Opera Montana presents the world premiere of A River Runs Through It, a new operatic adaptation of Norman Maclean's beloved semi-autobiographical novella, with music by Zach Redler and a libretto by Matt Foss and Kelley Rourke. Artistic Director Michael Sakir conducts, with stage direction by Foss, scenic and video design by Kristin Ellert, and lighting design by Stephen Sakowski. The cast includes baritone Schyler Vargas as Norman, tenor Michael Kuhn as Paul, soprano Christine Taylor Price as Jessie, tenor Ryan Bryce Johnson as Neal, mezzo-soprano Megan Marino as Heidi, mezzo-soprano Phyllis Pancella as Clara, and bass-baritone David Pittsinger as John. The production features an instrumental ensemble of 24 musicians and additional performances in Missoula following the Bozeman premiere.
Cast and Creative Team for A River Runs Through It at Ellen Theater
Cast
Schyler Vargas
Norman
Michael Kuhn
Paul
Christine Taylor Price
Jessie
Ryan Bryce Johnson
Neal
Megan Marino
Heidi
Phyllis Pancella
Clara
David Pittsinger
John
Creative Team
Zach Redler
Composer
Matt Foss
Librettist
Kelley Rourke
Librettist
Michael Sakir
Conductor
Matt Foss
Stage Director
Kristin Ellert
Scenic/Video Designer
Stephen Sakowski
Lighting Designer
News About A River Runs Through It at Ellen Theater
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT World Premiere to Open with Opera Montana
June 24, 2026 Opera Montana will present five 'Page to Stage' preview events across Montana ahead of the world premiere of A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT, a new opera based on Norman Maclean's classic novella, set to debut at Bozeman's Ellen Theater.
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT To Have World Premiere At Opera Montana
June 23, 2026 Opera Montana will offer audiences a first look at its new opera adaptation of A River Runs Through It through a series of preview events across Montana this summer. The world premiere, based on Norman Maclean's beloved novella, opens in Bozeman this September.About the Theatre
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The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight Adams Event Center (9/16-9/16) |
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Luke Bryan First Interstate Arena (7/31-7/31) |
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The Whitefish Summer Concert Series - Music of Heart Whitefish Theatre Co (8/14-8/16) |
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Wild West Spectacular the Musical The Cody Theatre (6/17-8/08) PHOTOS |
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The Music Of Heart The Whitefish Thetre (8/14-8/16) |
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'On The Stage' with Nashville/Broadway Singer/Songwriter Chris Roberts, Sept 12 at WPAC Whitefish Performing Arts Center - Atkinson Hall (9/12-9/12) |
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Unstoppable! Whitefish Performing Arts Center (7/08-7/08) |
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Alice in Wonderland by International Ballet Stars and ROMERO BRITTO in Butte, MN The Mother Lode Theatre (5/03-5/03) |
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Mt. Joy at KettleHouse Amphitheater KettleHouse Amphitheater (8/26-8/26) |
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The Whitefish Summer Concert Series - The Music Of QUEEN O'Shaughnessy Cultural Arts Center - Operated and Managed by The Whitefish Theatre Company (7/24-7/26) |