Today, the Houston Grand Opera presents the world première performance of Jake Heggie's new opera, It's a Wonderful Life, with a libretto by Gene Scheer based on Philip Van Doren's Stern's story The Greatest Gift, made famous bythe 1946 Frank Capra film.
Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer have already work together on several projects, including operas Three Decembers (Houston, 2008), Moby-Dick (Dallas, 2010), Out of Darkness (Seattle, 2016).
This timeless tale follows a troubled banker whose guardian angel helps us realize the lasting impact our lives can have on those around us. (reproduced from the HGO website)The cast includes tenor William Burden (George Bailey), soprano Talise Trevigne (Clara), baritone Rod Gilfry (Henry F. Potter and Mr. Gower), soprano Andrea Carroll (Mary Hatch Bailey), baritone Joshua Hopkins (Harry Bailey) and tenor Anthony Dean Griffey (Uncle Billy). Patrick Summers conducts the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Leonard Foglia directs.
The opera should last about 2 hours and 20 minutes, with one intermission.
