Louis Karchn's JANE EYRE to be Staged at The Kaye Playhouse

Louis Karchin's Jane Eyre, a full-length opera in three acts with a libretto by Diane Osen based on Charlotte Bronte's novel, will receive its world premiere on Thursday, October 20, 7:30pm with a second performance on Saturday, October 22, 8pm at The Kaye Playhouse (Hunter College). Jane Eyre is Karchin's second opera, composed in 2014, following his critically acclaimed one-act comic opera Romulus. The work draws on a cast of 9 singers, an orchestra of 34 musicians, and chorus. The production coincides with the 200th anniversary year of the birth of writer Charlotte Bronte.

Jennifer Zetlan sings the title role, with Ryan MacPherson performing the role of Rochester. Tom Meglioranza joins the cast as Roderick Ingram and St. John Rivers; Kimberly Giordano sings the role of Mrs. Fairfax; Katrina Thurman performs Blanche Ingram, and Adam Cannedy joins the cast as Mr. Mason and Mr. Briggs. The cast continues with David Salsbery Fry singing the role of Mr. Wood and Jessica Thompson as Diana and Mrs. Ingram. The ensemble includes Marisa Karchin, Michelle Kennedy, Caitlin Mead, Rachel Rosenberg, Alize Rosznai and Abigail Wright.

The artistic team includes Kristine McIntyre, Stage Director and Conductor Sara Jobin. Costumes are by Rachel Townsend, lighting is by Burke Brown and the scenic designer is Luke Cantarella. W. Wilson Jones is production manager and Isabella Dawis joins the production as rehearsal pianist.

Jane Eyre is part of the CCO's fall festival of five operas, this season created by, led by or about women, to take place in October throughout New York City and Brooklyn. Jim Schaeffer, the Center for Contemporary Opera's General and Artistic Director says about the CCO's upcoming performances, "I am delighted that our upcoming performances will be created by, led by and/or about women. Center for Contemporary Opera has always quietly supported female conductors, directors, and composers whenever possible, but this year we will put our commitment to creating opportunities for women in the classical music field front and center as we present a festival which centers around female contributors and performers."

Jane Eyre by Louis Karchin and Diane Osen

Thursday, October 20, 7:30pm and Saturday, October 22, 8pm

Tickets: $35

Contact: www.hunter.cuny.edu/kayeplayhouse or by phone at 212 772 4448

The Sylvia and Danny Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College,

Located at East 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues

Travel Directions: By subway -- Take the 6 train to the 68th Street/Hunter College station; or the F train to the 63rd Street/Lexington station; By bus --The M98, M101, M102, M103; or Crosstown M66 to East 68th Street and Lexington Ave.