Cast & Creative Team | thomasclarktenor

Cast & Creative Team
(click picture for biography)

Jordan Best (Minnie)

Soprano Jordan Best has been praised for her "viscerally thrilling" voice and character portrayals that are "vivacious, captivating, and steeped in raw emotion." Her recent stage highlights include Rosalinde ("Die Fledermaus"), Mimi ("La Boheme"), and the Countess ("Le Nozze di Figaro") with the Santa Cruz Opera Project; Jack's Mother and Cinderella's Mother ("Into the Woods") with Santa Cruz Shakespeare, and the title role in "Suor Angelica" alongside Lauretta ("Gianni Schicchi") with California Lyric Artists. Jordan holds BM and MM degrees in Voice Performance from DePaul University and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). A dedicated educator, she has taught voice and musical theater at Cabrillo College, and is the Co-founder and Co-Artistic Director of the Santa Cruz Opera Project, where she fosters vibrant artistic communities through accessible, collaborative performance initiatives. Jordan lives in Felton with her husband, Josh, their three children--Lennon, Elliot, and Lincoln. She is grateful to her mentor, Thomas Clark, both for producing this extraordinary production and for equipping her with the vocal tools to bring the legendary, formidable role of Minnie to life.

Website: https://www.bestsoprano.com/

Xavier Prado (Dick Johnson) (first 6 perfs.)

Xavier Prado, a Chilean-American tenor, captivates global audiences with his versatile voice and dynamic stage presence and is widely regarded as one of the most compelling and versatile young tenors of his generation. Winner of First Prize at the 2024 Concorso Internazionale Piero Cappuccilli, he is an alumnus of the Accademia Rossiniana Alberto Zedda (2023), a finalist and
grant recipient at the 2023 Loren L. Zachary Vocal Competition, a finalist at the 2023 Giulio Gari Int’l. Vocal Competition, and has earned Second Prize, Third Prize, and Audience Choice at the Palm Springs Opera Guild Vocal Competition (2022), along with finalist and Audience Choice honors at the Pasadena Vocal Competition (2023, 2024) and Mary Jacobs Singer of the Year Competition (Robinson/Tyrrell Award, 2023, 2024), plus the Beverly Hills National Auditions (2019-20).

His portrayals of Zorro in Héctor Armienta’s "Zorro" with Opera San Jose, Arizona Opera, and Opera Santa Barbara have drawn critical acclaim for his “handsome countenance and vocal aplomb” (Theatre Eddys), “plaintive and strong” tenor with “swashbuckling flair” (Opera Today), and “charming underdog quality” with a “bell-like tone” (The Opera Tattler). He has performed lead roles in "Le Nozze di Figaro," "Streetcar Named Desire," "L’Italiana in Algeri, "Don Pasquale," "Les Dialogues des Carmélites," and "Il Viaggio a Reims" with Opera San Jose, Sarasota Opera, and the Rossini Opera Festival, while shining as a soloist with these companies as well as Opera Las Vegas and the CA Philharmonic; his stage credits further include Rodolfo ("La Bohème"), Edgardo ("Lucia di Lammermoor"), Romeo ("Roméo et Juliette"), the title role in "Faust," world premieres such as "Dulcinea XL" (2019) with LA Grand Ensemble and "Again, and Again, and Again" with Opera Las Vegas, a 2018 American TV miniseries film debut, and Ruodi in "Guillaume Tell" with Opera Southwest (broadcast nationwide).

A dedicated pupil of legendary Italian bass Carlo Colombara and Sherman Lowe, he continues studying under their guidance and has received extensive mentoring from luminaries including Ernesto Palacio, Juan Diego Flórez, Luca Canonici, Luis Lima, Giulio Zappa, Rubén Sánchez-Vieco, Rosetta Cucchi, and Vanessa García. Recently praised as Cavaradossi in "Tosca" with West Bay Opera for “resplendent notes” that “build to a passion-filled peak” and “blazing ribbons of sound” reminiscent of Mario Del Monaco, and as a “properly bullish and defiant” Turiddu in "Cavalleria Rusticana" with Opera Santa Barbara, his future engagements include "Zorro" with Opera in Williamsburg—the official East Coast debut of the opera—and a return to West Bay Opera in "Don Carlo."

