WSU Opera Theatre and Wichita Grand Opera to present ‘Susannah’

The Wichita State University Opera Theater and the Wichita Grand Opera will present two collaborative performances of Carlysle Floyd’s Great American Opera “Susannah.” Performances will be 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 in Miller Concert Hall on the Wichita State University campus.

The performance will feature student performers and noted professionals, including current WSU Opera Theatre director, internationally renowned bass-baritone and WSU alum Alan Held as the Reverend Olin Blitch. Also appearing will be WSU alum Samuel Ramey in the role of Elder McLean. The production will be staged-directed by former WSU Opera Theatre director Marie King.

The story of “Susannah”  appears in the Deuterocanonical Book of Daniel. Young, pretty, and innocent Susannah is a target of the vicious gossip of the women of the local elders. In 1955, the late American composer Carlisle Floyd embellished the story into an opera set in rural New Hope Valley, Tennessee.

Tickets are available by visiting the link below or by calling 316-978-3233. Students can receive one free ticket with their Shocker ID.  Other discounts apply.