May 3—12, 2013
The New Victory Theater / 209 West 42nd Street NYC
The Firework Maker's Daughter
A new opera by David Bruce and Glyn Maxwell based on the novel by Philip Pullman
The Composers
David Bruce, Composer
Glyn Maxwell, Librettist
The Cast
Mary Bevan (Lila), Soprano
James Laing (Hamlet), Countertenor
Amar Muchhala (Chulak), Tenor
Wyn Pencarreg (Lalchand), Baritone
Andrew Slater (Rambashi), Bass-Baritone
The Musicians
Owen Dalby, Violin
Bridget Kibbey, Harp
Danielle Kuhlmann, French Horn
Doug Balliett, Bass
Stas Venglevski, Accordion
Lance Suzuki, Flute
Sarah Beaty, Clarinet
Britton Matthews, Percussion
Luke Rinderknecht, Percussion
Creative Team
John Fulljames, Director
Andrew Cyr, Conductor
Dick Bird, Designer
Guy Hoare, Lighting Designer
Indefinite Articles, Puppetry Design
About the Opera
Metropolis Ensemble, led by Grammy-nominated conductor Andrew Cyr, is delighted to announce its collaboration with The Opera Group and Opera North: "The Firework Maker's Daughter" a new opera by David Bruce and Glyn Maxwell based on the enchanting novel by acclaimed author Philip Pullman. The family-friendly production will be presented May 3-12, 2013 at The New Victory Theater in New York City.
This captivating opera tells the story of one girl's quest to become a firework maker. Determined to master Crackle Dragons, Leaping Monkeys and Golden Sneezes, Lila tests her talents and gambles her good fortune as she parlays with pirates, grapples with ghosts and faces off with a ferocious fire-fiend.
"The Firework Maker's Daughter" features an internationally-inspired score by David Bruce and a witty libretto by Glyn Maxwell and a cast of five artists who enliven shadow puppets from Cambridge, England's Indefinite Articles. Metropolis artists, including nine players, will perform this chamber opera in two acts, set in a fantastical land where animals talk, goddesses reign and imps dwell.
"The Firework Maker's Daughter" makes its world premiere at Hull Truck in Yorkshire on March 23, 2013 and tours the UK including two weeks at the Linbury Studio, Royal Opera House in April, before coming to America and The New Victory Theater in May. Located in the heart of Times Square and 42nd Street, this historic jewel box theater (the oldest operating in New York City) is tricked out especially for families.
Co-produced by The Opera Group and Opera North in association with ROH2 and Watford Palace Theatre. Co-commissioned by The Opera Group and ROH2. Orchestral Partner: Metropolis Ensemble. Art credit for The New Victory Theater: Tom Slaughter. Photos courtesy of Robert Workman.