Chicago Opera Theater to Present Tobias Picker's THERESE RAQUIN

Chicago Opera Theater (COT) presents the Chicago Premiere of Tobias Picker's "Thérèse Raquin" February 20-28, 2015 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance (205 E. Randolph Street). Chicago Opera Theater's production of "Thérèse Raquin" will be conducted by COT's General Director Andreas Mitisek and directed veteran opera director Ken Cazan. With a sensual score that mirrors the lovers' turbulent affair, this tale of torrid romance and scandal features a libretto by critically-acclaimed writer Gene Scheer. Tickets are now on sale at chicagooperatheater.org for $35-$125. Press are invited to attend the Friday, February 20 performance.

Written in English and co-produced with Long Beach Opera, "Thérèse Raquin" presents a lethal love story in which Thérèse, bound by an unhappy marriage, falls deeply in love with her husband's friend. Their romance turns to madness when they commit a crime that will haunt them forever. Picker's lavish and riveting score provides the suspenseful underpinning for this deadly love triangle. Based on Émile Zola's scandalous 1867 novel the work is "a meaningful opera infused with moments of searing reflection and luxurious sensuality," according to Opera Now. The recording of the opera's 2001 Dallas Opera world premiere was cited by Opera News as one of the ten best recordings of 2002.

The opera's cast includes soprano Mary Ann Stewart in the title role; tenor Matthew Di Battista as Camille Raquin; baritone Ed Parks as Laurent; soprano Suzan Hanson as Madam Lisette Raquin; tenor John Matthew Myers as Grivet; soprano Ani Maldjian as Suzanne and bass Zeffin Quinn Hollis as Olivier. Set design is by Alan E. Muraoka; costumes designed by Jacqueline Saint Anne; lighting designed by David Jacques.

Tickets are priced from $35 - $125 and can be purchased by calling 312.704.8414 or via chicagooperatheater.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the Harris Theater box office

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