Tulsa Opera to Present THE GIVER, 1/10-11

Tulsa Opera will present composer Susan Kander's opera The Giver on January 10 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and on January 11 at 2:30 p.m. in the John H. Williams Theatre at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

The Giver is performed by more than 30 members of the Tulsa Youth Opera program, including Thoreau Demonstration Academy student Dylan Harmon, who portrays the principal role of Jonas. Tulsa Opera Studio artists perform the adult roles and the production is accompanied by members of the Tulsa Opera Orchestra under the baton of Aaron Beck. The opera is staged by frequent Tulsa Opera guest director Stanley M. Garner. Scenic design is by Erin Turner, and Deb Smith provided costume design.

Kander's opera is based on Lois Lowry's much-beloved, bestselling young adult novel, published in 1993. The book won the 1994 Newbery Medal and has sold more than 10 million copies. It was also adapted as a 2014 motion picture starring Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges. The opera was commissioned by Kansas City Lyric Opera and Minnesota Opera, and received its world premiere in Kansas City in 2012.

The Giver tells the story of a seemingly utopian society free from pain or strife, but also devoid of color and memory. When Jonas is selected to receive the community's ancient memories, utopia is revealed as dystopia and his carefully ordered world begins to unravel.

Advance tickets to The Giver are $8 for students and $12 for adults and may be purchased online via www.tulsaopera .com or at the Tulsa Opera (918.587.4811) or Tulsa Performing Arts Center (918.596.7111) ticket offices.