Light Opera of New York (LOONY) is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing operettas and musicals. The group was founded in 1994 by William Hicks, a pianist and conductor who had previously worked with the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players. Hicks wanted to create a company that would focus on lesser-known works from the operetta and musical theater repertoire, and he assembled a group of talented singers and musicians to bring his vision to life. The early years of LOONY were marked by a series of successful productions, including a critically acclaimed staging of Victor Herbert's "The Red Mill" in 1995. The group quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances and innovative approach to programming, which often included lesser-known works alongside more familiar favorites. One of the key members of the early LOONY ensemble was soprano Sarah Jane McMahon, who joined the group in 1996 and quickly became a fan favorite. McMahon's powerful voice and dynamic stage presence helped to elevate many of LOONY's productions, and she went on to become one of the group's most beloved performers. Over the years, LOONY has continued to attract top talent from the world of classical music, including many singers and musicians who have gone on to achieve great success in their own right. Some of the most notable members of the ensemble include tenor Hal Cazalet, baritone David Macaluso, and pianist/conductor Gerald Steichen. One of the highlights of LOONY's early years was a 1998 production of "The Mikado" that was staged in Central Park as part of the New York Shakespeare Festival. The production was a huge success, drawing large crowds and earning rave reviews from critics. It also helped to cement LOONY's reputation as one of the premier operetta companies in the United States. In the years that followed, LOONY continued to produce a wide range of operettas and musicals, including works by Gilbert and Sullivan, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and Leonard Bernstein. The group also began to expand its reach beyond New York City, touring to other parts of the country and even performing in Europe. One of the most ambitious projects in LOONY's history came in 2010, when the group staged a full-scale production of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II's "Show Boat" at the Kaye Playhouse in New York City. The production featured a cast of more than 40 performers, including many of LOONY's most talented singers and musicians. It was a huge success, drawing sell-out crowds and earning widespread critical acclaim. In addition to its many successful productions, LOONY has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2002, the group was honored with a special citation from the New York State Assembly for its contributions to the arts. In 2014, LOONY received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support its production of "The Pirates of Penzance." Today, LOONY continues to be one of the most respected and beloved classical music ensembles in the United States. The group's commitment to preserving and promoting the operetta and musical theater repertoire has helped to keep these art forms alive for new generations of audiences. With its talented performers, innovative programming, and unwavering dedication to excellence, LOONY is sure to remain a fixture of the classical music world for many years to come.

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