Kentucky Opera continues 64th season with Three Decembers; Denyce Graves leads cast


Kentucky Opera continues its 64th season with an new production of Three Decembers starring African-American actors and backed by all local designers. The original new take on this Jake Heggie opera features reimagined sets, staging, lighting and costumes.

Denyce Graves leads the cast of 'Three Decembers.' (Photo provided)
Denyce Graves leads the cast of ‘Three Decembers.’ (Photo provided)

In addition, the production “continues a process of artistic risk-taking and innovation set in motion by the late David Roth,” according to a press release from the organization. Roth, who was general director, passed away in July.

According to Kentucky Opera, this intimate chamber opera peels back decades of misguided love, secrets, resentment and unacknowledged family. Three Decembers is a beautifully poignant and heart-wrenching work that reminds us all we do not get to choose the family we are born with. Heggie drew from his own personal journeys to write Three Decembers, but its themes of acceptance and integrity register across all demographics and family dynamics.

Mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves leads the cast as Madeline Mitchell, along with Nicole Joseph as Bea. William Florescu, of Milwaukee’s Florentine Opera, directs. The opera will be conducted by Robert Wood.

Show dates are Friday, Nov. 13, and Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Brown Theatre, 315 W. Broadway in Louisville. Tickets start at $34. Single tickets can be purchased here.

Kentucky Opera was founded in 1952 and designated the State Opera of Kentucky in 1982. The mission of Kentucky Opera is to entertain and educate a broad, diverse audience by producing opera of the highest quality. The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, supports Kentucky Opera with state tax dollars and federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.


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