Theatre Exile
1340 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
​When nerves silence her song, young Mira is transported to a wondrous world where music tells the story, emotions are sung, and every voice matters. Guided by the exuberant Felix and bold Viola, join Mira as she explores the colorful world of opera—where familiar stories take new shape and she learns that her
voice is powerful just as it is. Full of fun, familiar tunes, and audience participation,
The Wondrous World of Opera: Finding Your Voice is the first in a magical trilogy that
introduces kids to the joy and drama of opera like never before.
East Passyunk Opera Project's The Wondrous World of Opera: Finding Your Voice* is a new version of our participatory, learning-based opera experience for young audiences (Preschool to 7 years of age) and their families. The interactive show introduces children to the joy of singing and of live performance.
The Wondrous World of Opera: Finding Your Voice (WWO) is dedicated to bringing opera, musical theater, and art song to children. The show runs approximately 45 minutes and includes: Pre-Show Discovery Time, Introduction to Song group activities, Performances by ePOP (with opportunities for children to join in), and a Post-Show Q&A.
WWO is not your typical performance where everyone is expected to sit and hold still; children are encouraged to engage, interact, and respond. ePOP creates a fun, engaging experience for young audiences, introducing children to the magic of live performance and the joy of attending a show from an early age.
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Location-
Theater Exile
1340 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
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Showtime for the Performance-
Saturday, October 11, 2025
10:45AM (doors open at 10:30AM)
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General Admission-
Tickets are only $15 and include drinks and snacks for the kids — plus snacks and bonus mimosas for the adults!
Seating for general admission tickets is on a first-come, first-served basis.​​
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*Conceived and written by Stephen Dagrosa.
Presented by East Passyunk Opera Project and RE/MAX ONE Realty The Capri Dessecker Team​​​
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WWO is generously supported by Univest.
Artist Biographies
Stephen Dagrosa, writer and director
Stephen Dagrosa is a Philadelphia-based crossover artist, director, and producer having performed opera and musical theatre throughout the United States and Europe. His performance credits include Opera Philadelphia, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Walnut Street Theatre, Bristol Riverside Theatre, Philadelphia Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Pittsburgh CLO, Pocono Mountain Music Festival, Bearded Ladies Cabaret, and the Lyrique-en-Mer Festival International to name a few.
In addition to performing, Stephen is the Cofounder and Artistic Director of Cross Keys Theatre Collective, a nonprofit theatre helping young artists Unlock their TRUE Potential. In 2025, he was commissioned by East Passyunk Opera Project to conceive, direct, and perform in The Wondrous World of Opera, an educational outreach program introducing children to opera. Following its success, the project has grown into a three-part series, beginning with The Wondrous World of Opera: Finding Your Voice, premiering this season.
Stephen is also a strong advocate for new works, having originated roles in productions ranging from Danny and the Rocket and Invention of Edison to White Horizon and Mabeline: The Greenaissance Tour. Whether performing, directing, or creating new theatrical experiences, he is passionate about bringing music and storytelling to audiences of all ages.
Samual Keeler, tenor
Samual Tyler Keeler, a dedicated and versatile opera singer, is known for his captivating performances on stage and his proficiency in arts administration. With a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Maryland, College Park, and extensive training, including a Masters of Music in Opera Performance, Samual has graced numerous stages with his compelling voice. ​
Samual recently appeared on stage in concert alongside Michael Spyres as part of the Guild Hall/Bel Canto Boot Camp Resident Artist Series, in concert as a soloist with Maryland Opera, and as Edgardo in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor with Opera D’Oro. Other recent appearances include 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.
In addition to his regular performance schedule as a soloist in the greater Philadelphia region he is the Founder and Executive Director for Liberty City Arts, a non-profit, performing arts initiative that works to support artists and the community in creating high quality artistic experiences for all.
Rachael Long, soprano
Hailed for her “sparkling upper register and clear vocal tone” (Town Topics), soprano Rachael Long has captivated a wide range of audiences from intimate coffee shops to Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre.
Recently Long performed as Ciesca (Gianni Schicchi) and Mrs. Gobineau (The Medium) with Art City Opera, a Featured Artist in ePOP’s Wondrous World of Opera, and competed in the finals of American Opera Idol with Opera Connecticut.
She’ll return to the Philadelphia Fringe Festival this fall to perform Kevin Puts’ The Brightness of Light with Liberty City Arts. Other highlights from this upcoming season include Della (The Gift of the Magi) and Pamina (The Magic Flute).
Other roles include Susanna (Il segreto di Susanna), Nedda (Pagliacci), Countess Almaviva (Le nozze di Figaro) Corinna and Delia (Il Viaggio a Reims), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), and La dame in Poulenc’s La dame de Monte Carlo. She has had the distinct honor of premiering the role of Narrator in Francis Lynch’s For Those In Peril. Long was a founding member of Forte Chicago, Chicago's premier Opera Improv group.
Kaitlyn Tierney, mezzo-soprano
Mezzo-Soprano Kaitlyn Tierney enjoys working on a variety of repertoire. Recently finishing a production of Steven Lutvak’s A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder as Miss Shingle with Saratoga Opera, her performance credits include Dinah in Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti, Dido in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Jo in Adamo’s Little Women, Ursule in Berlioz’s Béatrice et Bénédict, Charlotte in Massenet’s Werther, and Elizabeth Proctor in Ward’s The Crucible.
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Ms. Tierney has performed with companies such as Opera Philadelphia, Opera Saratoga, Boheme Opera NJ, Asheville Lyric Opera, and the Savoy Opera Company. She has won awards from the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and Opera Libera.
Ms. Tierney received her Bachelors from New England Conservatory, her Masters from the University of Delaware, and her Doctorate of Music from Temple University. Recently, Ms. Tierney has signed as an Emerging Young Artist with Vocal Artists Management Services.