The Northern Michigan University Department of Music is preparing to bring a unique blend of gritty realism and jazz-infused melodies to the stage with its upcoming Opera Theatre Workshop. The performance, scheduled for Thursday, April 2, will feature scenes from Kurt Weill’s "Street Scene," a work often described as a "Broadway opera" that bridges the gap between traditional operatic styles and American blues.
NMU Assistant Professor Keri Lee Pierson explained that the choice of repertoire was sparked by a specific aria from the show. She noted that the work carries significant historical weight, as composer Kurt Weill, a German-Jewish immigrant, collaborated closely with poet Langston Hughes to capture the authentic sounds of New York City’s nightlife and tenement culture in the 1940s.
The production is the culmination of a one-credit workshop that meets only once a week. Because of the limited rehearsal time, the course focuses more on introducing students to the genre of opera and the practicalities of performance rather than just the final product. Pierson emphasized that the fast-paced environment requires students to do a significant amount of independent preparation, which mirrors the demands of a professional performance career.
Student performer Jessica Schrader, a third-year Music Education major, shared her perspective on taking on the complex role of Mrs. Maurrant. The character confronts heavy themes of longing, infidelity, and the internal conflict between settling for a realistic life and chasing youthful ideals. Schrader found that the music's emotional depth helps convey the character's journey from joy to loss. She also noted that participating in the workshop has broadened her vocal technique and prepared her for her upcoming summer selection with the Pine Mountain Music Festival’s UPStarts program.
Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Pierson and Schrader about the workshop:
The NMU Opera Theatre Workshop will present these scenes alongside collaborative pianist Father Ryan Ford. The performance is free and open to the public, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, at the Northern Michigan University campus.
Visit nmu.edu/music/ for more information.
