Elmer Gantry: A New American Opera

Opera News gives Elmer Gantry a rave review

...the opera makes for a gripping evening of musical theater. The principal roles are gratefully conceived musically, sharply characterized dramatically, and there is some terrific ensemble writing in the form of gospel music (all of Aldridge's own invention, but entirely idiomatic in impact). Gantry also boasts a propulsive developmental arc that avoids the common pitfall of hotly burning its inspiration in Act I, only to run on fumes for the duration; its final moment — an ethereal choral diminuendo as a congregation of hapless worshipers is engulfed in fiery immolation with evangelist Sharon Falconer — is one of the most chilling in memory.

To read the complete review, click here.

Elmer Gantry the opera straddles satire and sentiment -- as well as the genres of opera and musical theater -- with a warmth and thoughtfulness that carry one along.

To read the whole review, Download file

"You probably didn't notice it, but that old rogue Elmer Gantry turned eighty this year...." The Wall Street Journal, December 28, 2007

A look at the enduring power of ELMER GANTRY-as-archetype, and a thoughtful assessment of Sinclair Lewis's novel.
To read the complete article, click here.

Elmer Gantry, the cocktail

The Elmer Gantry
4 ozs. Woodford Reserve bourbon
ice

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake with conviction. Serve in a chilled martini glass. (When shaken sufficiently, the drink should have a thin layer of foam at the top.) Consume immediately.

Continue reading "the ELMER GANTRY: shaken with conviction" »

On the eve of the World Premiere performance of Elmer Gantry, I thought I'd greet you all. Like Jennifer Rivera, I haven't ever written or kept a blog either so this is a new experience for me. It's an interesting and important tool for you to read more about the opera and for us to share ideas of our process in the creation of this wonderful, moving opera. I have taken a few photos during our sitzprobe that I've posted here.

(l. to r.)Director John Hoomes, Librettist Herschel Garfein and Composer Robert Aldridge at the sitzprobe for Elmer Gantry.

Librettist Herschel Garfein and Composer Robert Aldridge at the sitzprobe for Elmer Gantry.

Continue reading "Welcome to Zenith - from Frank Shallard" »

I sort of live at the turn of the century daily in my Bed & Breakfast built 1898 - 1904 here in Nashville Top O'Woodland Historic Bed & Breakfast Inn 5 minutes from the theater downtown.
I have loaned the production my turn of the century wheelchair for the perfomances. I also play my turn of the century Bowed Psaltery during our quartet moment.

I choose to use my great Aunt Osie Morehead’s real name Eolia. It was shortened by her three little brother’s inability to say Eolia, so Osie it was her whole life. Born in 1892, she had a career when women didn’t do that yet, played a mean ragtime piano daily (I have her baby grand Steinway here and several of her other posessions) and she never married living to a healthy-feisty age 103.

My quartet decided our Base-father character Bertram Keely, previously widowed, had twin children Deller (soprano) & Doche (tenor) Keely by his first wife. I, Eolia (mezzo), am his second-trophy wife since I am a few years younger. We have had fun making up creative stories about our family getting a good laugh out of each other as we wait backstage to make our entrance in the Tent Revival scene.
What an honor to be part of the premier! Belinda Lee Leslie (my real birth name)

Continue reading "Keely Quartet, Eolia Keely" »

You'll have a chance to hear the cast sing the OCTET from ELMER GANTRY live on Nashville Public Radio, WPLN, and streamed live to the web at wpln.org. The Show is called "Live from Studio C" and it airs Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 12:00 noon Eastern Standard Time. To hear it, click here. For more on the history of the octet, read on... Herschel

Continue reading "Hear the OCTET 'live' Nov.6 at noon EST and on the web" »

an ill-suited couple, Fislinger and Lulu Baines

Continue reading "More costumes:" »

Continue reading "More Costume Design, Elmer and Sharon" »