Glamorous drag performers and yassified lyrics? You've never been to a Messiah sing-a-long like this!
Join Philly's opera singing drag performers, Balena Canto & Violet Caballero, as they sashay through Handel's classic alongside the combined choral forces of Fishtown's Chill Choir, members of the New Jersey Gay Mens Chorus, and YOU!
Friday, December 19th & Saturday, December 20th
Doors 7pm / Show 7:30pm
The Perch Music & Arts Workshop
Emerald & Arizona Sts. , Philadelphia, PA
⬇ Learn More ⬇
Meet the Performers
Known for their “sonorous baritone” (Broad Street Review) and “commanding stage presence," (Miami Herald) Philadelphia native and Italian-American baritone, Matthew Maisano (they/them) enjoys performing a diverse repertoire ranging from opera, musical theatre, pop, folk, and more! Matthew works to create opportunity and access to the healing and transformative power of the vocal arts for all people.
Matthew is also blessed with a vibrant and active career as drag artist, Balena Canto (she/her) (Philadelphia's seductive song-wielding siren with a voice snatched for the gods)! Balena’s mission is to bring joy, laughter, and perhaps a tear or two (she is an opera singer after all) to her audiences through song. Nothing makes her more happy than combining her two greatest loves— drag and opera!
Learn more at https://www.matthewmaisano.com/
Balena Canto (she/her) - Soloist
Praised for their “clear, beautiful soprano," (Aisle Seat) Violet Caballero brings their bold musical interpretations to audiences of every kind. In 2025, Violet won Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly” for their performances bridging opera, burlesque, and drag.
In addition to producing and performing with Prismatic Arts Ensemble, Violet is working on a solo research & performance project, Songs of mi Gente, which aims to spread awareness of classical vocal music from Puerto Rican composers. They are also a proud alum of Beth Morrison Project’s Producer Academy.
When not singing, Violet works with racial justice groups in Philadelphia, advocating for institutional change and building bridges between resources and the communities that need them.
Violet Caballero (they/them) - Soloist
Sarah A Michal is a conductor based in New Jersey, where she leads the New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus and the choirs at Drew University. She is on the board of the New Jersey state chapter of the American Choral Directors’ Association and is an enthusiastic GALA Choruses member. Michal holds an M.M. in Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College and a B.A. in Music Education from Fresno Pacific University.
An accomplished choral scholar, she has been a member of the newly-unionized Philadelphia Orchestra Symphonic Choir since its inaugural season. Originally hailing from beautiful Central California, Michal enjoys teaching musicians of all ages and is a lifelong church musician. She currently lives in Madison, NJ, with her husband, Dr. Matthew Michal, and their cat, Alexander Hamilton.
Sarah Michal (she/her) - Conductor
Brit Montoro is an active organist, pianist, choral director, accompanist, and music instructor in Central New Jersey. They have a Master of Sacred Music, Organ with honors and distinction from Westminster Choir College of Rider University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Composition from Lynchburg College.
They are adjunct faculty and accompanist for the Drew University choral union and chorale and an instructor and staff accompanist for Cornerstone Music Studios in Millstone. Brit is excited to play for the first time at the Perch in Philly.
Brit Montoro (they/them) - Pianist
Elise Mark is a Philadelphia-based singer, music educator, and creative facilitator with a passion for connecting people through the arts. She is the Founder and Director of Creative Becoming and Chill Choir, where she cultivates inclusive spaces for artistic exploration and community building.
With a background in performance, teaching, and music leadership, Elise combines expertise with warmth, encouraging participants to discover their voices, develop creative skills, and engage meaningfully with the arts. She thrives on fostering vibrant communities where everyone can create, share, and grow together.
Learn more and follow Elise on socials: @elisesmark
Elise Mark (she/her) - Director of Chill Choir
Chill Choir is a welcoming, community-focused vocal ensemble based in Philadelphia. We create a space where singers of all backgrounds and skill levels can come together to explore music, connect with others, and share the joy of singing.
Our rehearsals are lively, collaborative, and full of creativity, culminating in performances that celebrate community, expression, and the power of collective voices. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or singing for the first time, Chill Choir is a place to relax, have fun, and make music that matters.
Join us Wednesday nights at The Perch in East Kensington! Learn more and follow on socials: @chillchoirphilly
Chill Choir
Soprano and director Ryan Colbert has been praised for “rendering text with a touching tenderness” (Berkshire Fine Arts) and making "a feast of quirky dramatic contrasts...while smoothing it with a velvety vocal line” (ArtsKnoxville).
Recent credits include Rosalinde (Die Fledermaus) with Opera Magnifico and Concert Operetta Theatre, the title role in Suor Angelica with Art City Opera, Sappho in the world premiere of Patricia Wallinga’s “The Sisters” and Witch (Hansel and Gretel) with Liberty City Arts.
