Western Carolina University’s School of Music took on a whole new challenge when creating this opera. From making sure Ron Rash’s works were honored and reflected in the inspiration of lyrics and feeling, a school-run musical collaboration with special guests, and an overwhelming amount of care and detail, down to the lighting and design work that shone through every inch of the stage. The Bardo Arts Center was filled to the brim to see the performance, and for good reason.
“Shelton Laurel: An Appalachian Opera” captured the hearts and minds of students, locals, and faculty alike on Friday, Jan. 23. The show was met with an almost sold-out debut, even with the impending weather shifting the dates.
The opera highlights a community, Shelton Laurel, making choices through the hard times of the Civil War. The heavy themes were reflected in tough family sacrifices, wartime dedication to a cause, and finding happiness surrounded by those who are there to remind you why life is worth living—even if it’s difficult. To start that story, Madison Garris, a WCU student playing Susannah Harmon, painted the picture of sticking by one’s family, even if it made things harder. Her character escaping a loveless and harmful marriage sets the rest of the story into motion.
With moving music conducting by Dr. Margaret Underwood, an emotional script by Dr. Damon Sink, and attention-grabbing scenic and lighting design by Scott Ashley and Ben Howard, this opera was set up for success. This does not even begin to scratch the surface of WCU chorus members, who helped the show hit all the right notes.
“I’m happy to be here to support my friends and fellow artists in the school. It’s a super interesting concept for an opera and this stage. It’s an incredible piece,” said Will Johnson, a sophomore student of Stage and Screen, who was there in support of soprano Alana Barwick.
He was not the only one there to support and learn.
“The inclusion of other professional guest talent must’ve been such an educational moment. The techniques and music set to opera can be difficult to match. They did so well,” said Lindsey Martin, a student of School of Music, after the show.
This sentiment was shared by not only the tons of students there to support fellow students—but by locals as well. The Bryson City Literary Ladies filled up the entire section and praised both Ron Rash’s inspirational work and their excitement to see it displayed on stage. This club raises money all throughout counties for literary and arts-related works.
“We’re all here to support the arts. We’ve been reading his works, and to see it in this format was spectacular. It was an amazing show, and we’re eager to see what the university has in the future,” said Deb Babcock, a member of the group.
The production caused an uproar of reaction after the final curtain was drawn. The crowd was buzzing with opinions—and from what was heard, it was all positive. From the beautiful lighting that reflected passing seasons, to the intimate moments where guest singers like Jake Surzyn from the Detroit Opera, who played John Shwver, one of the main characters, spoke to the audience members during the show, ensuring the crowd could connect with the grieving, all-encompassing feeling of the song.
It’s safe to say that WCU’s first production of an opera cements itself into history as a complete success. The emotion, dedication, amazing talent, and beautiful script writing will set the bar high for the rest of the shows this season.
