TURN OF THE SCREW
DetailsThe Turn of the Screw by Britten
Thursday, July 9, 2026 — 7:30 PM
Saturday, July 11, 2026 — 7:30 PM
Ganz Hall
Roosevelt University
430 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
SynopsisA narrator enters and sets the scene: a written record of a chilling tale has been found. Within its pages, a timid young woman tells of becoming governess to two children at a mysterious country house called Bly. There is one unusual condition to her employment: she must never trouble the guardian and should handle everything by herself.
The governess’s initial anxiety subsides when she arrives at Bly and is greeted by the housekeeper, Mrs. Grose, and the children, Miles and Flora. Her positive feelings don’t last long, however; she learns that Miles has been expelled from his school after being deemed “an injury to his friends”. Her dread and fear increase when she repeatedly sees a mysterious man on the grounds.
After hearing the man’s description, a shocked Mrs. Grose identifies him as Peter Quint, the house’s former valet. Quint had seduced Miss Jessel, the children’s prior governess. Quint also had a troubling connection to Miles. Miss Jessel “went away to die” and Quint died shortly after. The governess concludes that they are now haunting the children of Bly, confirmed in the culmination of Act I when the ghosts attempt to lure the children to them.
As we learn more about Quint and Miss Jessel, and as the children increasingly slip away towards another realm, the governess decides she must write to their guardian regardless of her promise. However, she may have underestimated the power that Miss Jessel and Quint have over Flora and Miles, as well as whether a child can easily name their tormentor.
Like its spooky source material, the Henry James novella of the same name, The Turn of the Screw expertly builds dread in its audience. Myfanwy Piper’s libretto makes the existence of the ghosts undeniable, removing the psychological question of the governess’s own reliability, but Britten’s haunting twelve-tone “Screw” theme achieves the same effect musically by treading the line between tonality and atonality.
Cast
Diana Flores
Diana Flores is a Mexican-Puerto Rican soprano pursuing her Professional Studies Diploma in Voice at the Mannes School of Music. She made her debut as Mimì in La Bohème at the Mediterranean Opera Studio and Festival in Sicily, and recently performed the role of Lesley in the world premiere concert performance of House of Yes, a collaboration between Mannes and Wolf Trap Opera in New York City. Some of her roles include Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Erste Dame in Die Zauberflöte, Monica in The Medium, Dew Fairy in Hänsel und Gretel, María in El Cóndor Pasa, and Lady Caroline in the world-premiere operetta Mondo Novo. She has toured Europe as a soloist, performing at prestigious venues including Collégiale Notre Dame des Anges, Ehrbar Hall, and La Sagrada Familia.
Governess
Ashley Trotter
Ashley Trotter is a student of Dr. Maria Kanyova pursuing her MM in Vocal Performance at UMKC Conservatory. At UMKC, Trotter was selected as the winning vocalist in the 2025 Concerto Aria Competition, performed in Old Maid and the Thief (Ms. Todd) and Carmen (chorus). She received a Bachelor’s of Music from the University of Arkansas, where she performed in Dido and Aeneas (Sorceress) and Hänsel and Gretel (Hänsel).
Governess
As a prominent voice musician, Ziyuan Deng is a thriving classical soprano in China. She specializes in lilting coloratura and lyric rhythms. She often plays the role of a young girl in her performances. Besides, she can also sing pieces typically performed by mezzo-sopranos.
In the past three years, her performances include Mrs. Fiorentino in "Street Scene", Servilia in "La Clemenza di Tito", Beatrice in "Beatrice et Benedict" and Cherubino in "Le Nozze di Figaro". In terms of ensemble performance, she has performed 'Goldbeater's Skin' written by Christopher Cerrone with a percussion ensemble.
