October 5 • 7:30 p.m.
October 6 • 8:00 p.m.
October 7 • 3:00 p.m.
Alexander Kasser Theater
Every seat: $15*
World Premiere - A Peak Production
Click HERE to watch a behind-the-scenes preview of Dog Days!
Know before you go! Click HERE to read the Dog Days libretto.
Composed by David T. Little
Libretto by Royce Vavrek
Based on the short story Dog Days by Judy Budnitz
Directed by Robert Woodruff
Music Direction by Alan Pierson
Set and Video Design by Jim Findlay
Lighting Design by Matt Frey
Costume Design by Vita Tzykun
Featuring John Kelly, James Bobick (baritone), Marnie Breckenridge (soprano), Cherry Duke (mezzo-soprano), Michael Marcotte (tenor), Peter Tantsits (tenor), and Lauren Worsham (soprano), with chamber ensemble Newspeak and special guests.
Join us for a special post-show Community Conversation with members of the creative team after the Friday, Oct. 5th performance!
American opera - Unleashed.
What does it mean to follow your instincts? Featuring world class vocal talent, Dog Days is a darkly comedic new opera brought to life through David T. Little's inventive combination of classical and contemporary music elements.
Based on the short story by Judy Budnitz, this world premiere investigates what happens when a working-class American family – and the “dog” appearing at their front door – is pitted against an apocalyptic scenario in the not-too-distant future. Featuring musical direction from Alan Pierson (artistic director for Alarm Will Sound and the Brooklyn Philharmonic), Dog Days was created in collaboration with librettist Royce Vavrek, and is directed by master auteur Robert Woodruff.
Please be advised: Production contains adult themes and content (language and violence).
News and Reviews
New York Times • review
Wall Street Journal • review
The Star Ledger • review
The Star Ledger • preview feature
WQXR's Operavore • preview feature
WYMMWIG - Steven Marsh's Arts Blog • review
Charter bus to and from Manhattan's Port Authority Bus Terminal is available for all Saturday and Sunday performances, $10 round trip.
Produced by Peak Performances in association with Beth Morrison Projects.
Dog Days was commissioned by Peak Performances at Montclair State (NJ). Selections from Dog Days were commissioned and presented by Carnegie Hall for the Weill Music Institute. Scenes from Dog Days were presented as part of New York City's Opera VOX Contemporary American Opera Lab. Supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
*Undergraduate students at MSU receive one ticket at no additional charge to every event through the Performing Arts Fee. Tickets may be reserved at the Alexander Kasser Theater Box Office, with a valid student I.D.
