The Artists
Meet the Cast
“One of the greatest joys of this production is the opportunity to welcome back so many artists who have developed their careers right here at Opera Santa Barbara. Thanks to the Chrisman Emerging Artists Fund, we continue to invest in these exceptional singers as they take on major roles on our mainstage. It feels like a family reunion.”
Kostis Protopapas
Artistic & General Director, Opera Santa Barbara
Hear their voices
Sarah & Roger Chrisman
The Chrisman Emerging Artists Fund
For many years, Opera Santa Barbara’s Chrisman Studio Artist program, generously supported by Santa Barbara arts philanthropists Sarah and Roger Chrisman, nurtured exceptional young singers and gave them the training and mainstage experience to launch careers at the highest level.
Chrisman ArtistEvan Bravos
Baritone — Elmer Gantry
Previously at OSB: Dancairo in Carmen (2016–17), Hannah Before in As One (2022)
An alumnus of Opera Santa Barbara’s former Chrisman Studio Artist program, Evan gave a memorable performance in OSB’s 2022 production of As One. He embodies the charisma and complexity of Elmer Gantry.
Chrisman ArtistChristina Pezzarossi
Mezzo-soprano — Sharon Falconer
Previously at OSB: Caesar and Cleopatra, The Marriage of Figaro (2025)
An alumna of Opera Santa Barbara’s former Chrisman Studio Artist program who most recently appeared in Caesar and Cleopatra. Her voice and dramatic presence are a perfect match for the enigmatic evangelist.
Chrisman ArtistMatthew Greenblatt
Tenor — Frank Shallard
Previously at OSB: The Light in the Piazza (2023)
An alumnus of Opera Santa Barbara’s former Chrisman Studio Artist program returning to the OSB mainstage. Frank Shallard is the moral conscience of the opera — the man who sees through Gantry’s facade.
Nathan Stark
Bass-baritone — Reverend Baines
Previously at OSB: Das Rheingold (2021), and others
A powerful returning artist who has performed with Opera Santa Barbara in several productions. His commanding presence anchors the role of the blustery head of the seminary.
Chrisman ArtistBrooklyn Snow
Soprano — Lulu Baines
Previously at OSB: The Light in the Piazza (2023), Das Rheingold (2021)
Supported by the Chrisman Emerging Artists Fund, Brooklyn brings youthful energy and vocal brilliance to the role of Lulu, Gantry’s first conquest.
Chrisman ArtistWilliam Grundler
Tenor — Eddie Fislinger
Previously at OSB: The Marriage of Figaro (2025)
An alumnus of Opera Santa Barbara’s former Chrisman Studio Artist program who appeared in The Marriage of Figaro. Eddie Fislinger is the scheming antagonist — a role that demands both comic timing and vocal agility.
Chrisman ArtistColin Ramsey
Baritone — T.J. Rigg
Previously at OSB: Caesar and Cleopatra
Supported by the Chrisman Emerging Artists Fund, Colin shows his humorous side as the good-old-boy T.J. Rigg.
Adrien Roberts Gonzalez
Mezzo-soprano — Mrs. Baines
Previously at OSB: Cavalleria Rusticana (2025), The Marriage of Figaro (2025)
Relishes the opportunity to exact revenge as Mrs. Baines — the mother determined to punish the man who seduced her daughter.
Chrisman ArtistByron Mayes
Baritone — Revival Singer
Previously at OSB: The Marriage of Figaro (2025)
One of Santa Barbara’s most sought-after performers. His jubilant voice sets the tone for the big Act 2 Revival Scene.
Meet Elmer Gantry
Two Revivals Only
Friday, May 1, 2026 — 7:30 PM
Sunday, May 3, 2026 — 2:30 PM
Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara
lobero.org · 805.963.0761