Students in Cameron University’s Opera Workshop class will present Leonard Bernstein’s “Trouble in Tahiti,” a one-act opera first produced in 1952, to demonstrate their skills as opera singers. The opera workshop takes place on Thursday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the McCutcheon Recital Hall. The event is sponsored by a grant from the Southwest Oklahoma Opera Guild and is open to the public at no charge.
“The Opera Workshop teaches students how to perform in opera and all the components that create a production,” says Dr. Christian Morren, assistant professor of music. “Many of our students haven't been in an operatic production before. This class offers a performance opportunity that provides them with a safe experience for their first time on stage while developing their craft of performing.”
Considered the darkest among Bernstein's "musicals" and one of only two for which he wrote the words and the music, “Trouble in Tahiti” presents a candid portrait of the troubled marriage of a young suburban couple. Written between Bernstein’s biggest Broadway successes (“On the Town” in 1944 and “Candide” and “West Side Story” in 1956 and 1957, respectively), “Trouble in Tahiti” draws upon popular songs styles to deliver an uncompromising critique of post-war American materialism. Beneath the couple's marital discord is a profound longing for love and intimacy.
Sophia Avila and Mvnte Jones play the young couple, Dinah and Sam. The production also features a Greek chorus featuring Vanessa Cleophat, Divina D'Haiti, Kirstin Dunn, Winston Hartley and Alexander Miller. Samantha Gillespie serves as assistant director and stage manager. All are from Lawton.
Dr. Greg Hoepfner will provide accompaniment on piano.
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PR# 24-159
