''Dog Days'' is an
opera
Opera is a form of History of theatre#European theatre, Western theatre in which music is a fundamental component and dramatic roles are taken by Singing, singers. Such a "work" (the literal translation of the Italian word "opera") is typically ...
by
David T. Little, to a libretto by
Royce Vavrek after the short story by
Judy Budnitz.
Performance history
''Dog Days'' was produced by Peak Performances at the
Montclair State University (New Jersey) in association with Beth Morrison Projects, and had its world premiere run from September 29 to October 7, 2012.
Robert Woodruff directed the production that starred
Lauren Worsham and performance artist
John Kelly. Scenic and video design was created by Jim Findlay, costume design by Vita Tzykun, and sound design by Matt Frey.
Alan Pierson was the production's Musical Director and conductor, with new music ensemble Newspeak serving as the on-stage band.
Scenes from ''Dog Days'' premiered at Zankel Hall at
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall ( ) is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It is at 881 Seventh Avenue (Manhattan), Seventh Avenue, occupying the east side of Seventh Avenue between 56th Street (Manhattan), 56th and 57th Street (Manhattan), 57t ...
on May 9, 2009, as part of the
Dawn Upshaw and
Osvaldo Golijov Young Artists Concert. Three arias from the opera-in-progress were subsequently presented by
American Opera Projects at Galapagos Arts Space, including the world premiere of ''Mirror, Mirror'' performed by soprano
Lauren Worsham.
In 2015, the work was staged at both the
Fort Worth Opera and
Los Angeles Opera with the original cast from the world premiere in Montclair. The work saw its New York City premiere at the
Skirball Center for the Performing Arts during the 2016
Prototype Festival. The work's European premiere took place at
Bielefeld Opera on February 27, 2016.
Original cast recording
The original cast recording of ''Dog Days'' was released on VIA Records on September 9, 2016. Recorded live at
REDCAT during the Los Angeles Opera presentation of the Beth Morrison Projects' production, the album was praised upon its release by
WQXR in New York as "a fine document...captured with pristine clarity...(a) valuable addition to the 21st-century discography". It was subsequently named one of the "Best 50 Albums of 2016" by
NPR Music, ranking at #19.
Roles
Synopsis
The opera follows an American family in the near future who slowly starve as war rages. One day, a man in a dog suit arrives on their property howling for scraps.
Reception
''
The New York Times
''The New York Times'' (''NYT'') is an American daily newspaper based in New York City. ''The New York Times'' covers domestic, national, and international news, and publishes opinion pieces, investigative reports, and reviews. As one of ...
'' stated: "It might all amount to mere provocation had Mr. Little and Mr. Vavrek not delivered a taut, nuanced work that clawed beneath the surface of every situation. Profanities pop like a string of firecrackers in Mr. Vavrek's libretto, yet its poetry is indelible and affecting. Mr. Little responded with music of emotional insight and charm, suggesting pop-music modes at times without ever resorting to pastiche. Harsh, angular lines and abrasive textures cede to wistful melodies and touches of hymnody; unorthodox instrumental techniques enhance mood without distracting."
''
The Wall Street Journal
''The Wall Street Journal'' (''WSJ''), also referred to simply as the ''Journal,'' is an American newspaper based in New York City. The newspaper provides extensive coverage of news, especially business and finance. It operates on a subscriptio ...
'' stated'':'' "This gripping two-hour opera
..wastes no time: A taut libretto and varied, original music deliver its grim story like a punch in the stomach."
''
The Star-Ledger'' stated: "The work seamlessly melds emerging and veteran artists with distinctive viewpoints and serious craft. Little's rhythmically driven score is stylistically diverse but cogent, fusing impeccable classical vocal writing, heavy metal, and musical theater. Royce Vavrek's libretto shifts from coarse, plainspoken banter to poetic musings."
References
External links
''Dog Days'' Beth Morrison Projects
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dog Days (Opera)
2012 operas
English-language operas
Operas
Operas set in the United States