Set Designer

The power of art triumphs over historical neglect and censorship in two 20th-century gems. First up is a rare staging of Highway 1, USA by William Grant Still, a trailblazing Jim Crow-era composer hailed as “the Dean of African-American Composers.” Norman Garrett and Nicole Heaston star as a hardworking couple determined to build a better life, who discover that their years of sacrifices have been misguided. Chaz'men Williams-Ali portrays the beneficiary of their support, who squanders the opportunities granted to him. This new production is staged by visionary director Kaneza Schaal, who helmed the stunning 2022 production of Omar.

Next, Rodrick Dixon performs the title role opposite audience favorites Erica Petrocelli and Kristinn Sigmundsson in The Dwarf, a heartbreaking tale of one-sided love in an opulent Spanish court. Last presented here in 2008 to critical acclaim, Oscar Wilde’s fable is brought to life through a lush and romantic score by Alexander Zemlinsky, whose career was cut short by the rise of the Nazi regime.

Ralph Funicello

Set Designer

Events

Feb 24 - Mar 17, 2024

Highway 1, USA / The Dwarf · LA Opera

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