PREVIOUS PRODUCTIONS
RIDERS TO THE SEA
June 9–11, 2023
Off-Brand Opera's production of Riders to the Sea asks a simple question: What is the difference between opera and musical theater? This adaptation by Phoebe Corde and Jake Landau features for the first time a cast of musical theater performers, despite its performance history as an opera. Through reverent dramaturgical and musical transformation, Riders becomes a new musical with its most modern dramatic and musical moments newly illuminated in this profoundly experimental production.
Music by Ralph Vaughan Williams
Based on the play by John Millington Synge
Adaptation by Phoebe Corde and Jake Landau
Directed by George Abud
Assistant Directed by Sadie Veach
Music Directed by Jake Landau
Featuring Clarum Sonum, conducted by Rider R. Foster
OFF-BRAND ON-TARGET
April 15, 2023
In a partnership with Brooklyn’s Industry City and Wild Captives archery, Off-Brand Opera presented an immersive concert. Guests were invited to try their hand at the archery range while listening to a concert of opera and theater excerpts alongside favorite selections from previous productions.
This event featured performers from Off-Brand Opera’s previous and future productions, including Broadway’s Dan Hoy (Harmony), Sam Gravitte (Wicked), and George Abud (The Band’s Visit).
Off-Brand Opera and Wild Captives share the mission of promoting and celebrating equity and inclusion in their fields. All donations received at this event are committed to use furthering this mission in upcoming projects.
CAROUSEL
December 9-11, 2022
Off-Brand Opera returned this December with a fresh take on Carousel, the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. In a small coastal town, romance between carnival barker Billy Bigelow and millworker Julie Jordan comes at a steep price. Desperate to provide for his family but unable to control the violent impulses that threaten his dearest relationships, Billy makes a series of devastating choices that test the power—and limits—of justice, redemption, and forgiveness.
Off-Brand Opera’s production of Carousel leaned into a nuanced exploration of the societal forces that shape our characters’ lives and decisions. From non-traditional casting that challenge perceptions about gender to varied vocal styles that emphasize our characters’ emotional arcs, our Carousel is a story about real, complicated people and the community that gives them strength.
This performance was an Equity Approved Showcase, performed in restaurant Bella Ciao’s intimate basement cabaret space, with dinner and drinks available before and during the show for an immersive dinner theater experience.
SPARK: an experimental debut concert
May 13 & 14, 2022
Off-Brand Opera *got lit* at Soapbox Gallery this May with our first concert, SPARK!
Showcasing the work of composers, choreographers, and writers who represent nearly 400 years of theatrical history, SPARK presented an evening of interdisciplinary songs and scenes that transformed traditional operatic elements to tell contemporary stories. This program was entirely comprised of new and newly-transformed work, from world premieres to re-devised, arranged, and freshly translated reimaginings of the classical repertoire.
Audience members were invited to get to know the artists behind Off-Brand Opera over wine and themed mocktails as they mingled between numbers at this intimate event.
INTO THE WOODS
November 19-21, 2021
Off-Brand Opera’s inaugural season kicked off with three performances of Stephen Sondheim’s Broadway fairytale classic, Into the Woods, on November 19-21 at Alchemical Studios (104 W 14th Street). In this production, Off-Brand Opera explored what happens when a diverse set of musicians bring their own performance styles and techniques to a classic show. The cast and pianists come from backgrounds in opera, musical theater, pop, folk, and cabaret.
Into the Woods was thrilled to have three fabulous audience members appear as the Giant: Shanti Hossain, Tom Benz, and Lou Ann Salkin! These audience members were the winners of our auction and joined our cast to perform this off-stage speaking role in one of the production’s immersive aspects.
