Photo Flash: First Look - Genesis Ensemble's UPTOWN OPERA, Opening 7/26

Genesis Ensemble premieres its latest original work, UPTOWN OPERA, an ensemble-devised performance and song project presented at the historic Preston Bradley Auditorium in Uptown. Conceived and directed by company member Annie Perry with original music by Phil Maniaci the opera will play Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 8pm, July 26 to August 19, 2013. Check out a first look below!

UPTOWN OPERA is a bluegrass and rock 'n' roll opera inspired by the history of Appalachians' migration to Chicago's Uptown neighborhood. Themes of home, family, displacement and love are addresses through the fifteen song score. Set in 1957, the opera tells the story of two sister's search for a place to call home.

The cast of UPTOWN OPERA is Claire Biggers (Saluda "Sally" Grace Wurlley), Ali Delianides (LulaJean Monroe), Dennis Frymire (Carmi Monroe), and Pete Navis (Curtis McAllister). The production team includes; company member Annie Perry (Director), Phil Maniaci (Composer), artistic associate Sergio Soltero(Assistant Director), company member Libby Hladik (Dramaturg), Kelli Kovach (Stage Manager) and Genesis Ensemble (producing & design). Musical Recordings by Phil Maniaci (piano, guitar, organ, string bass), Zebulun Barnow (drums, banjo, dobro, jaw harp, string bass), JorDan Lewis (mandolin and accordion), Eric Gebow (drums), Andy Olrich (fiddle), Pete Smith (banjo) and Jason Batchko (drums).

Tickets are $15, and available online at Brown Paper Tickets - genesisuptownopera.bpt.me.