As a director, Colbert has been noted for “adding a quirky, idiosyncratic flavor.” Previous directing credits include The Philadelphia Premiere of Melissa Dunphy’s “Alice Tierney,” Hansel and Gretel, Peter Hilliard’s “The Filthy Habit,” Rossa Crean’s “The Times are Nightfall,” and Barber’s “A Hand of Bridge,” She currently serves as Associate Executive Artistic Director of Marble City Opera, Artistic Director of Delaware Valley Opera Company and Co-manager of Opera on Tap's Philadelphia chapter.
Ryan Colbert (she/them) - Soprano
Mezzo-soprano Amanda Staub has been praised as “brilliant and beautiful… a jewel.” (West Hawaii Today). The 2025-2026 season sees Amanda debuting roles such as Prince Charmant in Cendrillon with Art City Opera, Papagena in The Magic Flute with Mobile Opera and performances with Opera Delaware, Opera Baltimore, Maryland Opera, and Opera Philadelphia.
Amanda has performed several iconic trouser roles including Hänsel in Hänsel und Gretel, Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, Stephano in Roméo et Juliette, and Sesto in Giulio Cesare. Other notable roles include Dido in Dido & Aeneas, Tisbe and Cenerentola in La Cenerentola, Ariodante in Ariodante, and Hannah (after) in As One. She was recently a finalist in the Music International Grand Prix Competition.
Passionate about education and creating opportunities for artists to thrive, Amanda has held multiple positions as a private instructor and artistic administrator and currently serves as Vice President of Liberty City Arts. Amanda lives in Philadelphia, PA and is a student of Dr. Kathryn Leemhuis.
Amanda Staub (she/them) - Mezzo-Soprano
Samual Keeler has been hailed for his "rich tenor" (Culpepper Times) and "strong vocals and crisp, clear delivery" (DC Theatre Scene).
Recent appearances include Remendado in Carmen and concert soloist with Maryland Opera, performing alongside Michael Spyres at Guild Hall/Bel Canto Boot Camp Resident Artist Series, and as Edgardo in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor with Opera D'Oro.
Other recent roles feature Rodolfo in Puccini's La Bohème, Ramiro in Rossini's La Cenerentola, Don Ottavio in Mozart's Don Giovanni, Alfredo in Verdi's La Traviata, Tamino in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, and Sam Kaplan in Kurt Weill's Street Scene.
As a frequent soloist in the greater Philadelphia region, Keeler also serves as Founder and Executive Director of Liberty City Arts, a nonprofit performing arts initiative dedicated to supporting artists and creating high-quality artistic experiences for the Philadelphia community. He serves on the Board of Bel Canto Boot Camp, whose goal is to break the often prohibitive barriers of distance, cost, and time to train and empower singers and audiences alike.
Samual Keeler (he/him) - Tenor
Logan Dell’Acqua is a Philadelphia-based baritone who brings his love of music to both performance and teaching. He serves as a section leader at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill and teaches voice, piano, and guitar at Crescendo Music Academy, where he also works as an administrator.
Logan performs regularly around Philly, and his recent operatic work outside the city includes Guglielmo in Così fan tutte and Marcello in La Bohème. He has appeared with companies including Nashville Opera, Detroit Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, and Shreveport Opera. Upcoming performances include Alfio in a concert version of Cavalleria Rusticana with Opera Night Long Island.
Logan Dell’Acqua (he/him) - Baritone
June Bender is a violinist, teacher, and composer from Philadelphia. In addition to freelancing as a classical violinist, June stays active playing many styles of music including Irish fiddle, swing jazz, and experimental music.
She founded, leads, and writes original music for the group Unseen Rain, which recently released a second album, Drift, in 2024.
June performs regularly with numerous ensembles and regional orchestras including Bucks County Symphony Orchestra, VoxAmaDeus, PA Philharmonic, and Reading Symphony. June teaches at The Baldwin School, The Haverford School, and maintains an active private violin studio. She also curates a music series at Emerald Wildflower Garden in East Kensington, organizing four concerts a year that feature local musicians.
June Bender (she/her) - Violin
Violinist, violist, 5-string electric player Melinda Rice leads the string ensemble at Ursinus College, hosts the bi-annual siren songs at Foy Park (for which they just received a Church of Noise grant!), and enjoys working with ArcX string quartet, People’s Music Supply, Arcana, and the very fine folks in the wedding band they’re in. Melinda loops covers and originals, and is about to release some music on Strange Woman Records.
