Blinded by ambition, a promising young man makes a series of unfortunate choices culminating in a mysterious death in the Adirondacks. Based on Theodore Dreiser’s novel and inspired by a sensational murder trial in Herkimer, New York, Tobias Picker’s opera explores a small-town boy’s pursuit of his idealized dreams. “Theodore Dreiser's novel An American Tragedy,” the composer wrote, “is a powerful portrayal of the dark side of the American dream.”
An American Tragedy, Picker’s fourth opera, premiered at the Metropolitan Opera in 2005 to great acclaim. The Glimmerglass Festival production, performed in Cooperstown, New York, celebrates the composer’s 60th birthday and marks the premiere of the newly revised version of the opera by the composer and librettist. The Glimmerglass Festival Orchestra is conducted by George Manahan.
THE CAST
Gilbert Griffiths: Daniel T. Curran
Clyde Griffiths: Christian Bowers
Elvira Griffiths: Patricia Schuman
Roberta Alden: Vanessa Isiguen
Elizabeth Griffiths: Jennifer Root
Bella Griffiths: Meredith Lustig
Samuel Griffiths: Aleksey Bogdanov
Sondra Finchley: Cynthia Cook
Reverend McMillan: John Kapusta
Orville Mason: Thomas Richards
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