History Chapter 3

by Alexis Needham, Opera-Lytes Intern

Let’s not misconstrue the word community as meaning "non-serious" when describing WNY’s community theater, Opera-Lytes. This group brings professional standards to the stage! But Opera-Lytes is true a community theater, a gathering of people who dedicate their time and talent to working together and making musical shows full of comedy and romance. It’s serious fun!

Opera-Lytes has an established core of members. Some have been involved since the group’s formation in 1994, but there are always new faces in every production. Returning members frequently take the stage with the group again after a hiatus for work or family reasons.

Michael Warner joined Opera-Lytes in 2023. He explains, “I really like the fact that they are very professionally organized and run. And if you’re a serious performer, which I consider myself to be, that’s extremely important. Ciaran Krueger the music director [for The Mikado in 2019, and Ruddigore, The Sorcerer, Cox and Box, and HMS Pinafore, 2022-2024], knows exactly what he’s doing and what he wants, as does Lisa Berglund for stage direction.”

Paul Waara has also devoted a lot of time to the group as Music Director for many shows and concerts, most recently the company’s 30th anniversary concert on February 28, 2025. Paul reflects on the 25 years during which he served as music director and sang some principal tenor roles: “Opera-Lytes is a group of singers that like to act and be on stage. The shows started getting stronger when that focus was really put on the vocals and where people’s strengths were.”

Despite a growing emphasis on professional quality performance, Opera-Lytes continues to welcome novice singers and performers with all levels of experience. The operetta community is dedicated to making operetta accessible and available to music-lovers of all types. 

The beating heart of Opera-Lytes is the people. Every member brings unique strengths and abilities to the group, and much more than a show comes from that sharing, says former president Gayle Nason-Churchill: “You get into people’s lives, you get friendships, you get insights that you probably would not have gotten just under normal circumstances.”

Deb Jasinski, member since 1996, says, “It’s a very special group of people. I really have Mel and Gayle to thank for that because one of the things they did was they opened their home to everybody. They were a wealth of knowledge. This group became more than just a theater group.”

Paul Waara adds, “The sense of community is huge. I give Gayle a lot of credit for fostering that. Mel and Gayle would have us over to their house every week after rehearsals. Gayle just has this way with people. She could part the Red Sea if she needed to, I think. She has this way with instantly making you feel welcome, and feel important and feel that you are valued, and you can be whatever you are.”

Opera-Lytes embraces inclusivity! President and stage director Lisa Berglund explains that a strength of Opera-Lytes and community theater in general is finding ways to work with what you have. She said, “Sometimes the challenges make the production better!” If the conventional way isn’t an option, instead of doing what everyone else has done, Lisa says Opera-Lytes is ready to accommodate any group member as necessary.

For example, Lisa directed The Mikado in 2019 as a “play within a play," a command performance for Queen Victoria. Her "Court" included performers who had mobility issues or limited availability for rehearsal; this concept made it possible for them to join the show on stage as a seated ensemble singing in the chorus of the operetta.

Opera-Lytes is a safe place for everybody and anyone who wants to sing is welcome to join the chorus (non-singers are always invited to help with tech). Wendy Swihart, member since 2009, said “You get these opportunities that you could never get other places. I think that’s really valuable. I just wish everybody knew about it!”

Gayle Nason-Churchill said, “That’s why I’ve enjoyed this group so much, because there’s so much more to it than just ‘Come on, kids, let’s put on a show.’”

The word community for Opera-Lytes in community theater does not mean unprofessional or lackadaisical. The community of Opera-Lytes is made up of a strong foundation of talented music lovers who come together to make something much grander than themselves come to life on stage.

Can you sing? Do you like to laugh and be on stage? In its 31st anniversary season, Opera-Lytes will present Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe and The Yeomen of the Guard, in November 2025 and April/May 2026, as well as a concert in February 2026. Expressions of interest in joining the chorus for any of these shows are welcome. Contact info@operalytes.com.