Boston Lyric Opera presents The Emperor of Atlantis (or Death Quits) with The After-Image

WHAT: Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) presents Viktor Ullmann’s The Emperor of Atlantis, or Death Quits, with a world-premier prologue, The After-Image, commissioned for BLO by composer and Harvard lecturer Richard Beaudoin. In this wry and uplifting tale, hope and humor triumph as Death defies an evil Emperor’s order to kill everyone in the world. BLO’s new Opera Annex production marks the first time a major opera company has staged The Emperor of Atlantis in New England.

WHO: BLO debuts include the internationally-renowned heldentenor John Mac Master performing Harlequin, bass Kevin Burdette as Death/Loudspeaker, and baritone Andrew Wilkowske as Emperor Overall. Soprano Kathryn Skemp returns as Bubikof and Boston-based mezzo sopranoJamie Van Eyck debuts as the Drummer in The Emperor. Julius Ahn performs the role of A Solider. Mr. Burdette will also sing the role of the Father in The After-Image, with Ms. Van Eyck signing the Daughter. Steven Lipsitt, Music Director of the Boston Classical Orchestra, conducts, with David Schweizer stage directing. Caleb Wertenbaker will design the sets, Boston University professor Nancy Leary the costumes, while Tony award-winner Christopher Akerlind will design the lights and David Remedios sound.

WHEN: OPENINGNIGHT:  Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 7:30pm ADDITIONAL  PERFORMANCES: February 2, 4, 5, 6m, 2011.

WHERE: The Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA, 527 Tremont Street, Boston

TICKETS: Tickets to The Emperor of Atlantis, or Death Quits are $33-$76, with discounts for groups and students, and can be purchased at  bostontheatrescene.com or by calling 617.933.8600 (TTY 617.424.0695). BLO subscribers save 15% by calling 617.542.6772.

The Emperor of Atlantis, or Death Quits and The After-Image will be sung in English. Each performance is preceded by a free (for ticket holders) half-hour Opera Preview lecture. Additional material is available on the opera’s web page at blo.org. 

BLO’s production of The Emperor of Atlantis, or Death Quits is sponsored by an anonymous family foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Fine Family Foundation.

(Press Release/ Boston Lyric Opera)