Austin Opera performance of 'The Manchurian Candidate' at the Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin, Texas on November 7, 2024. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
A web of political intrigue, mind control, and murder unfolds in Austin Opera's electrifying production of The Manchurian Candidate. This Pulitzer Prize-winning opera, composed by Kevin Puts and libretted by Mark Campbell, returns to the Long Center stage after its 2016 triumph.
Baritone Mark Diamond stars as the unsuspecting soldier, Sgt. Raymond Shaw, caught in a sinister plot orchestrated by his own mother, Eleanor, portrayed by soprano Mary Dunleavy. Soprano Rachel Blaustein and bass-baritone Kyle Albertson round out the cast as Shaw's former girlfriend and her powerful father.
Grammy-winning tenor Frederick Ballentine makes his Austin Opera debut as Captain Ben Marco, the only man who can uncover the truth and stop the assassination attempt. Directed by Alison Moritz and conducted by Timothy Myers, this production is a thrilling ride through a world of shadows and secrets.
Tickets for performances
Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 2:00 pm
Cast and Creative Team
Conductor - Timothy Myers
Director - Alison Moritz
Sergeant Raymond Shaw - Mark Diamond
Eleanor Iselin - Mary Dunleavy
Captain Ben Marco - Frederick Ballentine
Jocelyn Jordan - Rachel Blaustein
Johnny Iselin - Kyle Albertson
Andrew Hanley - Donnie Ray Albert
Rosie Chayney - Jamie Van Eyck
Music - Kevin Puts
Libretto - Mark Campbell
Scene Design - Vince Herod
Projection Design - Greg Emetaz
Lighting Design - Kathryn Eader
Austin Opera
Austin Opera, honored as “Opera Company of the Year” in a nationwide BroadwayWorld.com poll, engages 35,000 community members each year through its three mainstage productions, the innovative Opera ATX series, a digital concert channel, and a diverse array of educational and community programs.
Since its founding in 1986, Austin Opera has inspired Central Texas audiences with a unique blend of artistic excellence and innovation. Under the guidance of General Director & CEO Annie Burridge and the Sarah and Ernest Butler Principal Conductor & Artistic Advisor Timothy Myers, Austin Opera curates a season of grand opera productions at the Long Center, Austin’s premier performance venue. Showcasing American and international talent alongside local Orchestra and Chorus members, Austin Opera presents both accessible renditions of classic operas and bold new works that underscore opera’s lasting relevance.
Opera ATX, Austin Opera’s platform for boundary-pushing productions, brings emerging artists, composers, and directors to the city. Tapping into Austin’s live music culture, Opera ATX captures the city’s innovative spirit by presenting opera in alternative venues and forming unique local partnerships. Fueled by Austin Opera’s commitment to audiences, to the art form, and to the city, Opera ATX offers audiences transformative experiences that redefine what opera can be.
Austin Opera also serves hundreds of classrooms across Central Texas, cultivating future audiences with its award-winning education programs. Partnering with educators, community leaders, and families, Austin Opera makes opera accessible, engaging, and educational for students of all ages, with much of its educational content available online at no cost.
Austin Opera became the first United States opera company to introduce a weekly digital concert series, Live from Indy Terrace. This series has since evolved into a digital programming channel, extending the company’s reach to thousands in the community and beyond.
Timothy Myers
Timothy Myers is a dynamic and innovative conductor, recognized for his passionate performances, insightful interpretations, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of opera. With a career spanning renowned opera companies and orchestras worldwide, Myers has established himself as a leading figure in the classical music world.
As the Sarah and Ernest Butler Music Director of Austin Opera, Myers has spearheaded groundbreaking projects such as the PBS specials Bella Noche de Música and An All-Star Concert, as well as a unique production of Tosca at the Circuit of the Americas. He is also the newly appointed Music Director of the Spoleto Festival Orchestra, where he will lead performances of diverse symphonic and operatic repertoire.
Beyond the stage, Myers is a sought-after thought leader, sharing his insights on leadership and innovation at prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School and SXSW. His podcast, Listening on Purpose, explores the power of listening and connection through conversations with renowned guests.
A champion of new music and emerging talent, Myers has collaborated with leading composers and conducted numerous world premieres. His extensive discography includes recordings with major labels, and he is a passionate advocate for music education and the next generation of artists.
With his artistic vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering dedication to excellence, Timothy Myers continues to inspire audiences and redefine the possibilities of classical music.
Austin Opera
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