Photo Flash: Monk Parrots' World Premiere of BUM PHILLIPS ALL-AMERICAN OPERA Begins Tonight at La MaMa

La MaMa, in association with Monk Parrots, proudly presents the World Premiere of Bum Phillips All-American Opera, a new contemporary opera conceptualized and directed by Luke Leonard, composed and conducted by Peter Stopschinski, with a libretto by Kirk Lynn. Bum Phillips All-American Opera runs from today, March 12 - 30, 2014 in a limited engagement at La MaMa's Ellen Stewart Theatre, located at 66 East 4th Street between 2nd Avenue & the Bowery in New York City. Previews begin today, March 12 for a March 15 opening. Scroll down for a first look at the cast of the show!

Bum Phillips All-American Opera, commissioned and produced by Monk Parrots, celebrates the inspiring life of National Football League icon and American hero: O.A. "Bum" Phillips, head coach of the Houston Oilers from 1975-1980. This epic portrait of Phillips' life explores how a man found resilience and faith in failure, and how a single passion fueled an entire city's hope. Encouraged by Phillips' motivational skills and homespun principles, the dynamic Texan team of Luke Leonard, Kirk Lynn and Peter Stopschinski aim to push the boundaries of where and for whom opera is staged.

The cast includes Gary Ramsey as Bum Phillips, Alison Bolshoi, Anlami Shaw, John Smiley, Jessie Dean, Julie-Anne Hamula, Briana Hunter, Victor Khodadad, Megan Lalley, Gates Leonard, Patrick Mulryan, Anna Noggle, Chelsea Burris, Sophie Delphis, Amanda Dupuy, Hunter Frederick, Mariah Ilardi-Lowy, Emmanuel Elpenord, John Harlacher, John Harmon, Morgan Hooper, Joey LePage and Faith Redding, along with members of American Modern Ensemble.

The creative team includes Luke Leonard and Marie Yokoyama (Production Design), Marie Yokoyama (Lighting Design), Alison Heryer (Costume Design), Trey Gilmore (Video Design), Charlotte Griffin (Choreography), Joey LePage (Assistant Director), and Sheree V. Campbell (Production Stage Manager).

Performances are Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:30pm with an added performance on Wednesday, March 12 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students/seniors and can be purchased online at http://LaMaMa.org/Ellen-Stewart-Theatre/Bum-Phillips-All-American-Opera, in person at the box office or by calling 212-475-7710. A special benefit performance ($50 ticket) will take place on March 20 that will include Phillips' son and NFL coach Wade Phillips, and former Houston Oilers players Dan Pastorini and Lawrence Harris, along with other special guests TBA. La MaMa is accessible from the F train to 2nd Ave. or the #6 train to Bleecker St.

Photo Credit: Nathan Johnson and Luke Leonard