CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (May 19, 2023) — Cedar Rapids Opera presents its third free Juneteenth community event with the public world premiere of Charlie and the Wolf this summer. This charming new opera by Dave Ragland Jr and Mary McCallum explores an imaginary meeting between jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker and classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This charming new opera reminds us we all play with the same notes — just interpret them differently.

The opera will be produced in two locations this summer: The Englert Theatre in Iowa City on Sunday, June 18, and the Cedar Rapids Public Library in Cedar Rapids on Monday, June 19.

The cast features Kathiana Dargensen, Jacob Lay, Antoinette Pompe van Meerdervoort, and Mason Montuoro. It is directed by Chad Sonka with musical direction by Gail Williams.

Charlie and the Wolf was commissioned by Cedar Rapids Opera. Composer Dave Ragland is a four-time EMMY nominated composer, vocalist, and pianist, and Mary McCallum is an accomplished playwright and librettist.

The production is a perfect introduction to opera for audiences of all ages.

Best for ages 5 and up.

Event Details:

Sunday, June 18, 1PM

Englert Theatre

221 E Washington Street, Iowa City

Monday, June 18, 1PM

Cedar Rapids Public Library, Whipple Auditorium

450 5th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids

Tickets: FREE, and no reservations required

Learn more at cropera.org/juneteenth-2023.

Please contact Marketing Manager Katie Colletta at katie@cropera.org with additional questions.

The mission of the Cedar Rapids Opera (CRO) is to advance opera as a vital, living American art form and to develop the artists who create it, as well as the audience that appreciates and supports it. CRO was founded in 1998 by Artistic Director and Conductor Dr Daniel Kleinknecht. Since that time, it has produced two to three operas annually, including a full-scale, mainstage opera, and a full-scale, Young Artist Production. CRO is committed to artistically- and technically-exceptional productions and engaging high-caliber vocalists locally and internationally. CRO is one of only two professional opera companies in the state, and the 2022-23 Season will mark its 25th anniversary.

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