcott Theatre Exeter, Ursula - New Shakespeare Company and Sally in “Josephine” at the Fortune Theatre, She understudied Kate O’Mara and Isla Blair as Goneril and Regan in “King Lear” with Sir Anthony Quayle’s Compass on tour and appeared for Susan Penhaligon in “Of Mice and Men” as Curley’s wife at the Mermaid Theatre. She was one of the singers in “Song For Life” at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, a charity event in which many musical superstars appeared! r TV & film includes “The Bill”, You Are Whole, ““Lear Alone” and "The Blessing" She does a stand up comedy act with her character Sadie Goldberg and “Sadie and the Faded Ladies” in which Sadie appeared, was in the top 3 for “Best Cabaret - Brighton Festival 2012”. She was the only female finalist out of eight acts in the "Comedy Factor" & has performed Sadie at numerous comedy clubs. She is also a jazz singer, has appeared at Ronnie Scott’s and received a special commendation at the Angela Carrington Jazz Awards 2009. . She has appeared at the Bulls Head, British Airways Concorde Club, Hideaway and Ram Jam alongside notable jazz musicians including Geoff Castle and Duncan Lamont. She spent several years on Classic FM and Jazz FM and was voted "Sexiest Female Voice - AA Roadwatch" three years running. She was a regular for years on BBC Radio 2 doing "Pause for Thought” and has been heard on most radio stations including BBC Radio 4, the World Service and Smooth FM . She was a regular on LBC on the Steve Allen Show reviewing the Sunday papers and is the voice of British Airways worldwide. She is thrilled to be playing Yenta again for this radio operatic play. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience when performing the full production at the London Jewish Museum and the Lost Theatre.

 

David Francis

JOSHUA

 

Training: BA Hons in Musical Theatre, Guildford School of Acting. Theatre: Magaldi in Evita (International Tour). Khashoggi in We Will Rock You (RCCL). Abanazar, Aladdin (Compass Theatre) Claquesous/Cover Jean Valjean in Les Miserables (International Tour). Ensemble/Cover Piangi in Phantom Of The Opera (Her Majesty's Theatre). Neville Landless in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Arts Theatre). Sergeant/Mr Teasley in The Stationmaster (Tristan Bates Theatre). Rasputin in Rasputin Rocks (Tristan Bates Theatre). Bob Gaudio in Walk Like A Man (Tour). The Tenors (European Tour). Lead Singer onboard Cunard and Seabourn Cruise LInes (Belinda King Productions). Other: Fireman in The Crown, Season 4 (Netflix). Convict in Euro 2012 Ad Campaign (Mars).

 

John Ellis

OSKAR LEVIN

John Ellis or JP Ellis as he is sometimes known is an Australian, Melbourne born actor who resides in London. He has worked extensively in musical theatre & opera concerts all over the world. 2020 saw the release of JP’s new Album "KOPFKINO" which was recorded, mixed & edited in Lockdown - Athens - London - LA, executive produced by Lee Lessack at LMLMusic. Before leaving Australia, credits included: Assassins, The Wizard of Oz, Passion {Lt. Barri}, The Mikado {KoKo}, The Pirates of Penzance {Sam}, Summer Rain, {Harold Slocum}, “Just a rainy day or two?" & New Habits. Moving to London led to the roles of {Simon} & {Judas} in J.C.S UK TOUR,  Opera on Q.M.2.  & "The 12 TENORS.”  Landing the role of {Old Deuteronomy} in Cats saw him, working alongside the likes of Lea Salonga as Grizabella.  John has enjoyed 2 wonderful years in the Westend as {Piangi} in Phantom of the Opera, which he completed after coming from the German production of "Das Phantom Der Oper” where he played both {Piangi} & {Passarino} for Stage Entertainment.  He has recently returned from playing Old Deuteronomy in Cats (International Tour).  It was at Phantom that he shared in the joy of winning the Audience award at the Olivier's for long running Musicals in the West End.

