Composer and Librettist: Ashley Hastings
Conducted by Naomi Castro
Directed by Emily Pulley
Pianist: Nathalie Fortin
Tom Chance – Ryan Dixon, Counter Tenor
Joe – Marcus Peterson, Bass/Baritone
Celeste Owen – Jocelyn Claire Thomas, Soprano
Arthur Owen – Carson Lott, Tenor
Penny Pensive – Emily Pulley, Soprano/Mezzo-soprano
Verity Semper – Jocelyn Claire Thomas, Soprano
Free Men, a one-act chamber opera, takes place in the American South, shortly after the Civil War, in the early days of Reconstruction. Tom and Joe are gay and they quickly bond. This is their story.
In one act, The Dream asks “What happens when an author’s main character shows up at her door and demands changes in her story? Who’s awake? Who’s asleep? Who’s dreaming? Who knows?” This is Penny Pensive’s story.