“I’m an idea, not a man,” sings Cosmic Ray, a comic book character at the center of the original opera by Eric Lindsay and Tracy Truels. The story follows Chris, a 20-something nerd—who still lives in his parents’ basement—as he gets ready to go to ComicCon, a convention for comic book fans, and reflects on his path in life.
Claire DiVizio, executive director of the Louisville-based company that focuses on new opera, said the characters will resonate with young audiences.
"It’s a very relatable story, especially for people between the ages of 15 and 40 who have had these times in their lives, who have this fascination with new media and comic books and these types of things," DiVizio said.
This is only the second production of the opera since its 2014 premiere at New Voices Opera in Bloomington, Indiana. The music itself may surprise audiences who are expecting traditional opera.
"It’s a very rock and jazz inflected score. There’s a band in the pit, so there’s a drummer and electric bassist in the pit along with some other classical instruments," said DiVizio.
"It’s a rollicking good time—tons of fun."
“Cosmic Ray and the Amazing Chris” will be performed this weekend at Walden Theatre. Here's more information.
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