Houston Grand Opera to World Premiere ‘Marian’s Song’
By David Salazar(Credit: Lynn Lane)
The Houston Grand Opera is set to showcase the 68th world premiere in company history when it opens “Marian’s Song” on March 5 and 6, 2020 at the Cullenter of the Wortham Theater Center.
The opera, which is written by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton and composed by Damien Sneed, is based on the life of the legendary opera singer who broke down several barriers throughout her career. Anderson will be interpreted by Zoie Reams with Tina B as Neveah and Nicholas Newton as Billy King. Cynthia Clayton takes on the roles of Eleanor Roosevelt / Mrs. Roberts. Dennish Whitehead Darling directs the production.
“Bringing Anderson’s story to the forefront of our minds was necessary for me. To see a singer of such grace and humility navigate the harsh world around her, gives hope, for our generation, that we can too be unstoppable and make change,” stated Mouton in a press release.
“It is an honor to be commissioned by Houston Grand Opera to compose an opera about the life of one of the greatest African American artists ever. And working with the librettist Deborah Mouton has been an exciting journey. My prayer is that this work would live on for many years to come,” added Sneed.
