Literary creations often inspire other creative works. Think Phantom of the Opera (a novel turned into various stage and film adaptations, such as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical) and The Wizard of Oz (another novel turned into multiple stage productions and films, including the famous picture starring Judy Garland). Now another classic book, Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park, has served as inspiration for a new opera that will have its southern California premiere in early June.
With a libretto by Alasdair Middleton set to music by renowned British composer Jonathan Dove, the opera will feature a four-hand piano orchestration played by Victoria Kirsch and Douglas Sumi. While the music is sure to delight, so too will the setting. The story of Fanny Price will come alive in the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, which I wrote about in a November 2010 post and described as a “genuine LA treasure.” That remains an apt description of this UCLA outpost located in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Watercolor illustration by C.E. Brock for Mansfield Park, circa 1908
This production is presented by Opera UCLA, the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, the Center for 17th- & 18th-Century Studies, and the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library. Singers include:
Meagan Martin
Emily Scott/Kathryn Lillich
Vanessa Martucci/Brianne Cardona
Emily Kerrigan/Erica Campbell
Jennie Olivia/Stephanie DePrez
Melissa Treinkman
Thomas Segen
Jordan Clark
Ian Walker
Garrett Schoonover
Aside from the performers mentioned above, the opera will feature the talents of Scott Dunn, Conductor; Peter Kazaras, Stage Director; Nicola Bowie, Choreography; and Raquel Barreto, Costumes. Tickets are available today for four performances held over a two week period.
DETAILS
When: June 3, 4, 10 and 11, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.
Where:
William Andrews Clark Memorial Library
2520 Cimarron Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90018
Tickets: Available online
$25 general admission
$11 UCLA faculty & staff; all students
Seating is limited. For wheelchair access, please notify the Center for 17th- & 18th-Century Studies in advance at 310-206-8552.
More Information:
For program details visit: www.1718.ucla.edu/mansfield-park
Follow Us!