Steven C. Kemp, set designer | Schedule & Tickets 2025

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**American Apollo at Des Moines Metro Opera**

**World Premiere: July 13, 2024**

Des Moines Metro Opera proudly presents the full-length world premiere of "American Apollo," a groundbreaking opera that delves into the life of Thomas Eugene McKeller, a Black hotel worker whose story intertwines with that of renowned portraitist John Singer Sargent. This compelling narrative, brought to life by the talents of composer Damien Geter and librettist Lila Palmer, explores themes of erasure, the white gaze, and the complex relationship between McKeller and Sargent.

**Performance Schedule:**
- **July 13, 2024, at 8:00 PM** - SOLD OUT
- **July 18, 2024, at 7:30 PM**
- **July 19, 2024, at 1:00 PM** - Best availability

**Venue:** The Lauridsen Opera Center, Des Moines Metro Opera

**Language:** Sung in English with English supertitles

**Estimated Run Time:** 2 hours, 30 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission

**Cast Highlights:**
- **Justin Austin** as Thomas Eugene McKeller
- **William Burden** as John Singer Sargent (Company Debut)
- **Mary Dunleavy** as Isabella Stewart Gardner
- **Conducted by** David Neely, DMMO Marshall and Judy Flapan Music Director and Principal Conductor
- **Directed by** Shaun Patrick Tubbs (Company Debut)

**About the Creators:**
- **Damien Geter**, an acclaimed composer known for blending classical music with elements from the Black diaspora, aims to further social justice through his music.
- **Lila Palmer**, a librettist celebrated for her warmth, clarity, and stylistic flexibility, bridges the gap between the world of the classically trained voice and creative storytelling.

**Tickets:** Available for purchase. For sold-out performances, fill out the Ticket Request Form or call 515-209-3257.

Join us for a mesmerizing evening at the Des Moines Metro Opera, where history, art, and the untold stories of America come to life through the powerful medium of opera. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the world premiere of "American Apollo" – a testament to the enduring impact of art and the complexities of human relationships.