Philadelphia is about to hear a brand-new American opera take the stage. Opera Philadelphia presents the Philadelphia premiere of Suddenly Last Summer, a gripping new work by 2023 MacArthur Fellow Courtney Bryan, with performances on Friday, October 23 and Sunday, October 25 at the historic Forrest Theatre.
Based on Tennessee Williams’ feverish one-act play, the opera blends music, theater and drama into a sweltering Southern Gothic tale. Courtney Bryan, a former Opera Philadelphia Composer in Residence, wrote the score, with a libretto by Gideon Lester and Daniel Fish. Tony Award winner Daniel Fish directs, Nathan Koci conducts, and soprano Mikaela Bennett stars as the embattled heroine Catharine Holly.
The production is a co-commission and co-production with Fisher Center LAB, and it is performed in English with English supertitles — no need to miss a single twist of the story.
Fans can warm up with free companion events: Inside the Music on October 17 at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, an open final dress rehearsal on October 20, and Opera Overtures pre-show talks on October 22 and 23. In partnership with Art-Reach, audio description will be offered at both performances, making this premiere welcoming to blind and low-vision patrons.
Photo: Opera Philadelphia
