Pittsburgh Opera
March 17, 20, 23, 25
Various times
Cutting-edge opera, literary genius, and spellbinding visuals will converge for four highly dramatic nights at the Benedum.
If you think you know “Moby-Dick,” think again. All of the drama of Herman Melville’s 1851 epic novel will be reimagined when Pittsburgh Opera presents Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s critically acclaimed production. Widely considered “the greatest novel in American literature,” “Moby-Dick” was actually a commercial failure during Melville’s lifetime. But the story has endured and only grown in stature, and is reimagined here in an exciting new work co-produced with Utah Opera.
Be the first in Pittsburgh to experience this new production, which follows Captain Ahab’s “monomaniacal pursuit of a legendary white whale.” Aboard the Pequod whaling ship, the tragic and timely nautical tale explores obsession, revenge, duty, loyalty and more.
Starring as obsessive Captain Ahab is Canadian tenor Roger Honeywell, while former Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist Sean Panikkar sings the role of whaling rookie Greenhorn (aka Ishmael). Debuting with Pittsburgh Opera are Texas baritone Michael Mayes as Starbuck, and South African bass-baritone Musa Ngqungwana as Queequeg.
Conducted by Antony Walker and directed by Kristine McIntyre, the opera features Attack Theatre dancers, sets by Erhard Rom and costumes by Jessica Jahn.
On March 20, don’t miss the “Meet the Artists of Moby-Dick” event following the performance.
Where to have dinner before the show? Downtown’s or, The Whale, naturally.