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Release Date: October 22, 2009
KSU Opera Theater to perform a double bill
For media inquiries: Cheryl Anderson Brown, Director of Public Relations, 770-499-3417 or cbrown@kennesaw.edu
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KENNESAW, Ga.—The Kennesaw State University Opera Theater will present a double bill of two one-act operas, Gian-Carlo Menotti's "The Medium" and P.D.Q. Bach's "The Stoned Guest." Performances will take place in Howard Logan Stillwell Theater on Nov. 5-8.
“The Stoned Guest” is a parody of classical opera that sings the praises of dogs, booze and “ironically” happy endings. The basic plot follows a trio who become lost in a forest under different circumstances. They all fall victim to murder while encountering hidden identities and a dog with a casket void of alcohol. Musical Director Russell Young says, “It’s really funny. The more you know about opera, the more you will enjoy it on another level just because you’ll understand more of what Bach is parodying. Even if you’re a novice to opera, you will still think it’s funny.”
On the other end of the spectrum, “The Medium” is a serious story dealing with the supernatural. When an initially staged séance becomes hauntingly real, a medium turns to drinking and attempted murder. In the midst of it all, true love is professed. “People have a fascination towards the supernatural, and that is the draw of ‘The Medium.’ The music also has a modern sound to it with eccentric chords and more intricate rhythms.”
Young encourages audiences to attend. “Both operas are accessible and appealing because of their subject matter. The neat thing about an opera is that it weds all artistic elements together. You have the music, singers, orchestra and also the element of set design and stage direction. It successfully incorporates everything for a great aesthetic appeal.”
Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15. For more information, contact the KSU box office at 770-423-6650 or online at www.kennesaw.edu/arts.
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A member of the 35-unit University System of Georgia, Kennesaw State University is a comprehensive, residential institution with a growing student population of more than 21,000 from 142 countries. The third-largest university in Georgia, Kennesaw State offers more than 65 graduate and undergraduate degrees, including new doctorates in education and business.
The KSU College of the Arts is one of only four Georgia institutions to have achieved full national accreditation for all of its arts programs.