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Opera Orlando to Premiere Scott Joplin’s ‘Treemonisha’

Opera Orlando's cast performing Treemonisha, highlighting community themes.

News Summary

Opera Orlando is set to present the Florida premiere of Scott Joplin’s opera ‘Treemonisha’ from May 16 to May 18. This production highlights themes of community and celebrates the legacy of America’s first opera while featuring updates that aim to modernize the narrative and enhance its relevance. A talented cast, including soprano Taylor-Alexis DuPont, brings Joplin’s historic work to life, engaging audiences with innovative storytelling and music.

Orlando, Florida – Opera Orlando is set to present the Florida premiere of Scott Joplin’s opera “Treemonisha” from May 16 to May 18 at the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center. This performance is part of Opera Orlando’s 2024-25 Destiny + Desire Season and aims to bring to life a historic piece regarded as America’s “first opera,” which emphasizes themes of community and family.

The production stars soprano Taylor-Alexis DuPont in the lead role of Treemonisha, supported by a talented cast that includes tenor Leo Williams as Remus, Broadway star Brian Love as Zodzerick, soprano NaGuanda Nobles as Monisha, baritone Geoffrey Peterson as Simon, and bass-baritone Lloyd Reshard, Jr. as Ned. Additionally, the cast features the Opera Orlando Chorus, local dancers, and students from Bethune-Cookman University, enhancing the community-driven aspect of this production.

“Treemonisha” was originally composed by Scott Joplin and first performed in 1911. It stands out as a rare example of an opera by an African American composer, highlighting the concerns faced by Freedmen and Maroons in the post-Civil War era. The opera remained largely unseen until it received a fully staged premiere in 1972, gaining recognition for its innovative blend of ragtime, vaudeville, and traditional grand opera.

This new production of “Treemonisha” features significant updates, including a new libretto developed by Black women artists Leah Simone-Bowen and Cheryl L. Davis, as well as a fresh orchestration by Grammy Award winners Jessie Montgomery and Jannina Norpoth. The narrative now spans nearly 2½ hours, compared to the original’s 90-minute running time, offering an expanded exploration of Treemonisha’s journey as she learns about her identity and confronts leadership challenges.

While the production aims to modernize some elements of the original story, it has faced criticism regarding rushed storytelling and inconsistencies in plot execution. The score incorporates various musical styles, including blues and contemporary influences, to enhance the overall experience and keep the production relevant for today’s audiences.

Notably, the character of Treemonisha is emphasized with greater depth in this reimagined version, reflecting a contemporary interpretation of her tale. The creative team strives to offer a fresh perspective that resonates with both new viewers and those familiar with Joplin’s classic work.

The recognition of “Treemonisha” as an essential piece of American cultural heritage continues to grow, as productions like Opera Orlando’s not only celebrate its historical significance but also encourage discussions on racial identity, community, and the importance of inclusive representation in the arts.

As anticipation builds for these performances, the collaboration of diverse talents within this production underscores a concerted effort to honor American opera’s legacy while engaging new audiences through innovative storytelling and music.