Kurt Weill’s beautiful two-act “American Broadway Opera” Street Scene blends operatic arias and ensembles, show tunes and dance numbers, jazz and blues, creating an emotionally charged portrait of family and communal life among the multi-ethnic working-class and immigrants living in a crowded brownstone in New York City. The action is centered on the life-changing events of two oppressively hot summer days. Street Scene illuminates the tensions, despair, hopes and dreams of this community. Anna Maurrant, trapped in an unhappy marriage with her volatile and violent husband Frank, has found some solace in an affair with Steve Sankey. The gossips in the building spread the rumours about Anna’s betrayal of her husband. Rose, Anna’s daughter, is pursued by her boss, a married man. The gossips also spread stories about her, saying she is exactly like her mother. Rose resists her boss’ persistent attentions as her heart belongs to her neighbour, Sam, the aspiring young law student. Sam is in love with her as well and sings of his loneliness despite living amongst all of these people. Sam and Rose confess their love to each other and resolve to leave the street and have a better life together. Rose leaves and Sam muses about their future. Mr. Sankey, Anna’s lover, comes by and quickly goes up to the apartment. Sam, aware of the affair sits nervously on the front steps. Suddenly, Frank, Anna’s husband, returns and after seeing Sam’s panicked reaction, he runs up to the apartment, killing the lover and drastically wounding his wife. Chaos ensues and Frank escapes. Rose returns to find her wounded mother being taken away. The next day, Rose learns of her mother’s death and that her father was captured and taken to jail. The hateful gossip continues in the building tormenting Rose who is feeling lost and unworthy of her beloved Sam. She fears she will destroy his life. With great sadness, Rose tells Sam that she is not worthy of him and must leave. Sam is utterly devasted. The gossips observe it all and life continues on the street.With its rich musical variety and emotionally charged narrative, Street Scene offers an unforgettable glimpse into the dreams, tensions, and hopes of its characters.
Director Nancy Hermiston and the UBC Opera Ensemble will be joined by members of the UBC Symphony Orchestra and conductor Jonathan Girard.
The UBC Opera Ensemble presents Kurt Weill’s beautiful Street Scene from January 30th – February 2nd at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts!
Performances on January 30, 31 and February 1 at 7:30pm and February 2 at 2:00pm.
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