 

Naomi Kilby

ENSEMBLE

Naomi Kilby studied at Birmingham Conservatoire and Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest. Opera credits include regular chorus for Opera Holland Park, including the role of Woodland Sprite in the UK premiere of Picker’s Fantastic Mr Fox, L’acquaiola I Gioelli Della Madonna and Una Novizia Suor Angelica, Buxton Gilbert & Sullivan Festival Chorus (cover Yum-Yum 2012), Solo Soprano Too Hot To Handel for Armonico Consort, Adele Die Fledermaus Opera South East, Clorinda Cinderella and Bertha Barber of Seville (or Salisbury) Opera Up Close, Belinda and Second Woman Dido & Aeneas Ad Parnassum and Despina Cosi Fan Tutte for St Alban’s Chamber Opera.  In 2012, Naomi formed the company Opera Alegría, acting as Producer and singer. Roles include Monica The Medium, Aurielle Gold (Madame Herz) The Impresario, Giulia La Scala Di Seta, the title role in Donizetti’s Rita, and Countess Adele in their acclaimed production of Rossini’s Count Ory. www.naomikilby.com

 

Michal Ish-Horowitz

VARIOUS ROLES

Michal Horowicz trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Theatre includes: Amsterdam (Orange Tree Theatre/Actors Touring Company/Theatre Royal Plymouth) Neverland (Hartshorn-Hook/Guild of Misrule/Theatre Deli); The Famous Five (Gobbledigook Theatre); Mimi and the Mountain Dragon (Skewbald Theatre); Bylines (Theatre 503); Resources of Quinola (The Cockpit); The Winter’s Tale (Minack Theatre).

 

Joseph Claus

DAVID LEVIN

Joseph trained at the Royal Academy of Music, graduating with a PGDip in Musical Theatre in 2009, having previously obtained a BA(Hons) in Music from Bristol University. Since graduating, Joseph has performed on various stages including as a soloist at Sondheim's 80th Birthday Prom, which was broadcast live on BBC TV and Radio; for 3 years with the West End Company of Phantom of the Opera (including both 25th and 30th anniversary galas), at Wembley Arena for the premiere of Love Beyond and at The Other Palace in London in new musical Broken Wings. Joseph has also performed on some of the world's largest cruise liners with various vocal groups and has been used on the concept albums for new musicals Vanara and Broken Wings. Most recently, Joseph performed in the Wizard of Oz at the newly refurbished Leeds Playhouse from November 2019 until February 2020. As well as performing, Joseph works extensively as a Vocal Coach, Arranger and MD; in 2018, he was Music/Vocal Supervisor for the West End Premiere of Trioperas and is the arranger and MD for Michael Quinn Productions’ new classical crossover group, Per Voi. He has worked as a vocal coach at some of the biggest Musical Theatre training colleges, including Emil Dale Academy and Urdang, as well as a chorus master worldwide.

 

Michaela Stern

BAYLA LEVIN

Credits Include: Clodagh in Soho Cinders - Offie Nominated for Best Supporting actress, West End Talks Award Winner for Best Supporting Actress (Charing Cross Theatre) , Rhino in Just So (The Barn Theatre, Cirencester), Diva & Shirley in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert (International), Sylvia in Tim Rice’s New Musical, Blondel, Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act (Gordon Craig Theatre), Dragon in Noisy Notes, (Royal Festival Hall / U.K. Tour), Clodagh in Soho Cinders (Union Theatre), Tracey & Resident Director in You Won’t Succeed On Broadway If You Don’t Have Any Jews (International Tour & The Garrick Theatre), Lead Vocalist in Golden Kite (Lyceum Theatre), Bayla in Soviet Zion (Original London Cast). Other Credits: Children’s Resident Director in Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. Laura, AM DRAM (Short Film). Soloist in An evening with Tim Rice, Soloist in Rosser and Sohne (Theatre Royal Stratford East). Michaela is also a Theatre Producer and started producing in 2015 with a West End concert, and has since then continued to produce award winning shows in the West End, Off West End and Internationally. Michaela is now Lead Producer at Base Productions Ltd, headed by Base Studios, Dax O’Callaghan and Aston Merrygold.

Bruno Loxton

OFFICER POLKOVNIK

Bruno trained as an actor at LAMDA and as a singer at the RNCM. Theatre and TV credits include Toby Belch in Twelfth Night, Borkin in Chekhov’s Ivanov and Arkady Strugatsky in Life on Mars. On the Opera stage Bruno has performed Bartolo and Antonio ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’, Il Commendatore  ‘Don Giovanni’, Varlaam  ‘Boris Godunov’, Dikoy  ‘Katya Kabanova’ and Mephistopholes in Gounod’s ‘Faust’. Most recent roles include Mustafa 'L'italiana in Algeri' for Pop Up Opera and Don Basilio ‘Il Barbiere di Siviglia’, Don Alfonso 'Così fan tutte', Banquo 'Macbeth' and the title role in 'Don Pasquale' with Pavilion Opera. Bruno has worked with Opera Ireland, Scottish Opera, Wexford Festival Opera, ENO and Opera North.

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