Website: https://www.xavierprado.com

John Kun Park (Dick Johnson) (last 2 perfs.)

Korean-American tenor John Kun Park is rapidly emerging as a commanding voice in the dramatic repertoire, praised for his “stentorian voice” and the emotional depth that fuels his commanding stage presence (Almanac). With a growing portfolio of major dramatic roles, Park is establishing himself as a powerful spinto tenor whose artistry thrives in the high-stakes terrain of Verdi, Puccini, and Wagner.

Park has earned acclaim for his portrayal of Otello, a defining milestone that showcased both his vocal authority and his instinctive dramatic intelligence. His debut as Samson in “Samson et Dalila” further affirmed his heroic vocal profile, revealing a tenor capable of both muscular power and lyrical warmth. A promising Wagnerian, Park has been recognized twice by the Wagner Society of NY, receiving second place in their prestigious competition, and has expanded into the repertoire with assignments including Tristan (“Tristan und Isolde”) and Siegmund ("Die Walküre”).

His dramatic work also includes leading roles such as Manrico (“Il Trovatore”), Mario Cavaradossi (“Tosca”), Rodolfo (“La Bohème”), Erik (“Der fliegende Holländer”), Don José (“Carmen”), Florestan (“Fidelio”), Anatol (“Vanessa”), and the title role in “Faust.” Park’s versatility extends into contemporary and 20th-century repertoire, with performances as the Loud Stone in Aucoin’s “Eurydice,” the Drama Doll in Max Duykers’ “Both Eyes Open,” and roles in works by John Adams and Virgil Thomson.

He has appeared with companies including West Bay Opera, Opera on the James, Opera Montana, Opera Modesto, Central City Opera, Pittsburgh Festival Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Sarasota Opera, and the LA Philharmonic. As a soloist, Park has performed at Carnegie Hall in Mozart’s Coronation Mass and has been featured in concerts and gala programs across the USA. Park is a recipient of the prestigious Olga Forai Foundation Grant.

Website: https://www.johnkunpark.com

Robert Balonek (Sheriff Jack Rance)

Robert Balonek, baritone, is thrilled to be debuting the role of Jack Rance. This year, Robert will perform Scarpia in "Tosca" (West Bay Opera) Baron Douphol in "La Traviata" (Sacramento Phil & Opera San Jose), Tonio in "Pagliacci" (Music in the Mountains), Marcello in "La Bohème" (Mendocino Music Fest), in 2027 Robert will perform Angelotti in "Tosca" (Sacramento Philharmonic).
Recent performances include the title roles of Rigoletto (Opera San Jose & BOTNJ), Figaro in "Le Nozze di Figaro" (Piedmont Opera & Opera on the James), Figaro in "Barber of Seville" (Boston Midsummer Opera, Mendocino Music Fest, Opera on the James, and "The Flying Dutchman" (West Bay Opera). He has also performed Iago in "Otello" (West Bay Opera), Tonio in "Pagliacci" (Auburn Symphony), Marcello in "La Bohème" (Opera on the James), Count Almaviva in "Le Nozze di Figaro," Scarpia in "Tosca" (Opera Modesto, and Father Capulet in "Romeo and Juliette" (Opera San Jose). Robert is from Rochester, NY and currently resides in Sonoma County.

Website: https://www.robertbalonek.com

Timothy Tsang (Ashby/Jake Wallace)

Timothy Tsang is very excited to be in "The Girl of the Golden West." Tim has performed in the casts of Lyric Theater of San Jose, West Bay Opera, and the Sunnyvale Players since his retirement from his busy urology practice. He also sings in the San Jose Symphonic Choir and serves on the board of Directors for both the San Jose Symphonic Choir and Lyric Theatre of San Jose. He volunteers at the non-profit The Second Opinion (thesecondopinion.org) to give free second opinions to patients with cancer diagnoses and goes to medical missions in the Philippines with Care Beyond Our Walls (carebeyondourwalls.org). In his free time, Tim enjoys travel, cooking, and martial arts.

