Opera Parallèle Presents:
Today it Rains
A New Chamber Opera
March 28 - 31, 2019 on Z Space's Main Stage
Music by Laura Kaminsky
Libretto by Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed
Based on an original concept by Mark Campbell
Projection Design by Kimberly Reed
Production design concept by Brian Staufenbiel
Co-commissioned with American Opera Projects
Today It Rains is a new chamber opera inspired by a real event in the life of American artist Georgia O’Keeffe. On the rainy morning of April 29, 1929, O’Keeffe boarded a train in New York with fellow artist Rebecca Strand, leaving behind her tumultuous marriage with Alfred Stieglitz and yearning for escape and creative fulfillment. Three days later, she arrived for the first time in Santa Fe, New Mexico, inspired by the power of the area’s landscape and ready for new artistic experience. The 90-minute work that imagines this life event will be performed by a cast of eight singers and an instrumental ensemble of eleven, and will feature a sophisticated projection design, including ‘film arias’ created by Kimberly Reed and Brian Staufenbiel. While taking its inspiration from this singular artist’s journey, the story will resonate with anyone who seeks creative freedom and is transformed by the beauty of Nature. Today It Rains is a courageous woman’s story and an independent artist’s story. It is also a uniquely American story.
Be sure to get tickets to the Kick-off Party when you purchase a ticket to Today It Rains.
Running time approximately 85 minutes with no intermission.
Note that all shows contain pre-show discussions and activities and post-show receptions. Visit the OVERVIEW page for a full itinerary.
Co-commissioned by Opera Parallèle and American Opera Projects. The score has been commissioned by Opera Parallèle in part through the OPERA America Opera Grants for Female Composers program, made possible through the generosity of The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. The libretto has been commissioned by AOP with support from the New York State Council of the Arts. By arrangement with Bill Holab Music.
Cast
Blythe Gaissert (mezzo-soprano) as Georgia O’Keeffe
Daniel Belcher (baritone) as Alfred Stieglitz
Nathan Granner (tenor) as Aubrey
Marnie Breckenridge (soprano) as Beck
Maya Kherani (soprano) as Ensemble
Kindra Scharich (mezzo-soprano) as Ensemble
Elliot Paige (tenor) as Ensemble
Gabriel Preisser (bass) as Ensemble
Artistic Team
Conductor: Nicole Paiement
Stage Director: Brian Staufenbiel
Assistant Stage Director: David Radamés Toro
Choreographer: Yayoi Kambara
Scenic Design: Sean Riley
Costume Design: Alina Bokovikova
Lighting Design: Alexander V. Nichols*
Projection Design: Kimberly Reed
Hair and Makeup Design: Sophia Smith
Prop Artisan: Hayley Parker
Stage Manager: Andrew G. Landis
Assistant Stage Manager: Anthony Rivera
Production Manager: Jack Beuttler
Rehearsal Pianist: Keisuke Nakagoshi
Assistant Conductor: Sahar Nouri
Assistant Production Manager: Saskia Lee
Assistant Costume Designer: Kathleen Qiu
Wardrobe Supervisor: Nikki Anderson-Joy
*Member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 of the IATSE
Visit Opera Parallèle's Website for more extensive information on the show.
