It really was inevitable. Having performed operas of all sizes and shapes in a variety of non-theatre Knoxville venues including coffeeshops, hotel bars, converted freight depots, church naves, and historic mansions over its six years of existence, Marble City Opera is at last venturing outside into the open air. The company will offer three performances of Giacomo Puccini’s one-act opera, Suor Angelica, in the courtyard of St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Knoxville this week on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. The production features a 17-member cast and an instrumental ensemble of strings, winds, and percussion.
Of course, MCO has not undertaken such a move without detailed planning and serious consideration of the advantages and disadvantages. Advantages include the unique locale and the overwhelming appropriateness of the location—Suor Angelica takes place in a convent most often depicted with old stone buildings and cloistered walkways. The disadvantages, though, are more mundane, but mostly workable—changing light, acoustics, and inclement weather. [Advance weather forecasts predict good weather this week.]
James Marvel, stage director for Suor Angelica as well as director of the University of Tennessee Opera Theatre, offered a few hints as to how the atmosphere of the courtyard has affected his concept for the St. John’s location.
“The Marble City Opera production is an ideal opportunity and circumstance in which to combine the beauty of the courtyard with the added feature of it being connected directly to a church. … I have always been fascinated by architecture and space, whether they be sacred or secular, not only in terms of the spiritual implications of the space but also in terms of the acoustic. In considering and visiting the St. John’s Cathedral courtyard, I was amazed and delighted by the acoustics. It has also been particularly fascinating to tailor my concept for the piece to this location. The stones in the courtyard are arranged to create a labyrinth. And while I do not have any of the singers directly follow the pattern of the labyrinth stones, I have deliberately given them staging, blocking, and walking patterns to directly reflect the rigidity and mystery inherent within each of their individual spiritual journeys.”
Singing the title role of Sister Angelica is soprano Katherine Frady, also the co-founder and artistic director of MCO. Frady has previously performed a number of roles in MCO productions, among them the notable Amelia Lost by Larry Delinger and as Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata staged at Knoxville’s historic Westwood mansion.
About the Opera
Suor Angelica is the second of three one-act operas that comprise Il Trittico (The Triptych), preceded by Il Tabarro (The Cloak) and followed by the comedy Gianni Schicchi. The three were first performed at the Metropolitan Opera in December 1918. Although Puccini was originally adamant that the three be performed together, the general practice in the ensuing years has been to perform them individually.
Gianni Schicchi was performed last October by Knoxville Opera at the Tennessee Theatre; Suor Angelica has been performed by UT Opera Theatre on a number of occasions.
The action of Suor Angelica takes place in a convent where Sister Angelica has been forced to reside by her noble family because of an illicit affair seven years ago that resulted in the birth of a child, a son which was taken from her. Her aunt, the Princess, arrives and insists she sign away her share of the inheritance so that Angelica’s sister may marry. The Princess subsequently reveals that the illegitimate son died two years ago. Angelica falls into a suicidal despair and takes poison. Near death and fearing she has committed a mortal sin, she calls on the Virgin Mary for salvation. The answer comes from a heavenly choir. Mary appears, leading her son toward her as she dies.
Cast of Marble City Opera’s Suor Angelica
Sister Angelica – Kathryn Frady
The Princess – Julie Bélanger Roy
Genovieffa – Jacquie Breechen
Dolcina – Ryan Colbert
Zelatrice – Whitney Myers
Infermiera – Sarah Parker
Maestra Della Novizie – Emily Simmons
Osmina & Novice 1 – Kate Shepas
Novice 2 – Hannah Friend
Cercatrice 1 – Jenna Weaver
Cercatrice 2 – Kayla Beard
Lay Sister 2 – Marya Barry
Lay Sister 1 – Kate Smith
Chorus & Principessa Cover – Aubrey Odle
Chorus & Zelatrice Cover – Cynthia Smith
Chorus – Amanda Peavyhouse
Chorus – Brenda Luggie
Conductor – Allan R Scott
Stage Director – James Marvel
Marble City Opera’s production of Puccini’s Suor Angelica
St. John’s Cathedral Courtyard, 413 Cumberland Avenue
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday – May 30, 31 and June 1 2019
7:30pm
Tickets and Information
