Lighting Designer

There can be no more fitting way for HGO to celebrate the centennial of the birth of composer Carlisle Floyd—who founded the company’s Butler Studio program with then-General Director David Gockley in 1977—than a special staging of his evocative opera Of Mice and Men, performed by a cast of artists from the 2025-26 class of the Butler Studio. Based on John Steinbeck’s 1937 novella of the same name, the acclaimed 1970 opera will be presented by the Butler Studio in the Wortham’s intimate Cullen Theater.

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Of Mice and Men

Wortham Theater Center

The tale of a quick-witted fox and her escape from confinement for a life in the forest is by turns joyful, witty, romantic and tragic. The Cunning Little Vixen follows the cycle of death and rebirth through the instinctive and immediate world of nature—animal and human, which Janáček loved so dearly. In this celebrated score, singers and orchestra embody the sounds of the forest, the feel of sunshine on your face and the thrill of a starlit sky.

The Cunning Little Vixen

Simpson College

From its stormy overture to climactic finale, Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman lures you into its mysterious depths. The Dutchman, a ghostly sailor, is condemned to wander the waves for eternity. But every seventh year he disembarks to find a bride who can break his curse. In a small Norwegian fishing village, he fatefully encounters Senta, a young woman who is obsessed with the Dutchman’s legend. Can the power of love break the curse? How much must we sacrifice to bring about salvation?

The Flying Dutchman

The Glimmerglass Festival proudly presents "Elizabeth Cree," a modern operatic masterpiece by Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell, as a highlight of its 2024 season. Directed by Alison Moritz and featuring the 2024 Artist-in-Residence Tara Erraught in the title role, this new production promises to captivate audiences with its suspenseful and theatrical narrative. Set against the backdrop of 1880s London, the opera intertwines the trial of Elizabeth Cree for her husband's poisoning, a series of brutal murders by a Jack the Ripper-style killer, the vibrant world of an English music hall, and guest appearances by Victorian Age luminaries.

"Elizabeth Cree" is a unique blend of factual and fictive elements, historical and imaginary, originally scored for a small chamber ensemble but performed at Glimmerglass with an expanded string complement. The opera is sung in English with projected English text, ensuring accessibility for all audience members. With a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes without an intermission, the performances are scheduled from July 28 to August 20, 2024.

The opera's rich narrative is brought to life by a talented cast, including Christian Mark Gibbs as Dan Leno, John Chest as John Cree, Elizabeth Sutphen as Aveline Mortimer, and Schyler Vargas as Inspector Kildare, among others. The production is generously sponsored by Jacqueline B. Mars, with additional support from The Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Inc.

Set in a world where narratives of personal struggle, mystery, and historical intrigue collide, "Elizabeth Cree" offers a compelling exploration of identity, illusion, and the pursuit of truth. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this thrilling work at The Glimmerglass Festival. Tickets and ticket packages are available now for what promises to be a highlight of the summer's cultural calendar.

Elizabeth Cree

Alice Busch Opera Theater

The mysterious Bluebeard welcomes his new bride Judith into his ominous castle, where rumors have been swirling concerning one question: what happened to his previous three wives? Shrouded in the secrecy of seven forbidden rooms, Judith desperately tries to uncover the terrifying secrets that Bluebeard had hoped to keep locked away forever. 

Bluebeard's Castle

A rebel with a cause, the free-spirited Carmen lives boldly in her fiery pursuit of freedom. “Born free, she will die free,” Carmen sings, but sparks fly after an encounter with military officer Don José. When the smitten José leaves everything behind to be with Carmen, their passionate affair takes a sudden, dangerous turn after the charismatic bullfighter Escamillo catches Carmen’s eye. With its twisting tale of romance, intrigue and obsession set to the instantly recognizable melodies of Bizet, it’s no wonder Carmen is one of the world’s most popular and beloved operas

Carmen

Steinbeck’s timeless novella Of Mice and Men becomes a superbly crafted opera of great beauty and power. George and Lennie are two migrant ranch workers who dream of owning an acre of land and a shack they can call their own. But George cannot guard Lennie, a childlike giant of a man with a love for soft things, from the bullying of the ranch boss and his flirtatious yet unhappy young wife. Steinbeck’s timeless story—in the hands of the Dean of American Opera, Carlisle Floyd—becomes a superbly crafted opera of great beauty and power.

Lighting Designer

Kate Ashton

Events

Upcoming events

Jun 27 - Jul 18, 2026

Of Mice and Men · Des Moines Metro Opera

Past events

13 - 15 Mar, 2026

Of Mice and Men · Houston Grand Opera

Jun 28 - Jul 19, 2025

The Cunning Little Vixen · Des Moines Metro Opera

About

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