Gillian Kelly
Gillian Kelly trained at Indiana University with Virginia Zeani and Lynn Luciano. She completed a Master’s Degree in Vocal Pedagogy from Northeastern Illinois University where she studied with Dr. Ron Combs. She also participated in the Institute of Voice Performance Pedagogy at Oberlin College with Dr. Richard Miller. Her singing career started as an opera singer and recitalist. Some of her operatic roles include Madame Butterfly, Countess in “The Marriage of Figaro,” Alice Ford in “Falstaff,” and Octavian in “Der Rosenkavalier.” Known for her ability to combine wit with warmth as well as theatricality with sincerity, Gillian Kelly has become a beloved staple on Chicago’s cabaret scene.
A talented actor, Gillian is a former ensemble member of The Artistic Home, “known for its…intense acting, and total commitment to the realistic cause” (Chicago Tribune.) Her roles include Vee in Tennessee Williams’ “Orpheus Descending,” Rose in Arthur Miller’s “After the Fall”, and Aurelia in “The Madwoman of Chaillot.”
A leading director of theatre and cabaret, Gillian is known for her ability to entice strong performances from her actors.
…What director Gillian Kelly has accomplished is a feat of significant proportions…they give performances of meaningful range, revealing moments of sly humor that offset the incredible failings of these characters.
- Chicago Tribune
Claire Bigley
Claire Bigley received her Bachelor’s Degree in piano performance from Miami University of Ohio and a Master’s Degree in piano performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music where she studied accompanying with the renowned Anne Epperson. After moving to Chicago, Claire had the privilege of studying with the acclaimed CSO pianist, Mary Sauer. For three years, Claire was one of the pianists with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. A well-respected accompanist for vocalists as well as instrumentalists, Claire has become one of the leading accompanists in Chicago.
As a musical director, Claire has worked with some of Chicago’s finest theatres–including Apple Tree Theatre and New Tuner’s Theatre. She has worked nationally with Mishar Productions performing “The Fantasticks” and musical directing “Romance, Romance.”
As co-conductor (with Gillian) of the men’s ensemble, The Windy City Slickers, Claire started arranging music. Most recently, she has written original songs which she and Gillian perform in their show, “Love Struck.”