Kent State Opera Program

Tenor, Manuel Gomez, can be seen on stage tonight as Besace from Sigmund Romberg’s The New Moon, and as a member of the chorus. Manuel is a sophomore at Kent State University pursuing a Vocal Performance degree. He is currently studying with Timothy Culver. Manuel formerly sang as a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus for three years. Outside of opera, Manuel enjoys singing for his church choir.

Soprano, Mackenzie Wells, can be seen tonight as the Baronin in La Vie Parisienne and Hanna Glavari in The Merry Widow. She was recently seen on stage in the chorus of The Land of Smiles by Franz Lehar. Mackenzie is an Oregon, Ohio native and attends Kent State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance. Mackenzie is a fifth-year senior studying under Tim Culver. Mackenzie’s past stage appearances include Ida in Die Fledermaus, Princess Ida in Princess Ida, and Gisela in Gisela in Her Bathtub. Mackenzie is so excited to be a part of this year's Fall Opera Scenes Program. She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant love and support.