Cast
Conductor – Stephanie Rhodes Russell
Andy Jones – Oliver Thornburgh
Martha Jones – Emily Birsan
Dr. George Knapp – Alan Dunbar
Trout Shue – Andrew Bidlack
Mary Heaster – Katherine Pracht
Elva Heaster Shue – Tori Tedeschi Adams
Allie Cutlip Shue – Madison Barrett
Lucy Tritt Shue – Alexandra Burch
John Preston – Matthew Treviño
Judge – Ryan White
James Gardner – Robert A. Goderich
Creative Team
Composer – Scott Gendel
Librettist – Sandra Flores-Strand
Scenic Designer – Court Watson
Costume Designer – Karen Brown-Larimore
Lighting Designer – Matt Taylor
Wigs and Makeup – Jan Ross
Photos by Ross Zentner
"It has been more than two decades since Madison Opera produced a premiere on this scale. The opera co-commissioned Jake Heggie’s “The End of the Affair” in 2004 and gained widespread acclaim with the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired “Shining Brow” in 1993. “Everlasting Faint” makes a third jewel in that crown. Antique lamps dangle like miniature chandeliers in the homes and courtrooms of late 19th century West Virginia, animated by Gendel’s lush, folk-inflected score. Only in opera does rage sound this beautiful."
Lindsay Christians, Cap Times
“Director Keturah Stickann, also the dramaturg, came onto this premiere early. Her work shaping the opera shows in the balance of high drama and quiet intimacy.”
Lindsay Christians, Cap Times
"“Everlasting Faint” closes on a call to action, echoing what Flores-Strand has seeded through the story. “Who will listen to the news of another slain girl?” Mary sings in Act I. The finale, led with visible emotion by Emily Birsan’s Martha, offers an answer: all of us. “We hear your words,” Martha sings, as the chorus joins and the stage backdrops lift. “We witness your pain. The future holds hope for you.” With a production this strong, the future holds hope for “Everlasting Faint” as well."
Lindsay Christians, Cap Times
