The scores for both one act operas are tremendous, featuring great lyric passages and powerful dramatic moments. LOTNY’s production will help uncover issues of inequality, the burden of family, and the racial boundaries inherent in both works. Down in the Valley is set in Birmingham City and tells the story of forbidden love, jealousy, and a hanging. The family dynamic turns tragic and the sheriff arrives. Highway 1, U.S.A. is about a couple named Bob and Mary who run a gas station convenience store along Highway 1, and the sacrifices they endure to put Bob’s brother Nate through college. The two iconic composers and their librettists, with their varied backgrounds, sought to merge classical European and populist American music traditions to create a new kind of hybrid operatic form that is uniquely American. Down in the Valley, by German immigrant Kurt Weill, premiered in 1948 and is based upon a libretto by first generation playwright Arnold Sundgaard. Highway 1, U.S.A., by African American composer William Grant Still, premiered in 1963 and is based upon a libretto by his wife Verna Arvey, a daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants. This unique double bill is composed of two one act American operas rarely seen in New York City and never before seen together. Featured artists include sopranos Lynnesha Crump and Victoria Davis mezzo-soprano Sarah Nelson Craft, tenor Omar Bowey, baritones Kyle Oliver, Ron Loyd and bass-baritone Andrew Richardson, with other artists to be announced. The production is conducted by Harlem Opera Theater’s Music Director Gregory Hopkins, joined by LOTNY Associate Musician Catherine Miller at the piano. Highway 1, U.S.A. by William Grant Still, libretto by Verna Arveyĭown in the Valley by Kurt Weill, libretto by Arnold Sundgaard LOTNY’s new project pairs Highway 1, U.S.A. by William Grant Still, libretto by Verna Arvey, with Down in the Valley by Kurt Weill, libretto by Arnold Sundgaard. Student rush tickets will also be available in person at the box office two hours prior to showtime. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at.
Performances: Thu-Fri at 8pm, Sat at 2 & 8pm, Sun at 3pm. The little OPERA theatre of ny (LOTNY) will present American One Acts, a double bill, conducted by Gregory Hopkins and directed by Philip Shneidman, from May 31 – Jat Baruch Performing Arts Center, 55 Lexington Avenue, NYC.
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