American Opera Initiative (AOI)

Composer Dave Ragland 

Librettist Anita Gonzalez

Strangers at a fast-food restaurant wait for a solar eclipse. The customers, a single mother with her daughter and a UPS driver, have forgotten how to look up. When the eclipse arrives, the spectacle of the universe amplifies possibilities for a quintet of working people seeking more.

Cast:

Katreesha — Viviana Goodwin*

Sophie — Michelle Mariposa*

Celestial Chorus — Hakeem Henderson*

George — Thandolwethu Mamba*

Andres — Atticus Rego*

 Composer Christopher Dietz  

Librettist Faiza Alex Manaa 

The Curse of the Magi follows a husband and wife who decide to go to extreme measures to resolve their issues. Unbeknownst to them, they are meeting with the same unconventional Consultant for help. The story takes place at the Consultant’s office.

Cast:

Wife — Anneliese Klenetsky*

Consultant — Veronica Siebert*

Husband — Robert Frazier*

Composer Dan VanHassel  

Librettist Hannah Nikka Odsinada

It’s 2021. Kerry nervously prepares to move out of the apartment she called home throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and to move in with Devon, her long-distance boyfriend. But there’s one last thing to take care of before she leaves: the sentient mold in her closet, begging her to stay. Now, with Devon’s support, a guilt-stricken Kerry attempts to make it up to the Mold by throwing a going away party. But will it be enough?

Kerry — Lauren Carroll*

The Mold — Nicolas Huff*

Devon — Chandler Benn*

Conductor — Robert Spano

Conductor — William Long

Director — Chloe Treat

Composer Mentor — Anthony Davis

Librettist Mentor — Thulani Davis