KEARNEY – The latest Loper Opera production is a little different than the rest.
It was filmed in front of a green screen, allowing UNK students to continue performing while adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols.
The 75-minute show, “I’m a Stranger Here Myself: Kurt Weill in America,” features 17 songs, including six jazz arrangements created specifically for this production. It’s a revue of music written by Weill after he immigrated to the U.S. in 1935.
A free broadcast of the Loper Opera production is available 2-10 p.m. Sunday (May 2) through Vimeo. Online audience members can begin watching the show any time during that window. Both the broadcast and production program can be viewed at unk.edu/opera.
“The performing arts have experienced many challenges in the past year to create meaningful artistic events for performers and audiences during this extraordinary time of COVID. I am proud of the work the students have done and grateful for supportive, creative colleagues who are always willing to collaborate in new and meaningful projects that bring high visibility to the university and provide rewarding experiences for our students,” said musical director Anne Foradori, who organized the project.
The cast consists of UNK students Steven Boldt, Terran Homburg, Kylee Esquivel, Cole Perkins, Hannah Petersen and Maximum Wohler, as well as guest artist Kamara Graves, a 2003 musical theater graduate. UNK student Emma Newman served in a variety of positions, including stage manager.
Faculty and staff involved in the production are:
Janice Fronzcak, director
Anne Foradori, musical director
Marilyn Musick, pianist
Noelle Bohaty, cinematographer
David Greenberg, sound supervisor/mixing engineer
