On Stage This Week - "The Tender Land"

Postponed from a couple of weeks back but back on the schedule this week:

Marshall University Opera Theatre, together with the choral department of Cabell Midland High School and dancers of The Elite Performance Academy, will present Aaron Copland’s quintessential American opera, The Tender Land, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7, at Cabell Midland High School in Ona.

Tickets are $10 for adults. Students of high school age and below are free, and Marshall students will be admitted free with IDs.

The Tender Land is a bittersweet tale of coming of age for a young woman on the eve of her high school graduation. Faced with a life-changing decision, she leaves her hometown alone to find her own “promise of living.”

Like his earlier symphonic works, "Rodeo" and "Appalachian Spring," Copland’s opera displays truly American writing complete with folk melodies, a hoedown for dancers, and soaring lyrical singing. The opera was originally written for television and, though it was later revised for the stage, it is intimate and appropriate for young performers.

“I’m so appreciative of the support we have had in bringing this timeless musical drama to our region and for our collaboration with so many talented artists in our community,” said Linda Dobbs, professor of music at Marshall, who is directing the production. “David Castleberry, our Director of Choral Activities, painted our background scenery. Marlo Wentz and her terrific dancers bring Copland’s hoedown to life and when weather and illness forced us to move our performances from the Huntington campus, the CMHS Choir Boosters stepped in to help us provide the opportunity for our singers to present their work. As Copland says in the opera, ‘It promises to be a fine night.’”

For further information, persons may call the Marshall Department of Music at 304-696-3117.