"Of Mice and Men": Spoken and Sung

John Steinbeck's classic work brought to life 

in both word and song! 

The New Fence, 1945 (tempera on canvas laid down on plywood), 
Thomas Hart Benton, (1889-1975) / Private Collection/
Photo © Christie's Images/The Bridgeman Art Library

John Steinbeck published his novel Of Mice and Men (along with a stage adaptation) in 1937 and now, as required reading in many schools, it is one of the best known works of American literature.  It was adapted into an opera by Carlisle Floyd in 1969 and, since its debut at Seattle Opera in 1970, has become one of the most frequently produced American operas today.  So, how do the two compare?

You have the chance to find out by attending our innovative Spoken and Sung presentation Monday, January 28, at 5pm at the Sarasota Opera House.  Members of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training program and Sarasota Opera Studio Artists program will team up to perform parallel sections from each work.  This event will be a great way to experience elements of both works at the same time:  the actors will read excerpts from Steinbeck's play followed by a performance of the corresponding scene from Carlisle Floyd's opera.

This presentation will be narrated by Sarasota Opera's Artistic Administrator Greg Trupiano. Tickets for this unique event are $5 and can be purchased either online at www.sarasotaopera.org, by calling the box office at (941) 328-1300, or at the door the day of the performance.  

Meet our Performers
The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training is a three-year graduate program culminating in a Master of Fine Arts degree.  Only twelve students are chosen each year from the thousands who audition nationwide to work in a program that combines both rigorous classroom training with guest artist workshops and professional production experience.  

Asolo Conservatory student Zak Wilson
will portray the role of George

Asolo Conservatory student Jacob Cooper
will portray the role of Lennie

 

The Sarasota Opera Studio Artists program is designed for emerging artists who serve the main stage opera productions by covering principal roles and performing supporting roles. Only sixteen artists are chosen each season from a nationwide audition search.  

Studio Artist baritone Brian Major
will sing the role of George

Studio Artist tenor Adam Cromer will sing
the role of Lennie

And don't miss seeing Carlisle Floyd's iconic work in its entirety opening March 9th and running through March 23rd as part of Sarasota Opera's 2013 Winter Opera Festival! Tickets start at only $19 and are available at www.sarasotaopera.org or by calling (941) 328-1300.