Michael Unger

A Groovy 1960s Musical Take on Wilde’s Most Popular Play. Being Earnest takes place in a mod, 1960’s, Austin Powers-era setting. All of the brilliant wit in Wilde’s most popular play intact in this effervescent musical about two young couples and the societal conventions, over-bearing mothers, and misplaced handbags in railway stations that they must overcome in the course of finding true love. The score is a sparkling homage to 1960’s rock groups such as Herman’s Hermits, The Dave Clark Five, The Rolling Stones, The Seekers, The Hollies, The Lovin’ Spoonful and more.

“Carlisle Floyd is one of America’s foremost composers. Though he has written in other forms, he is renowned for his operas, for which he also writes the libretti. The most famous and popular is his third opera, Susannah, premiered in 1955 and the second most preformed in all American operas. Updated and set in Tennessee, it is loosely based on the Apocryphal tale of Susannah and the Elders. The work is rooted in vernacular folk melodies, hymns, and contains soaring melodic beauty.” In the opera 'Susannah;’ Susannah Polk becomes the target of false accusations and scandalous rumors spread by the local church community. Her innocence is challenged, leading to tragic consequences as Susannah fights to defend her honor and integrity in the face of small-town prejudice and bigotry.