Joshua Porter (Sid/Harry)

Joshua Porter is an acclaimed Heldentenor native to the Santa Cruz mountains. He performs regularly throughout Santa Cruz County and with Opera San José, alongside international tours and multiple appearances at Carnegie Hall. This season with OSJ, he appears in “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Doctor Atomic.” Joshua holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music and maintains an active private studio as a voice and piano instructor.

Jace Parker (Handsome)

Raised in the Theater aisle, Jace Parker has been acting for nearly 2 decades in the South Bay. Much love to Mom & Dad for indoctrinating him to his love of theater! Sunnyvale Community Players credits: Fairy, "A Midsummer Night's Dream;" Zeller, "The Sound of Music;" Ensemble, "Jesus Christ Superstar;" Ensemble, "The Little Mermaid." Shoestring Theater credits: Farquaad, "Shrek;" Cat in the Hat, "Seussical."

Richard Bogart (Joe)

Richard Bogart has appeared as a chorus member or in principal roles in over a hundred opera productions with multiple companies around the Bay Area. Among the more than 30 roles he has sung are Goro in "Madama Butterfly," Mime in "Das Rheingold," Marullo in "Rigoletto," Remendado in "Carmen," and the Lord Chancellor in "Iolanthe." In addition to performing, he has directed productions of Wagner's "Die Walküre" for Verismo Opera and "Siegfried" for Voices SF, and of Rimsky-Korsakov's "Kashchey the Immortal" and "Mozart and Salieri" for Island City Opera, the last sung in his own English translation.

Diego Granobles (Castro)

Diego Granobles is a Bay Area based vocalist, pianist, and music educator. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from San José State, where he performed with the Opera Theatre, Concert Choir, and Choraliers. His performance experience includes “L’Amant Anonyme,” “La Curandera,” “Trial by Jury” (San José State), and Flavio in “Norma” (West Edge Opera). Diego has also performed in the chorus with Andrea Bocelli and at Carnegie Hall. In addition to performing, he is an experienced pianist and private piano instructor and is passionate about sharing his love of music through both performance and education.

Lizz Hodgin Weihrauch (Wowkle)

Lizz Hodgin Weihrauch is pleased to join the cast of "The Girl of the Golden West." Recent credits include Mrs. June Adams in "Bandstand" (The Western Stage), the Old Lady in "Candide" (Cabrillo Stage), Margaret White in "Carrie," and Countess Aurelia in "The Madwoman of Chaillot." Opera credits include "Die Fledermaus," "Suor Angelica," "The Magic Flute," "Carmen," and "The Mikado." Lizz holds a BFA in Acting from UC Santa Cruz and is a former member of Actors' Equity Association. She is grateful to her family, friends, and fellow artists for their unwavering support.

Leonardo Capistrano (ensemble)

Filipino-American tenor Leonardo Capistrano is currently pursuing his Master of Music degree in Voice and Opera Performance at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music under the tutelage of W. Stephen Smith. In Winter 2026, Capistrano covered the role of Don José in Bizet’s "Carmen," and in Spring 2026 he performed the role of Ruggero Lastouc in Puccini’s "La Rondine" with Northwestern University Opera Theater. During the 2024–25 season, Capistrano made his professional debut with Opera San José. While there, he performed the roles of First Man in Armor (cover) in "The Magic Flute," Prune Man and Parpignol (cover) in "La Bohème," and Juan Pablo in the Northern California premiere of Hector Armienta’s "Zorro." In early 2024, he performed the role of Valcour in "L’amant Anonyme" with San José State’s Opera Theater. In 2022, Capistrano portrayed The Defendant in "Trial by Jury" with SJSU Opera Theater. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from San José State where he studied with Philip Skinner and Jonathan Smucker.

Veronica Talton (ensemble)

Veronica Talton is a performing arts educator, arts consultant, vocalist, and songwriter passionate about public education as well as championing the rights of the arts. Previous credits include: Grandmother in "Cinderella" (African American Shakespeare Company); Aunt Ethel in "The Colored Museum" (Griot Theater); Velma in the musical "Crowns" (Tabia African American Theater Ensemble); Nannie Helen Burroughs in "The Other Mr. Lincoln" (Showcase Theater Actors Repertory); and Sarah's Friend u/s in "Ragtime" (Lyric Theater). Veronica received her degrees in music at Bennett College for Women & Towson University and has gained stage experience working with many talented directors and fellow actors. When not on stage, she can be found riding horses and researching Black history. Veronica would like to thank her friends and loved ones for their unwavering support.

