| Operas
performed by and for young people |
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| Dream
of the Pacific - 2004 Cast
Photo by Cory Weaver |
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| Opera
Theatre offers professionally staged opera productions performed
by young people for audiences of all ages, usually during the fall
term. A young cast chosen from across the St. Louis area works in
a professional setting with experienced conductors, directors, and
designers and at least one adult performer and thus gets an inside
look at the real world of opera production. They are treated as
young professionals; they sign contract agreements and are expected
to meet the highest standards. |
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| Enchantment
of Dreams |
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by
Cary John Franklin and librettist, Michael Patrick |
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COMING
SOON!: In 2007, |
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Opera
Theatre will present our 9th Young People's Opera, The Enchantment
of Dreams, by composer, Cary John Franklin and librettist,
Michael Patrick Albano. Co-commissioned by Opera Theatre
and Washington National Opera, this charming opera juxtaposes
the whimsical and mystical qualities of dreams with the real
growth struggles of contemporary children. Go on a magical
journey with Talia, Seth and Jasmin as they find the confidence
to pursue their dreams. Auditions for The Enchantment of
Dreams will be held in fall, 2006. |
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| BRUNDIBÁR |
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by
Hans Krasa |
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1997
production |
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This
classic tale of good overcoming evil depicts the struggle
of two children and friends who stand up to the evil organ-grinder
Brundibár to help their ailing mother. |
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| DREAM
OF THE PACIFIC |
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libretto
by Elkhanah Pulitzer,
music by Stephen Mager |
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2004
World Premiere: Co-commissioned with Opera Omaha. |
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Commissioned for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial and told
through the eyes of Sacagawea, this opera tells the story
of Lewis and Clark's epic journey westward. |
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| JOSHUA'S
BOOTS |
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libretto
by Susan Kander,
music by Adolphus Hailstork |
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1999
world premiere, co-commissioned with Lyric Opera of Kansas
City |
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Set
in the late 1800's, Joshua's Boots is the story of a black
teenager who flees from his home after his father is killed
by a lynch mob and battles hardships and prejudice during
his transformation into a respected cowboy. |
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| THE
JUMPING FROG OF CALAVERAS COUNTY |
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by
Lukas Foss |
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Based
on Mark Twain's comical short story, this opera is set during
the California gold rush and tells the tale of "Dan'l
Webster," a champion frog who has never lost a jumping
contest. |
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| LACLEDE'S
LANDING |
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libretto
and music by James Meyer and fourth grade students at Carmen
Trails School 1989 world premiere |
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| LOVE,
DEATH AND HIGH NOTES |
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libretto
by Linda White, music by Claude Brovsky |
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1988
world premiere |
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| THE
THUNDER OF HORSES |
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libretto
by Michael Patrick Albano, music by Cary John Franklin |
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1995
world premiere, 1996 & 2001 revivals |
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"The
Thunder of Horses" is an enchanting tale taken from a
Blackfoot Indian legend which tells how the first horses came
to North America. |
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| THE
VERY LAST GREEN THING |
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libretto
by Michael Patrick Albano, music by Cary John Franklin |
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1992
world premiere, 1995 revival |
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Set
in the year 2192, "The Very Last Green Thing" depicts
a classroom of students who, on a rare field trip outside,
discover a time capsule containing something quite unusual
-- a small, withering plant. |
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| Professional
videos and study guides for most productions are available. Call
(314) 963-4248 or e-mail 248@opera-stl.org
for information. |
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