Melinda Rice (she/they) - Violin
Kyran Littlejohn Jr. (he/him) - Viola
Violist Kyran Littlejohn Jr. holds his Bachelors from the Manhattan School of Music, studying with both Karen Ritscher and Molly Carr. A native of Philadelphia, Kyran’s early studies were with Matthew Ackiewicz and later Philadelphia Orchestra’s Kerri Ryan. His studies led him to win competitions such as the All-City Concerto, NAHM, and Fuchs. Kyran has participated in masterclasses with artists such as Thomas Riebl, and the Shanghai Quartet. Additionally, Kyran has attended festivals such as the Kinhaven Music School, Chautauqua Music and Summit Music Festivals. Currently, Kyran is building his career as a freelance musician in the tri-state area.
Alyssa Almeida is a versatile Philly-grown cellist, artist, and educator. Highly collaborative and deeply curious, they can be found playing experimental folk one night and a symphony the next. Their solo project, under the name cellyssao, explores expansive ambient soundscapes and visual collage. Alyssa is also an orchestra teacher in the School District of Philadelphia.
Alyssa Almeida (they/them) - Cello
George Hemcher is the Career Development Coordinator for Temple University's Center for the Performing and Cinematic Arts, bringing a wealth of experience from his roles in opera, arts education, and arts administration. Previously, he coordinated productions and outreach for Sarasota Youth Opera, serving as assistant conductor for works like Rootabaga Country and The Little Sweep, and as children’s chorus master for mainstage productions including Turandot and La bohème. As a collaborative pianist, he has worked with organizations including the Greater South Jersey Chorus, OperaDelaware (Derrick Wang’s Fearless, Turandot, La bohème, and Tosca), Opera On Tap (Dunphy’s Alice Tierney), Pocket Opera of New York (Pelléas et Méllisande), and performed at Carnegie Hall with Distinguished Concerts International New York. Hemcher has also been an advocate for the arts, previously serving on the board of the Fabulous Arts Foundation engaging in initiatives to support LGBTQ+ artists.
George Hemcher (he/him) - Rehearsal Pianist
What to Expect
- G.F. Handel upon completing his choral bop (now known as 'Messiah')
Glamorous drag performers and yassified lyrics? You've never been to a Messiah sing-a-long like this!
Join Philly's opera singing drag performers, Balena Canto & Violet Caballero, as they sashay through Handel's classic alongside the combined choral forces of Fishtown's Chill Choir, members of the New Jersey Gay Mens Chorus, and YOU!
Physical and digital copies of our newly updated score will be available for audience members who would like to join our heavenly host of singing angels, though spectators are welcome, too!
Following the performance on December 20th, there will be a raffle drawing to support GALAEI- a Philly organization that provides services, support and advocacy for all Queer, Trans, Indigenous and People of Color (QTBIPOC) communities. Learn more about GALAEI and their work here!
Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the show via Cash or Venmo. If you’d like to purchase tickets in advance, please email us at primaticensemble@gmail.com. Check back soon for more information about our raffle prizes!
Pay What You Can Concessions will be available and can be consumed throughout the performance.
Audience members will also have the opportunity to mingle more and to connect with our artists after the show.
Drag Messiah will be sung in English. The new text is conceived and written by Matthew Maisano.
Semi-staged production, with projections and piano accompaniment.
Cast & Crew
Balena Canto, performer
Violet Caballero, performer
Elise Mark, director of Chill Choir
Sarah Michal, conductor & director of New Jersey Gay Mens Chorus
Brit Montoro, piano
Ryan Colbert, Amanda Staub, Samual Keeler, & Logan Dell’Acqua, choral soloists
June Bender, Melinda Rice, Kyran Littlejohn Jr., & Alyssa Almeida, string quartet
George Hemcher, rehearsal pianist
Co-produced in collaboration with The Perch Music & Arts Workshop, Chill Choir, and members of the New Jersey Gay Mens Chorus.
What: Drag Messiah
Where: The Perch Music & Arts Workshop, 2321 Emerald St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
When: December 19 & 20 @ 7:30pm (Doors at 7:00pm)
Estimated run time: 1 hrs and 40 minutes
Tickets: General Admission tickets are Pay What You Can, as we believe in equitable access to the arts. We have suggested $25/person for General Admission at this event, however please pay (or not) based upon your individual means.
Content Warning: This production includes sexual themes and innuendo.
Accessibility: The Perch is not currently ADA compliant. The performance will take place in the Black Box space at the Perch. The space is ground level and has no stairs. The ground level restroom has a two step climb to access, and there is a second floor restroom only accessible by a flight of stairs. Both restrooms are small. If you have specific accessibility questions or requests, please email us at prismaticensemble@gmail.com
Parking: There is street parking available, though the neighborhood is a busy one and finding parking can sometimes be difficult. We recommend using public transit or ride-sharing if that's an option for you. Nearby public transit options include buses (5, 39, and 89) and the York-Dauphin stop on the L (Market-Frankford line). If planning on driving, we recommend budgeting an extra 15 minutes to look for parking before your intended arrival time.