Indianapolis Opera announces a new American opera, “Star-Cross’d Lovers,” by renowned Indiana compose Don Freund.
The story has been re-told in various genres and languages through the centuries, capturing the emotions and imaginations of audiences around the world.
In “Star-Cross’d Lovers,” Freund has written the first staged opera of Shakespearean’s English “Romeo and Juliet.”
The performance is set for 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Basile Opera Center 4011 N. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis. The performance is free. Donations at the door will support the education programs of Indianapolis Opera.
Opera audiences are familiar with popular interpretations of the story in French Grand Opera, Italian bel canto and Bernstein’s transformed story in an American jazz-influenced style. Now, “Star-Cross’d Lovers” lands where the story began, presenting the archetypal tale of “Romeo and Juliet” with a revolutionary modern musical score.
The Indianapolis Opera Resident Artists and Indianapolis Opera leading opera artists will present a “Page-to-Stage” showcase highlighting scenes, with the IU New Music Ensemble providing the orchestral accompaniment. Immediately following the performance, the audience will be invited to participate in a feedback session with the composer, director, producer and performers as the group co-creates a world premier master production.
The cast includes, Kevin Adamik, Romeo; Anne Slovin, Juliet; Christopher Burchett, Lord Capulet; Rachelle Woolston, Lady Capulet; Michael Colman, Friar Laurence; Emily Spencer, Nurse and Nathanael Hein, Benvolio
