Picker To Attend West Coast Premiere Of EMMELINE at Cinnabar Theater

It's going to be a busy month for Petaluma's little theater on the hill.

Cinnabar Theater is currently in rehearsals for its West Coast premiere of Tobias Picker's romantic and haunting opera "Emmeline" and prepares for the arrival of the American opera's composer Tobias Picker.
 
Picker arrives in Sonoma County in late May and will attend final "Emmeline" rehearsals, give notes and assistance. Picker will also attend Cinnabar's opening weekend performances on May 28 and May 29.
 
A resident of New York City, Picker has been described by the Wall Street Journal as “our finest composer for the Lyric Stage.” He has composed numerous works in every genre drawing performances by the world’s leading musicians, orchestras and opera houses.
 
The world premiere of "Emmeline" was presented by Santa Fe Opera in 1996 and the production was broadcast nationally on public television’s “Great Performances” series. This month Picker also celebrates the West Coast premiere of his opera "An American Tragedy," on the Broad Stage at Santa Monica College.
 
"Emmeline" an opera in two acts, based on the novel of the same name by Judith Rossner and featuring libretto by J.D. McClatchy. Picker's romantic score sets the mood for the retelling of the Oedipus story from Jocasta’s point if view. The story begins in the textile mills of Massachusetts in 1841, where 13-year-old Emmeline (portrayed in the Cinnabar Theater production by Carrie Hennessey of Sacramento) is sent to help support her impoverished family. Times are hard but they pass and an older Emmeline finds love at last. But, a family reunion reveals terrible complications. Picker’s score is gloriously lush and romantic, emotionally true and uniquely American.
 
"Our musical director, Nina Shuman, suggested 'Emmeline' about three of four years ago, so we've been hoping to present this American opera for sometime. It depended on finding the right talent for the lead role," said Elly Lichenstein Cinnabar Theater Artistic and Executive Director and the director of "Emmeline.
 
"After soprano Carrie Hennessey attended our general auditions in 2009 we knew that we had found our Emmeline and could make plans to produce this opera."
 
"In the meantime, so are so pleased and honored to have Tobias Picker flying out from New York to attend our final rehearsals and attend performances during our opening weekend," said Lichenstein.
 
“This will not be the first time a composer has visited us, but 'Emmeline' is not your garden variety opera. Ambitious, you bet. Will Mr. Picker be picky? Will he delight? We hope for a bit of both," said Lichenstein.
 
"He’s already astounded by the 14-year olds who actually sing the parts of 14-year olds in our specially-picked and coached girls’ chorus. That’s something he’s never experienced in other productions.”
 
Established in 1972, Cinnabar Theater features professional talent from throughout the Bay Area and strives to present the finest in rare, new and classic operatic and music theater. "Emmeline" opens May 28 and continues with performances through June 12, 2010. 
 
For the complete schedule of performances, ticket reservations and more information call  707-763-8920 or visit www.cinnabartheater.org.

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