In celebration of the 100th anniversary of composer Scott Joplin’s death, OperaCréole, the Cripple Creek Theatre Company, New Orleans Airlift and the New Resonance Orchestra join forces to present his joyous opera “Treemonisha.” Starring soprano Kenya Lawrence Jackson as Treemonisha, the opera tells a story about a girl living in post-Civil War Arkansas. She is the only one who has been educated in her community of newly freed slaves, and wreaks havoc by denouncing the superstitions of ages past. Joplin stresses the importance of education for all to aid in liberation, equality, and the destruction of prejudice and superstition, all set to a fusion of classic European opera and American ragtime music. “Treemonisha” was never performed in Joplin’s lifetime, and very few have presented complete performances even today, making this an opportunity to see beautiful work that most of the world has missed out on.

The full cast is as follows:

Treemonisha: Kenya Lawrence Jackson, soprano
Ned: Terrance Brown , bass-baritone
Monisha: Ebonee Davis, soprano
Remus: Prentiss Mouton, tenor
Zodzetrick: Cameron Ware, tenor
Lucy: Kayla Lewis, sroprano
Lududd: Vance Vaucresson, baritone
Parson Alltalk: Mica Turner, baritone
Simon: Kentrell Roberts, bass-baritone
Andy: Mark-Anthony Thomas, tenor
Cephus: Dedrian Hogan, tenor

Ensemble:
Thaddeus Bailey, baritone
Givonna Joseph mezzo-soprano, OperaCréole founder

“Treemonisha” will be running for two days only, on Saturday October 21, and Sunday, October 22 at 7:00 pm at The Music Box Villlage at 4557 N. Rampart Street. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and are $25, or $40 for Reserved VIP seating at www.musicboxvillage.com.