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Performances 2008 begins with Elmer
Gantry, a new opera with music composed by Robert Aldridge and libretto
by Herschel Garfein on January 23rd through January 27th. This unique opera is
based on the 1927 novel written by Sinclair Lewis. With fundamentalism of every
stripe on the global rise, the tale of Elmer Gantry remains relevant. Aldridge and Garfein have
created a new opera that walks the line between satire and tragedy.
Elmer
Gantry is a co-production between Montclair State University and
the Nashville Opera and in this production utilizes the university setting of
Peak Performances @ Montclair integrating both students and professionals in
the performances. The cast includes Keith Phares as Elmer Gantry, Jennifer
Rivera as Sharon Falconer, and Chauncey Packer as Frank Shallard, in addition
to other prominent professional singers. Members of MSU choral ensembles as
well as selected musicians from the John J. Cali School of Music support the
cast in this Tri-State Premiere performance. The conductor of the MSU Symphony
Orchestra for these performances is Paul Hostetter and the opera is directed by
John Hoomes.
Creators
Aldridge and Garfein take a new approach to the novel, which differs from the
1960 film starring Burt Lancaster. The opera echoes the novel in addressing the
main issue: religion. Aldridge and Garfein have created their own hymns and
religious songs for the opera. For inspiration, they turned to the King James
Bible, which Garfein calls “one of the greatest pieces of writing in the
English language.”
Tickets
for Elmer Gantry are only $15. To order your tickets call the Box Office
at 973-655-5112 or order online at peakperfs.org. Peak Performances @
Montclair: Every Performance, every seat $15.
WNYC
is a media sponsor for the 2007/2008 Season of Peak Performances @ Montclair.
Peak Performances also acknowledges the generous support of the National
Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Elmer
Gantry, a New American Opera
Based
on the novel by Sinclair Lewis
Peak
Performances @ Montclair
Alexander
Kasser Theater
Montclair
State University
One
Normal Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey
Performance
Schedule:
Wednesday,
January 23rd and Friday, January 25th at 7:30 pm,
Saturday,
January 26th at 8pm (All Student Cast)
Sunday,
January 27th at 2pm
All
tickets: $15, For tickets: 973 655-5112 or visit www.peakperfs.org
Media
Contact:
Alfred
R. Fredel
973.655.3004
fredela@mail.montclair.edu
Released: December 18, 2007