Central College Students perform "Trouble in Tahiti"

Central College's Department of Visual and Performing Arts will present Leonard Bernstein's opera, "Trouble in Tahiti." This production will run Wednesday, Sept. 30, to Saturday, Oct. 3, in the Linda K. Glendening Recital Hall in Cox-Snow Music Center, with performances at 7 p.m.
This is the first time "Trouble in Tahiti" has been performed at Central. Sean Stephenson, assistant professor of music, is the director and music director. Ron Rybkowski, technical director of theatre, aids in the technical aspects of the show, with Cynthia Prickett Beschel as the choreographer. Together, they will be working with a cast, crew and pit orchestra of 26 students.

"'Trouble in Tahiti' is a 50-minute opera that depicts a day in the life of a stereotypical married couple in the 1950s," Stephenson says. "However, their marriage is in trouble, and each scene explores their challenging interpersonal dynamics and their complicated individual feelings. It's a tragedy, with some humor mixed in."

Known as one of the greatest American composers of the 20th century, Leonard Bernstein is best known for composing the music to the 1950s musical, "West Side Story." However, this short opera is somewhat autobiographical.

This opera documents Bernstein's experience growing up with two parents who had a difficult relationship. The heart-rending melodies, combined with the jazzy, upbeat tunes, allow the audience to feel Bernstein's personal attachment to his work.

Themes in this show are more adult-oriented, but not inappropriate for children. Purchase tickets at central.universitytickets.com. Tickets are $10 per person, or free with a Central ID.