Mission Opera is set to present “Susannah” by Carlisle Floyd, an American Musical Drama adapted from the Apocryphal tale of “Susannah and the Elders” set in the 1950s Bible Belt Appalachia. 

Mission Opera is set to offer the show three different times next month. 

The shows are scheduled for Friday June 9, 2023 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday June 10, 2023 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Canyon High School Performing Arts Center in Santa Clarita.

Floyd’s “Susannah” is one of the most-performed American operas of all time, according to officials. 

Composed 50 years ago at the height of the McCarthy era persecutions, it is a flawlessly effective melodrama focused on an innocent woman victimized by a narrow Evangelical community in rural Tennessee, according to officials.

“It speaks straight to the heart through music of uninhibited tonal simplicity and Pucciniesque fervor,” according to the Daily Telegraph.

Meagan Carlson and Jeannine Allen (Sat matinee) star as Susannah, the beautiful Appalachian girl who innocently incites the lust of her church Elders, leading to her denouncement as a sinner. 

Mission Opera veterans Gabriel Manro and Phil Meyer (Sat matinee) star as the deleterious Reverend Olin Blitch, who cannot overcome his own desire for Susannah, and newcomer Arthur Miller stars as Susannah’s brother, Sam, who seeks revenge on the preacher. 

Ben Cross makes his Mission Opera debut, sharing the role of Little Bat McLean, with veteran performer Dylan F. Thomas of Valley Opera & Performing Arts. 

Maestro Brian Stone returns to the helm of the orchestra with Music Director & Accompanist Lindsay Aldana.

The production is directed by Mission Opera Artistic Director, Dr. Joshua Wentz and features a multimedia design on the 46′ LED screen, creatively combining traditional theater with contemporary video design and virtual settings, according to officials. 

“This show is a wonderful treat for anyone who doesn’t know about opera but loves musicals and theater. This hybrid show features folk music, dance and an experience that one would more likely find on Broadway than in an opera house,” officials said. 

The entire performance is expected to last two hours and five minutes, which includes a 15 minute intermission, according to officials. 

Four tiered level tickets are available for this live show ranging from $30 to $55 and sold online, or through Eventbrite.

Student and Senior tickets are available for $20 with ID at the box office.

Concessions and merch sold before the show and during intermission.

Promo code EARLYBIRD available until 5/20 for $10 off all tickets.

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