On June 10, 2023, independent opera “Mr. Twister and the Tale of Tornado Alley,” will conclude its tour at Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum in Boston.

The work is written by composer and librettist Marc Hoffeditz, with stage direction and puppetry by Brenda Huggins, and performed by singer and climate activist Sonja Tengblad. Focusing on issues of climate change, the opera explores themes of weather science, with the North and South Winds personified through music performance and larger than life puppets.

The cast features baritone Marcus Schenck in the title role, tenor Leo Balkovets as Bobby, mezzo Isabelle Zeledon as South Wind, and soprano Marse Alaundra as North Wind. Costume design was done by Nancy Ishihara, with props by Maria Laid, and stage management by Jess Brennan.

The performance will be free to attend, and will be preceded by a puppet making workshop, where audience members can craft their own puppet for use in the interactive performance.