Leading reviewers choose Prospero's Island as must-see opera: Joshua Kosman cites Shearer and Stevens "richly imaginative works" in SF Chronicle's Critic's Pick.
Bay Area Reporter showcases "groundbreaking creators" of Prospero's Island, the opera's "intriguing premise" and "promising production."
The upcoming premiere of Prospero's Island is making headlines! Read this ARTICLE in L.A. Opus.
Ninth Planet, in co-production with InTandem, is proud to present the world premiere of Prospero's Island, a new chamber opera about power, deception, terrible secrets and new beginnings from acclaimed Bay Area opera creators Allen Shearer and Claudia Stevens. Stunning imagery of the Falkland Islands, richly orchestrated music performed by Ninth Planet players, and glorious singing by a stellar cast contribute to an unforgettable retelling of Shakespeare's great play, The Tempest. Mark your calendars for this unique and exciting production at San Francisco's Herbst Theatre, March 25, 2023!
Bay Area Reporter showcases "groundbreaking creators" of Prospero's Island, the opera's "intriguing premise" and "promising production."
The upcoming premiere of Prospero's Island is making headlines! Read this ARTICLE in L.A. Opus.
Ninth Planet, in co-production with InTandem, is proud to present the world premiere of Prospero's Island, a new chamber opera about power, deception, terrible secrets and new beginnings from acclaimed Bay Area opera creators Allen Shearer and Claudia Stevens. Stunning imagery of the Falkland Islands, richly orchestrated music performed by Ninth Planet players, and glorious singing by a stellar cast contribute to an unforgettable retelling of Shakespeare's great play, The Tempest. Mark your calendars for this unique and exciting production at San Francisco's Herbst Theatre, March 25, 2023!
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Photo: Joy Graham
Andrew Dwan as Prospero
The characters of Prospero's Island will captivate: the controlling, manipulative, yet oddly appealing Prospero, reimagined as a war criminal in hiding; paratrooper Andy and the lovely Mandy as they fall in love (but is it magic or true?); sullen teenage Caliban, as he tussles with the island's cheeky penguins; the faithful Ariel, whose devotion to Prospero is put to the ultimate test. What will these newly imagined beings do when they learn the truth?
Andrew Dwan as Prospero
The characters of Prospero's Island will captivate: the controlling, manipulative, yet oddly appealing Prospero, reimagined as a war criminal in hiding; paratrooper Andy and the lovely Mandy as they fall in love (but is it magic or true?); sullen teenage Caliban, as he tussles with the island's cheeky penguins; the faithful Ariel, whose devotion to Prospero is put to the ultimate test. What will these newly imagined beings do when they learn the truth?
The cast includes Andrew Dwan as Prospero, Shawnette Sulker as Ariel, Bradley Kynard as Caliban, Amy Foote as Mandy (Miranda), Sergio Gonzalez as Andy (Ferdinand), Julia Hathaway as Steffi (Stephano) and Angela Jarosz as Trish (Trinculo). Nathaniel Berman will conduct the chamber orchestra, with Phil Lowery as stage director. Members of the Grammy-winning San Francisco Girls Chorus will portray the island's penguins.
Participants from San Francisco Girls Chorus School will be members of Level III Ensemble, Valérie Sainte-Agathe, Artistic Director, Terry Alvord, Level III Director.
Don't miss the exciting premiere at San Francisco's Herbst Theatre on March 25, 2023!
The Tempest, like other great Shakespeare plays, tells a gripping story that also is rich in meaning. The opera Prospero's Island, full of fantasy, romance and humor, will reference the colorful tradition of the play. But it will transport us to our own time, with a new impact. Its action unfolds from dawn to dusk over one momentous day, telling a story of unchecked power, arrogant exploitation of nature and awful revelation. In the course of the 90-minute opera, the lives of sheltered Miranda, loyal Ariel and despised Caliban will be changed forever as they, and we, confront the reality of war and the imperative of truth. With heartfelt words and stirring music, Prospero's Island will move audiences to tears through their laughter. Join us for a wonderful experience of a new opera for our world, our time, and all of us.
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