Governess CoverZiyuan Deng
Madilyn Richards
Flora
Abigail Bodvake
Soprano Abigail Bodvake is a rising second year undergraduate student of Vocal Performance (B.M.) at the Eastman School of Music, studying under the acclaimed soprano Nicole Cabell. She graduated from the Governor’s School for the Arts in 2025 where she was able to pursue a number of opportunities in opera performance and chamber music. She was recently seen as the title role in "Cinderella" composed and conducted by internationally renowned Alma Deutscher with the Virginia Arts Festival, and as Gretel in Humperdinck’s "Hansel and Gretel." She has performed several chamber works, as well, including as the soprano soloist for BWV 202: “Weichet nur, Betrübte Schatten”, an orchestrated performance of “Morgen” by R. Strauss, and as a soprano soloist in Handel’s “Messiah”. Abigail is incredibly grateful for this opportunity to debut with Chicago Summer Opera and share this music.
Flora
Bella Zhao is a soprano whose artistry thrives in both intimate art songs and dramatic stage performances, drawn to the subtle nuance and emotional depth that connect performers and audiences. She holds a degree in Music from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where she refined her vocal technique and explored both opera and musical theatre repertoire. Her training encompasses the lyricism of composers such as Debussy, Fauré, Mozart, and Rossini, highlighting her versatility across languages and styles. Raised in a family of musicians, Bella began her studies on piano at age three and violin at age four, and spent six years as a member of the Zhuhai Youth Symphony Orchestra, experiences that instilled a strong ensemble awareness and collaborative sensibility.Bella has appeared in productions including The Blue Bird (as Mytyl), Hamilton, and Frozen, and has performed in concerts at venues such as the Chinese Embassy. She has received international recognition in competitions, including the Vienna Classical Music Competition. She actively engages in masterclasses with artists such as William Sharp, Johnathan Beyer, and Darrell Babidge, as well as other professionals, further shaping her technical and interpretive skills. Beyond performing, Bella has experience in theatre production, serving as both a performer and stage crew member, and has organized musical theatre performances from the ground up, demonstrating her commitment to collaboration and holistic artistic practice.
Flora CoverBella Zhao
Lucy Elfert
Lucy Elfert is a junior at Ole Miss from Ridgeland, MS. She is a soprano in the studio of Dr. Jos Milton. She is majoring in Music Performance and is a part of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, as well as Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity. She made her UM Opera debut in the role of Miles in Britten's The Turn of the Screw and went on to sing Terentia in Dan Shore’s The Beautiful Bridegroom and Madame Silberklang in Mozart's Der Schauspieldirektor. She also played the role of Sandmännchen in Humperdinck's Hänsel und Gretel with Varna International Music Academy. She was a 2025 recipient of the Take Flight Award offered by Pi Kappa Lambda music honor society and an Honors Fellowship from the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College which supported her summer studies in Austria, where she performed in a Performance Workshop.
Miles
Molly Hotek
Molly Ann Hotek, soprano, is a rising senior at Central Michigan University, where she is completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Amanda Pabyan. Originally from Columbus, IN, Molly has been a part of such programs as the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival (Miami, FL, 2025), La Music Lirica (Novafeltria, Italy, 2024), and is a two time alum of the High School Classical Voice Summer Intensive at the Brevard Music Center in Brevard, NC (2022 & 2023). Molly has sung such roles as Cupid in “Venus & Adonis,” La Cercatrice Prima in “Suor Angelica,” Cherubino (cover) in “Le Nozze di Figaro,” Second Wood Sprite in “Rusalka,” and most recently performed the role of Serpina in “La Serva Padrona.” She enjoys performing in a myriad of genres, including musical theatre, jazz, choral, liturgical, and even rock n’ roll! When not onstage, Molly enjoys writing, drawing, water sports, and going on drives with her grandfather in his ’65 Corvette!
