What's Happening?
Opera Philadelphia is collaborating with New York City Center for a revival of George and Ira Gershwin's rarely performed musical, 'Let 'Em Eat Cake.' Following its run at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia in January, the production will transfer to
New York City Center for 15 performances in March as part of its 'Encores!' series. This marks the first-ever collaboration between the two arts organizations. While the core concept will be developed by director Zack Winokur for both productions, there will be some differences, including a larger orchestra and chorus in Philadelphia and different conductors for each city. Opera Philadelphia's general director and president, Anthony Roth Costanzo, noted that the partnership could attract renowned talent due to City Center's established brand in musical theater. The musical, which premiered on Broadway in 1933, features a melodic score and sharp social and political commentary, telling the story of a U.S. president who refuses to accept election results, establishes a dictatorship, and renovates the White House.
Why It's Important?
This collaboration is significant for Opera Philadelphia as it ventures into producing a Broadway show, a departure from its traditional opera repertoire. The partnership with New York City Center, a prominent institution known for reviving American musicals, offers Opera Philadelphia a unique opportunity to expand its audience and potentially attract a broader range of talent. For City Center's 'Encores!' series, it brings a production with a timely and relevant narrative, given the musical's themes of political upheaval and a president challenging election outcomes. The financial benefits of cost-sharing and partnership revenue are also crucial for Opera Philadelphia, enabling it to undertake ambitious projects like this revival. The production's exploration of the blurred lines between opera and musical theater, as highlighted by Costanzo, could also spark broader discussions within the performing arts community about genre definitions and storytelling through music.
What's Next?
The production of 'Let 'Em Eat Cake' is scheduled to run from January 29-31 at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, followed by performances at New York City Center from March 17-28. While the director, Zack Winokur, will develop the overall concept for both runs, specific details regarding casting and the exact extent of production similarities or differences are yet to be fully fleshed out. Opera Philadelphia will feature Corrado Rovaris as conductor, while Rob Berman will conduct in New York. The success of this inaugural collaboration could pave the way for future partnerships between opera companies and musical theater institutions, potentially leading to more cross-genre productions and expanded opportunities for artists and audiences alike. The reception of the musical's themes, particularly its satirical commentary on political power and election results, will be closely watched in both cities.
Beyond the Headlines
The revival of 'Let 'Em Eat Cake' carries deeper implications beyond its artistic merit, particularly given its satirical narrative about a U.S. president who rejects election results and establishes a dictatorship. This storyline, written in 1933, resonates with contemporary political discourse and concerns about democratic processes. The production offers a historical lens through which to examine enduring themes of power, governance, and public response to political leadership. By presenting a work that blurs the lines between opera and musical theater, Opera Philadelphia challenges traditional artistic boundaries and encourages a more inclusive definition of musical storytelling. This approach could foster greater accessibility and appeal for audiences who might not typically engage with opera, while also prompting reflection on how historical artistic works can comment on present-day societal issues.
