Appalachian Opera

Carlisle Floyd's neo-romance Susannah blends folk tale, hymns and melodies to create the spirit of an all-American, Appalachian tale. Presented by the Lyric Opera for the first time in 25 years, In this new production from director Patricia Racette, Daniela Candillari conducts a performance which features Gabriella Reyes in the role of Susannah and Ryan Speedo Green, in his Lyric Opera debut, stepping into the role of Olin.

What Is The Story?

Beautiful, young and free, Susannah is the target of gossip in the Appalachian community where she lives. Husbands stare and wives judge, and things just get worse when the Elders stumble upon her bathing naked in the woods. The hypocrisy of the town is only worsened by Olin Blitch, the new preacher whose attempts to save her soul are just as likely to be her downfall.