Melody Tachibana King (Minnie (cover))

Melody Tachibana King is thrilled to serve as cover for the role of Minnie in “The Girl of the Golden West,” bringing her extensive experience in dramatic soprano repertoire to this iconic Puccini role. Most recently, she debuted the role of Rodolfo—a role traditionally written for a male tenor—with Santa Cruz Opera Project's production of "La Bohème," with a final performance scheduled for September 29, 2026, at Santa Cruz Shakespeare. In February 2026, she made her successful stage directorial debut with Pocket Opera's production of “Madame Butterfly,” bringing a deeply personal vision rooted in her Japanese and American heritage. Her direction featured a groundbreaking bilingual libretto (English for American characters, Japanese for Japanese characters), and culturally authentic costuming. Reviews praised her work, noting that she "used her personal connection to her heritage to emphasize cultural authenticity" and executed "a unique, striking choice" with the bilingual approach. Due to the production's success, Pocket Opera will reprise her “Madame Butterfly” as their season opener in 2027.

Melody's distinguished operatic repertoire spans a wide range of dramatic and lyric roles, including Cio-Cio-San in “Madama Butterfly,” Donna Anna in “Don Giovanni,” Santuzza in “Cavalleria Rusticana,” Leonora and Ines in “Il Trovatore,” Lucrezia Contarini in “I due Foscari,” Leila in “Les Pêcheurs de Perles,” Rosalinde in “Die Fledermaus,” Mimì, Musetta, and Rodolfo in “La Bohème,” Angelica in “Suor Angelica,” Lauretta and La Ciesca in “Gianni Schicchi,” and Nedda in “I Pagliacci.” She is celebrated for her authentic interpretation of Cio-Cio-San, reflecting her profound understanding of Japanese culture and traditions, having spent her formative years in Japan and remaining fluent in Japanese. Demonstrating her versatility across musical genres, Melody recently made her cabaret debut with a mini showcase of her motherhood-themed concert and is currently developing a full-length show. Melody also premiered the role of Mother in a reading of a new musical in development titled "Things."

Dedicated to her artistic development, Melody currently studies in the Acting for Singers class led by Bobby Weinapple at Seydways Acting Studios in SF. A former artist in residence with Opera San Jose and a proud graduate of the New England Conservatory, she holds a master's degree in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Music Education. Melody's musical journey began in early childhood, harmonizing with her father at the piano, which ignited her enduring passion for music. Outside of her artistic pursuits, she loves to travel with her family and treasures her role as a devoted mother of two.

Umberto Barisciano Conductor/Pianist

Umberto Barisciano is an Italian conductor and pianist whose artistic activity is primarily focused on the operatic repertoire. Alongside his conducting career, he maintains an active profile as a collaborative pianist and chamber musician. After completing his piano studies with highest honors, earning Master’s Degrees in Piano and Chamber Music, he gradually devoted his career to orchestral conducting. In 2024, he was Music Director and Conductor for Verdi’s "La Traviata" at the Jackson Theater in Fremont, CA, leading the CLAA Orchestra for the California Lyric Artists Association. In 2026, he returns to the USA to conduct Puccini’s "Tosca" and "The Girl of the Golden West" in San Francisco.
As a pianist, he has performed at prestigious venues in Italy and abroad, including the Teatro Ponchielli in Cremona, the Teatro Carlo Gesualdo in Avellino, the Auditorium Arvedi in Cremona, the Museo Teatrale alla Scala in Milan, the Goryeong Gun Nuri Hall in South Korea, and the Historic Hoover Theater in San Jose, CA. He is regularly invited as a collaborative pianist for opera productions, vocal masterclasses, and instrumental courses, working with internationally renowned artists such as Mario Luperi, Andrea Cigni, Maria Billeri, Silvia Chiesa, and Francesco Fiore.
In 2020, he conceived and performed the original stage work “Io, Beethoven: Opera interiore per voce e pianoforte” which was successfully presented at the Teatro dei Filodrammatici in Cremona and later featured in the “Musica a Santa Tecla” concert season in San Remo. He performs extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the USA, and continues to develop an international career as both conductor and pianist. Together with pianist Yevheniya Lysohor, he forms a well-established piano duo.

