OPHELIA: OPERA IN BLUE

Shakespeare's tragic heroine roars into her own in Sergei Dreznin's gutsy reinvention of Hamlet. More than just a daughter, a sister, or a lover, Ophelia refuses to be bound by her place in the lives of men. Fusing grotesque absurdism, humor, and sweeping, virtuosic music – inspired by Kurt Weill – Ophelia explores the famous tale of Denmark's prince from a troubling new perspective. Amidst a looming bathtub and 5-piece jazz ensemble, this 40-minute musical epic works to unlock the mystery of Ophelia's madness.

Prospect Theater Company is thrilled to present the New York première of Ophelia: opera in blue as part of its Dark Night Series at the Hudson Guild Theatre. The American première of Ophelia opened at the Yale Cabaret in New Haven, Connecticut in 2004. Previous European performances of Ophelia's score include the Roter Engel in Vienna and the Moscow Chamber Opera. Sergei Dreznin (www.sergeidreznin.net) is well-renowned for his unusual interpretations and new versions of classic piano works, his highly original approach to music-theater, and his long-time collaboration with violinist Gidon Kremer. His innovative music-theatre works, particularly In Memoriam of September 11, have been covered in the Washington Post, Miami Herald, Baltimore Sun, Newsday, Moscow Times, and USA Today, as well as on CNN, Indonesian Television, and the BBC.

May Adrales received her MFA from the Yale School of Drama and directed the American première of Ophelia at the Yale Cabaret, of which she was Artistic Director from 2004-2005. May is a recipient of the Van Lier Fellowship at Second Stage Theatre and of the New York Theatre Workshop Directing Fellowship. She is also a Drama League Directing Fellow, a member of the Women's Project Lab, and a member of the SoHo Rep Writers/Directors Lab.

Ophelia features an ensemble of four, including David Matranga*, Ben Beckley, Lucas Howland*, and Marisa Michelson in the title role. The on-stage jazz ensemble is led by Mike Pettry (www.mikepettry.com). The creative team also includes designers Kanae Heike and Kate Cusack. [* Appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity.]