A MY SCURRI A
compositeur
Opera at the U! performance of A.L.I.C.E.
Opera at the U! performance of A.L.I.C.E.
Opera at the U! performance of A.L.I.C.E.
Opera at the U! performance of A.L.I.C.E.
photography by Robert Breault
"Curious, I Observe" (Alice)
Meg Steele and Utah Symphony
"Who Are You?" (Alice and Caterpillar)
Meg Steele, John Knight Allen, and Utah Symphony
Duchess Scene (Alice and Duchess)
Meg Steele, Sage Madsen, and Utah Symphony
An Opera in Two Acts ~ 2 hours
CAST:
ALICE
soprano
SISTER, DUCHESS, QUEEN OF HEARTS
1-3 mezzo sopranos
CATERPILLAR & KING
1-2 bass baritones
CHESHIRE CAT
mezzo soprano
WHITE RABBIT
tenor
MAD HATTER
tenor
MARCH HARE
baritone or countertenor
CARDS / JURY
SATB choir or SAB choir (min. 4 on a part)
INSTRUMENTATION:
piano/vocal
chamber orchestra
(1,1,1,1; 1,0,0,0; pno; timp; strings)
full orchestra
(2,1,1,1; 3,2,2,0; harp; timp; strings)
Duchess Lullaby (Duchess)
Sage Madsen and Utah Symphony
"Nonsense Trio" (Alice, Mad Hatter, March Hare)
Meg Steele, Sam Plumb, Michael Shoaf, and Utah Symphony
AWARDS:
2024 AMERICAN PRIZE (3rd place)
2024 DEE ENDOWMENT GRANT
2022 & 2024 NC ARTS COUNCIL Artist Development Grant
PRESENTED AT:
2023 WTF CONFERENCE in Raleigh, NC
2024 NATIONAL OPERA ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE in Tempe, AZ
2024 SETC CONVENTION in Mobile, AL
Lewis Carroll's "Adventures in Wonderland" has been reimagined countless times, but none quite like Amy Scurria's operatic version. In "Alice: An Operatic Wonderland," audiences are transported to a whimsical world filled with magical creatures and enchanting music. Scurria's adaptation brings a new level of depth and emotion to the classic tale. Through soaring arias and stunning duets, we see Alice's journey from a curious young girl to a brave adventurer. Each character is brought to life through the power of music, from the playful Cheshire Cat to the tyrannical Queen of Hearts.
(Note by Director, Grace Edgar)
A.L.I.C.E. invites audiences down the rabbit hole to experience a spellbinding world of wonder, laughter, and self-discovery. Journey with Alice through soaring arias, mad duets, and outlandish ensembles as she encounters curious and confounding creatures. Follow the path of the nervous but regal White Rabbit. Encounter a condescending and sleepy Caterpillar, a dismissive, vulgar Duchess, and a mysterious, mystical Cheshire Cat. Laugh until you fall apart with the silly, but tragic, Hatter and Hare. And join the royal court along with a sycophantic choir of cards, a covertly beneficent King, and finally, the cruel and vainglorious Queen of Hearts. This adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s beloved novel is a quest for identity, to answer the question that burns deep within the furnace of every human being: Who are you?
Performances / Staged Workshops
April, 2024 - Opera at the U!
Full Orchestra Version
Premiered by Opera at the U!
Directed by Robert Breault
Conducted by Robert Baldwin
Choreographed by Melissa Bobick
Costume Design by Robin Farnsley-Becker
April, 2022 - Duke University Opera
Piano/Vocal Version (A Mad Tea Party)
Produced by Duke University Opera
Directed by David Heid
Pianist Daniel Seyfried
July, 2023 - Red River Lyric Opera Festival
Chamber Orchestra Version
Produced by Darla Diltz and RRLO
Directed by Grace Edgar
Conducted by Kristin Roach
Choreographed by ChristinaNoel Reaves
January, 2022 - Music Off Main
Piano/Vocal Staged Workshop
Produced by Music Off Main
Directed by Jennifer Blades
Pianist Stephanie Otto-Ørvik