The Michigan Opera Theatre presented Mark Adamo’s opera Little Women, in collaboration with the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, on March 11 and 12.  The MOT organized several community events leading up to the performance that were informative and entertaining.  

On February 9 at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, MOT Audience Engagement Coordinator Austin Stewart presented an Introduction to Opera from the Baroque period through contemporary American opera.   Members of the Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Artists performed excerpts from Mozart, Wagner, Verdi, Puccini, and Britten, as well as from Little Women. 

The Anton Arts Center in Mt. Clemens and its Executive Director Phil Gilchrist hosted “An Overture to Little Women” on February 17.  It was a wonderful opportunity to see and hear members of the cast perform arias from the opera in an intimate setting.  In addition, the galleries were open to be explored and admired before and afterward.  Dr. David DiChiera, founder and Artistic Director of the MOT was in attendance, along with Mr. Wayne Brown, President and CEO.  

On February 26 Austin Stewart presented a lecture “Whispered Secrets” at the Clinton Macomb Public Library.  Once again members of the Michigan Opera Studio Artists were on hand to perform arias from Little Women and meet Macomb County residents. 

Finally, the opera Little Women opened with a sold-out performance on Friday, March 11.  Before the performance, Dr. DiChiera held a question and answer session on stage with composer Mark Adamo and director Lawrence Edelson, who was making his MOT debut with this production.  The talented cast did an exceptional job binging the story of the March sisters to life.  The cast members were:  Briana Elyse Hunter (Jo), Joseph Michael Brent (Laurie), Clodagh Earls (Amy), Angela Theis (Beth), Laura Krumm (Meg), Lisa Agazzi (Alma March), Jeff Byrnes (John Brooke),

Mark Gardner (Gideon March), Diane Schoff (Aunt Cecelia), Branden C.S. Hood (Mr. Dashwood), and Brent Michael Smith (Fredrich Bhaer). 

After the performance on March 12, the IACS hosted an afterglow.  It was an honor to welcome Dr. DiChiera, and Mr. Brown, in addition to world-renowned tenor and Director of Resident Artist Programs Mr. Richard Leech, the cast and guests to our facility for a wonderful gathering.  

The IACS is grateful to MOT staff members Ms. Margarite Fourcroy, Chief Patron Officer, Ms. Andrea Scobie, Manager of Education and Community Programs, Patron Services Associates Ms. Rachele Wright, and Ms. Assia Likamanov, and Mr. Michael Hauser, Marketing and Public Relations Manager, for working with the IACS to coordinate our participation in these events.  Hopefully this is the beginning of many future opportunities to work together.