With the loosening of COVID-19 regulations, performing arts are making a comeback with an increase in in-person performances. William Jewell College and its Department of Performing Arts are following along with this trend and recently announced an upcoming opera performance of “Elizabeth Cree.”
“Elizabeth Cree” is a 90-minute Victorian murder mystery opera written by Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell that features singers from the Artist Diploma in Voice program, undergraduate students in theatre and voice and faculty members of the Department of Performing Arts.
“Elizabeth Cree” will be conducted by Dr. Anthony Maglione, Director of Choral Studies and associate professor at Jewell, and directed by Kathleen Smith Belcher, an adjunct instructor in the Performing Arts department. The performance was designed by Professors Nathan Wyman and Julianne Donovan with guest artists Scotty Wiggins, Kris Kirkwood and Zoe Spangler.
The cast, crew and faculty have all spent time rehearsing and preparing for their performances – they are excited to share their work with the Jewell community.
“There are so many beautifully written and sung moments in this show that I’m looking forward to seeing the audience react to,” Sa’Von Hayes, a sophomore music education major, said.
Two performances will be held: one on Sept. 30 and one on Oct. 3; both at 7:30 p.m. in the Trotter Arts Plaza between Pillsbury Music Center and Brown Hall. These performances are free and open to the William Jewell Community with no ticket purchase necessary, but donations will be accepted.
With the performance outside, the audience should bring blankets and lawn chairs to sit on during the show. If there is inclement weather, the performance will be moved into Gano Chapel and masks will be required.