The opera Anna Christie, based on Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer Prizewinning play, is set to music by Edward Thomas (who turns 94 on Oct. 2) and a libretto by 98 year-old Joseph Masteroff. Thomas is a multi-talented musician who is equally at home in classical music, jazz, theater and commercial music genres. He has written numeorus television jingles, was honored with a Grammy-nomination for the London Symphony recording of his opera, Down Under the Elms (Naxos), produced seven Gold Records as well as legends including the likes of Julie Andrews, Leontyne Price, Vic Damone, and the Vienna Boy’s Choir. Masteroff is known to Broadway fans as the writer for “Cabaret” and “She Loves Me.” The cast includes a stellar list of singers from opera and the theater world including Frank Basille (Chris Christopherson); Jonathan Estabrooks (Mat Burke); Melanie Long (Anna Christie); Joy Hermalyn (Marthy Owen); and Mike Pirozzi (Larry the Bartender). The direction is by Nancy Rhodes, renowned stage director and artistic director of Encompass; and Julian Wachner conducts.

The sea is a powerful symbol in Anna Christie and Eugene O’Neill, having lived by the docks in New York City’s waterfront, was acquainted with sailors, booze, saloons and night life that he wrote about with passion and authenticity.

Encompass New Opera Theatre is a leader in championing American opera, and has produced more than 63 full-scale opera productions with orchestra and staged readings of more than 165 new works.

Performances: Thursday, Oct. 4, 11, 18 (8pm)
Friday, Oct. 5, 12, 19 (8pm)
Saturday, Oct. 6, 13, 29 (8pm
Sunday, Oct. 7, 14, 21 (3pm)