Website: https://umbertobarisciano.org/

Thomas Clark (Nick)(Producer)

Thomas Clark holds degrees in German and French and was a Fulbright Scholar to Germany and France. A dramatic tenor, he studied with Peter Gregg, coach and accompanist to the great Italian dramatic tenor of the Golden Age, Mario del Monaco, whose vocal technique allowed Thomas to step onto the stage as Loge (“Das Rheingold”), Calaf (“Turandot”), Cavaradossi (“Tosca”), Florestan (“Fidelio”), and Dick Johnson (“La Fanciulla del West”) with SF Lyric Opera, and Siegmund ("Die Walküre") and Canio (“Pagliacci”) with Golden Gate Opera. Thomas is producing “The Girl of the Golden West” for the USA’s 250th Anniversary, in his own English translation for his Soprano Jordan Best, his student of 8 years, the fulfillment of a lifetime dream.

Website: https://www.thomasclarktenor.com

Gary L. Stanford, Jr. (Larkens)(Stage Director)

Gary L. Stanford, Jr. has been a part of Bay Area Theater for 30+ years, working as a Stage Director, Choreographer, Actor, Arts Educator & DEI Consultant. He has performed in around 200 Musical Productions and has been Stage Directing and Choreographing shows for over ten years. He is currently directing and choreographing an English-adapted production of "Girl of the Golden West" with Thomas Clark vocal studios. He has recently directed "Hadestown Teen," "Little Shop of Horrors," "Beetlejuice Jr," in San Jose, as well as the world premiere musical "Pet Lingerie" with Ross Valley Players. He also choreographed "Mean Girls" with Capuchino High School in San Bruno. As an actor, he recently appeared in the highly successful run of "The Toxic Avenger," with Los Altos Stage Theater. As a regular teaching artist with American Youth Conservatory Theater in SF, he brings “Improv Acting”, “Musical Theater Cabaret”, “Short Film” and “Acting in front of the Camera” classes for elementary, middle school, and high school performing students.

Zachary Wilson (Projection Designer)

Born in the Bay Area and raised in Northern California, Zach now resides in New York City, where he serves as the Head Video Technician at the Juilliard School. With over a decade of experience as a projection designer, Zach’s work has been seen across the country. He is glad to collaborate with Gary L. Sanford once again, and happy his work is returning to the Bay Area. Enjoy the show!

Bessie Zolno (Fight/Intimacy Coordinator)

Bessie Zolno is a violence and intimacy choreographer for theater and film. She thoughtfully cultivates collaborative and consent-driven environments, an approach deeply rooted in her certification with Mental Health Coordination (Association of Mental Health Coordinators). Her expertise is dedicated to facilitating the safe and impactful execution of heightened moments on stage and screen for performers of all ages, across both professional productions and educational settings. Upcoming and recent projects include as "Legally Blonde" (Berkeley Playhouse) "Urinetown" (Ray of Light Theater), "Becoming A Man" (Z Space), and "Measure for Measure" (Berkeley Shakes).

Website: https://www.bessiezolno.com

Gia Gonnella (Stage Manager)

Gia Gonnella is thrilled to be working on her first production post-graduation as the Stage Manager for "The Girl of the Golden West." Her most recent management role was at Santa Clara University, where she stage-managed the spring musical, "Head Over Heels." Gia graduated from Santa Clara University this past June with a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Theatre Arts. She is so excited to share this beautiful opera with you and hopes you enjoy the show!

Russell Low (Assistant Producer)

Born and raised in San Francisco, Russell Low received his BA degree in Psychology from UC Berkeley and worked as a project/policy analyst, also at UC Berkeley. He has had a deep love of classical music since his early teenage years, and is an avid collector of music, having amassed a huge collection of CDs, LPs, Blu-rays, DVDs, and other formats (numbering nearly 10,000).

Cast & Creative Team (click picture for biography)

Cast & Creative Team
(click picture for biography)