HAPPINESS IS THE PROBLEM Experimental Comic Opera Plays 7/1 At Wilmette Theatre
La Red Music Theatre and Dee Dee Bird Productions present the world premiere of Happiness is the Problem: A Phonographic Novel, wiith music by Brooklyn composer Jason Cady and illustrations by Nadia Berenstein, directed by Jessica Redish. This comic, experimental opera is accompanied by a graphic novel slide-show, presented in a one-night-only concert on Wednesday, July 1, at 7:30 pm at the Wilmette Theatre; tickets are $20, and may be purchased via the Wilmette's website at www.wilmettetheatre.org or by calling their box office at 847.251.7424.
Happiness is the Problem is a two-act opera buffa and comic book about idealism and disillusionment. The opera follows three young women who sell an elixir of happiness derived from the secretions of slugs that they market as "Euphoressence." Three sopranos, accompanied by a continuo ensemble of guitar, synthesizer, vibraphone, bass and drums, perform below projections of the comics.
Cady's previous work was reviewed by Wired Magazine as "thoughtful satire, sharp composition." Time out New York said he used "a fascinating mix of operatic vocalism, spoken word, sensual melodies and playful rhythms." His one-act opera Post-Madonna Prima Donna was released by Peacock Recordings and includes his cantata Odi et Amo and Plastic Flowers, a song cycle he composed for his ensemble "Jason Cady & The Artificials." His work has been performed live at various experimental music venues in New York City including The Stone, The Issue Project Room, and Tonic.
The cast of Happiness in the Problem features Deanna Neil (The Night of the Hunter with the Goodman Theater, Enter Night, Hidden Voices) as Maureen, Janette Zilioli (Cosi Fan Tutte, La Boheme, Die Fledermaus with Orlando Opera, The Merry Widow) as Julie, and Amanda Tarver (Béatrice et Bénédict, Il Mondo Della Luna, Don Giovanni at Chicago Opera Theatre) as Emily.
"I'm thrilled to work with Janette and Amanda," says Neil, event co-producer and performer. "These are world-class opera talents. And Jason's adventurous new music showcases both vocal skill and comedic chops. He is a fantastically smart composer. It's an absolutely unique show, not to be missed."
"It's a great joy to bring this concert to Chicago audiences," says Jessica Redish, La Red artistic director. "Deanna discovered Jason's hilarious work in New York, and I'm excited to hear our audience's response."
LA RED MUSIC THEATRE is a not-for-profit organization comprised of Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York-based creative professionals dedicated to the creation of new musicals, presented annually in a summer festival in Highland Park, IL. For more information on La Red Music Theatre, please visit http://www.laredmusictheatre.org.
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