Opera Kansas

Time for another member of the Class of Bunthorne High, 1995! ✨

Meet Archibald "Archie" Grosvenor, played by Ethan Manlove.

You know that one guy who's good at everything? Student council loves him. The teachers love him. The yearbook committee loves him. Somehow he's handsome, talented, charming, and nice about it—which is honestly a little suspicious.

Archie isn't trying to be perfect. He just is. And that's exactly the problem.

Or, as Bunthorne might put it: "As if."

You've seen Ethan before on the Opera Kansas stage-and we are excited to have him back!

Check out his bio in the comments and get your tickets at heyok.org/tik

As if, Archie could even.

Fun fact: Archibald’s dramatic artsy-boy aesthetic was inspired by real-life poet and gay icon Oscar Wilde. He was even invited to see Patience. Imagine getting roasted by an opera and saying, “I’ll allow it.”

Happy Pride Month!

Celebrate the og influencer and get your tickets to Patience June 26-28th at operakansas.org

MEET THE CAST OF BUNTHORNE HIGH!
Gilbert & Sullivan wrote these characters in 1881. We're setting them loose in 1995 Beverly Hills. Same score. Completely different hallways.
Patience · June 26–28 · Wichita
Tickets at operakansas.org/tickets

Let's meet the class of Bunthorne High, 1995!

First up-Patience played by Madison King

She’s kind. She’s genuine. She accidentally has half the school obsessed with her. Patience didn’t ask to become the emotional support crush of Bunthorne High…but here we are.

Catch Madison as this charming ingenue June 26-28th! Get tickets at operakansas.org.

Check out her impressive bio in the comments! ⬇

Another incredible addition to the Opera Kansas Board of Directors!

Please welcome Lily Arens — multi-media artist, arts advocate, community champion, and longtime appreciator of the performing arts!

Based in Wichita and originally from Kansas City, Lily’s work is inspired by Midwestern landscapes, local stories, and the people who make our communities vibrant. She holds a BFA in Community & Social Practice Studio Art from Wichita State University and has exhibited throughout the Wichita area.

We’re excited to welcome Lily’s artistic perspective, community-minded spirit, and passion for the arts to Opera Kansas as we celebrate 40 years of opera, innovation, and connection across Kansas.

Welcome to the Opera Kansas family, Lily!

Drop Lily some love in the comments! 🎭💫

Totally True Patience Fact:
Patience was the OG “Savoy Opera,” because halfway through its run it transferred to the brand-new Savoy Theatre. And honestly? The Savoy was serving major future vibes—it was the first theatre in London with electric lighting. ⚡

That’s right. While other theatres were still giving “dim gaslamp and tuberculosis,” Patience rolled up like: “Ugh, gas lighting is literally over.”

But because even Victorian technology had trust issues, they kept the gas lamps installed as backup. Because nothing says alternative icon energy like fearing your edgy new aesthetic could short-circuit mid-show.

Don't be a total poser and forget your to get your tickets to Patience, or Bunthorne High! June 26-28th!

fun fact by: https://gilbertandsullivansociety.wordpress.com/members/g-s-trivia/patience-trivia/

“AS IF!

Opera Kansas is going back to high school with our next production: Gilbert & Sullivan’s Patience… aka Bunthorne High.

Every high school had that kid.
Doc Martens. Existential poetry. A zine nobody asked for.

And somehow? Everyone was obsessed with him.

The theater girls. The art kids. The confused football team.

Gilbert wrote this satire in 1881.
We’re just finally setting it where it belongs: ✨ 1995 ✨”

Please join us in welcoming our newest Opera Kansas Board of Directors member, Amara Kniep!

Amara brings more than 12 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and economic development, along with a deep passion for building strong, inclusive communities. As the Business Engagement Specialist at Downtown Wichita, she works to strengthen local growth through strategic partnerships and community initiatives. Her background also includes regional development work across Kansas, where she collaborated with entrepreneurs and community leaders to launch and grow statewide programs.

Amara is a dedicated advocate for accessibility, diversity, and inclusion — values shaped by her experience raising a daughter with special needs. We are excited for the insight, compassion, and innovative perspective she brings to Opera Kansas as we continue expanding our artistic and community impact across the state.

When she’s not championing community growth, Amara is also an independent fiction author!

Welcome to the Opera Kansas family, Amara — we’re thrilled to have you with us!