Spotlight on Opera: Carlisle Floyd’s ‘Susannah’
Carlisle Floyd’s 1950 opera “Susannah” is a true American classic, which makes it almost shocking that OTSL, with its commitment to American opera, has never produced it. That failure was supposed to be rectified this season, until COVID-19 got in the way. You can still learn about the opera and the planned production (to be rescheduled for a future season) on Saturday evening, when stage director Patricia Racette, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra resident conductor Gemma New and soprano Susanna Phillips discuss the opera and why it’s a classic. (Hint: It’s got great tunes and a strong story, based on the tale of Susanna and the lecherous elders who attempt to extort sex from her, an apocryphal addition to the Book of Daniel.) Saturday should have been the opening night for “Susannah,” which means that you can order a picnic dinner from Ces & Judy’s, delivered to your home.