Lee University’s Opera Theatre program will present two one-act operas, “Down in the Valley” by Kurt Weill and “Trouble in Tahiti” by Leonard Bernstein, in a four-night production directed by James Frost, associate professor of voice at Lee. 

Performances will take place in the Dixon Center Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 27-March, at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee on Sunday, March 2, at 3 p.m. 

“Down in the Valley” is a folk opera which uses many well-known American melodies, such as “Down in the Valley” and “The Lonesome Dove.” It was originally composed and conceived for the radio but was re-written for the stage at a later date. “Trouble in Tahiti” is based on the relationship of Bernstein’s own parents. It encapsulates one day in the life of an unhappy married couple who have lost touch with each other. Bernstein not only composed the music but also wrote the text. 

“I am beyond excited to be playing Dinah in this upcoming performance of ‘Trouble in Tahiti,” said Lily Allen, a senior vocal performance major. “Mr. Frost has challenged and encouraged me to develop the skills I will need for my future profession. The most profound lesson I’ve learned through my time in Opera Theatre is the perseverance to offer the best of my God-given abilities, 100% of the time.” 

Opera Theatre, directed by Frost, was started in the spring of 1998 by the now retired professor Tony Deaton, as a workshop and has grown into a production organization performing a Musical Revue in the fall semester, a fully-staged opera from both standard and less traditional repertoire in February, and an Opera Scenes program during the spring semester. 

Tickets are $8 per person and seating is limited to 150 seats per performance. Tickets are available for purchase at LeeUOperaTheater.eventbrite.com.

For more information about Lee’s Opera Theatre, contact Frost at [email protected].