Opera Upper West to Stage Immersive GLORY DENIED on Aircraft Carrier for New York Opera Fest

Local immersive opera theatre, Opera Upper West, presents GLORY DENIED, an opera by Tom Cipullo based on the true story of America's longest serving prisoner of war, Colonel Floyd "Jim" Thompson.

This production will be presented aboard the Baylander IX-514, a decommissioned US Navy helicopter carrier from the Vietnam era docked at West Harlem Piers as part of New York Opera Fest (nyoperafest.com) June 2, 3, 9 & 10.

The opera GLORY DENIED written by New York composer Tom Cipullo is based on the oral history by Tom Philpott, described by Oliver Stone as "one of the most honest books ever written about Vietnam".

"At a time when American identity is being questioned, Opera Upper West invites audiences to step back into the '60s and '70s, another crucial time in American history. Aboard the Baylander IX-514, a US Navy vessel which served in the Vietnam War, GLORY DENIED explores the personal story of Jim and Alyce whose lives were irrevocably changed by the Vietnam War and America's shifting consciousness," says Alexandra Fees, Artistic Director.

Opera Upper West's production of GLORY DENIED is a part of the second inaugural New York Opera Fest (nyoperafest.com) a two-month celebration of New York's vibrant and varied opera community throughout May and June, 2017, with over 20 companies putting on more than 30 events in venues around the city.

IF YOU GO:

GLORY DENIED

Opera by Tom Cipullo

Based on the oral history by Tom Philpott

Approximate running time: 1 hour 30 minutes including 1 intermission

Pre-show 1960's social beginning on the Flight Deck at 7:30pm

Show begins at sunset on the Jungle Deck, approximately 8:30pm

Creative Team:

Stage Director, Alexandra Fees

Conductor, Phil Rashkin

Pianist, Ishmael Wallace

Cast:

Older Thompson, Adam Cannedy

Younger Thompson, Brett Pardue

Older Alyce, Margaret O'Connell

Younger Alyce, Jaely Chamberlain

About Opera Upper West

Opera Upper West is an immersive opera theatre located in the heart of New York City's Upper West Side dedicated to authentic drama rooted in the human experience. Opera Upper West curates environments that audiences enter to observe a timely topic through the lens of opera theatre. Opera Upper West intimately interacts with the Upper West Side community through exploratory classes, socially inspired performances, and strong relationships with local businesses.

For more information, visit the OUW Website, follow OUW on Facebook, OUW on Twitter, or go to the New York Opera Fest website.

To post a comment, you must register and login.