Miles
Soprano Madilynn Gomez is an emerging artist who recently received her MM in Vocal Pedagogy and Vocal Performance from East Carolina University. This is Madilynn’s first summer program and she is so excited to be here! At ECU she performed the title role in Pauline Viardot’s Cendrillon. Other recent roles include Baker’s Wife in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods, Mrs. Gleaton in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah, the Third Lady in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and the Sorceress in Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, all performed at Texas Christian University, where she received a BM in Vocal Performance.
Miss JesselMadilynn Gomez
Cecilia Rancatore
Cecilia Rancatore, soprano, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at Central Methodist University, where she studies with Dr. Jonathan Ray. She has performed roles including The Counsel in Trial by Jury and The First Lady in Die Zauberflöte, and appears regularly in university productions and concerts. Cecilia is deeply grateful for the opportunity to join Chicago Summer Opera as Miss Jessel in The Turn of the Screw this summer and looks forward to continuing to grow as both a musician and performer.
Miss JesselEllen Fair
Miss Jessel CoverMrs. GroseStephanie Keledjian
Harper Knopp
Mezzo-soprano Harper Knopp, from Plainfield, Indiana, is a recent graduate of Indiana University, graduating with a B.S.O.F in Vocal Performance and Law & Public Policy under the tutelage of Michelle DeYoung. At IU, Knopp has recently appeared as the Mezzo-soprano soloist in Haydn’s Theresienmesse with Jacobs University Chorale, and as Jane Doe in Richmond & Maxwell’s Ride the Cyclone. Knopp recently performed in the chorus of Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro with IU Opera, as well as with IU NOTUS, Conductor’s Chorus, and University Chorale. Knopp has performed domestically and internationally, making her European debut last summer at VIMA, appearing as La Ciesca and La Zelatrice in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and Suor Angelica, as well as portraying Alyson in A Grand Night for Singing. Other credits include The Sound of Music (Elsa Schraeder), Sweeney Todd (Ensemble/Anthony U/S), and Opera Scenes at IU as Dorabella (Cosí fan tutte) and Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus). Knopp most recently performed as Romeo from Bellini’s I Capuleti e i Montecchi in Michael Shell’s Opera Workshop, as well as Ado Annie in Oklahoma! with IU Mainstage Opera.
Mrs. Grose
Gabriel Muenzer
Gabriel Muenzer received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and recently completed a Master of Music in Vocal Performance at NYU. Originally from Chicago, he currently lives in New York where he is an active singer, actor, writer, producer, and teacher. He has recently appeared as Dr. Blind in Die Fledermaus at NYU Steinhardt, and Ferrando in Cosi fan Tutte.
Peter Quint/ Prologue
Jack Nichols
Jack Nichols is estatic to be making his Chicago Summer Opera debut as Peter Quint in Turn of the Screw. Jack recently finished his final year at Wichita State University, getting his BM in Vocal Performance. He studied under renowned tenor, Michael Sylvester, and has had the pleasure to participate in various opera and theater productions at WSU with roles such as Martin (The Tender Land), Basilio (Le Nozze di Figaro), the Magician (The Consul), Nemorino (L’elisir d’amore), and Tom Rakewell (The Rake’s Progress). Jack would like to thank his family and friends for their never ending support.
Peter Quint/ Prologue
Jack Delman
Jack Delman is a tenor and rising junior studying Music Education and Vocal Performance at Ithaca College, where he studies with acclaimed bass-baritone Marc Webster. Jack’s performing journey began in high school, being featured in theatre productions such as The Addams Family (Fester) and being involved in countless other ensembles. In college, Jack has been involved in Ithaca’s productions of Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ L’amant anonyme and Handel’s Acis and Galatea. Last summer, Jack made his international opera debut in Arezzo, Italy, performing as Don Perizonio in Cimarosa’s opera farsa L’impresario in angustie as apart of the 2025 Opera Seme Festival. This summer, Jack is so excited to be covering the role of Peter Quint in Britten’s The Turn of the Screw and performing the role of Herald in Handel’s Rinaldo with Chicago Summer Opera!
Peter Quint/ Prologue