This heartbreaking retelling of the biblical tale of “Susannah and the Elders” is considered the quintessential American opera. Set in the Appalachian Mountains, Susannah innocently incites the lust of the town elders, who demand their minister force her to repent sins for which she is not guilty. Carlisle Floyd’s use of idiomatic American folk song throughout the score captures the essence of Susannah’s plight and creates effective melodrama and lyrical storytelling solidifying Floyd’s place in the canon of great American composers. Wolf Trap Opera premiere.
View Wolf Trap Opera's digital program book for the performance.
Please be advised, this production contains realistic depictions of gun violence and sexual situations.
Conductor: Stephanie Rhodes Russell
Director: Dan Wallace Miller
Susannah Polk: Ann Toomey
Rev. Olin Blitch: Christian Pursell
Sam Polk: Robert Stahley
Little Bat McLean: Joseph Leppek
Members of the Wolf Trap Opera Studio
By purchasing a ticket to Wolf Trap, you agree to comply with all health and safety protocols that are in place at the time of the performance. Wolf Trap’s COVID-19 protocols are subject to change based on the CDC, Virginia, and National Park Service policies. Please check the policies and guidelines prior to your performance for the most up-to-date information.