The Romance of The Rose

Composer Kate Soper Director James Darrah Music Director Christopher Rountree

(2023)

The Romance of The Rose Reviews & Press

  • Los Angeles Times Logo

    "To leave the theater dazed by a new opera — that operates on several topsy-turvy levels at once propelled by nonstop invention — is one thing. To be still processing where the humor ends and the meaning begins, even after time to reflect, is another much rarer and more valuable thing."

    Mark Swed

  • The New York Times Logo

    "Soper’s text is so sly and eloquent — 'Since the truth’s thus riddled with such tears, the essential question’s not ‘What is the truth?’ but ‘Who cares?’' — and her music so eclectic and quick-shifting that her work keeps you engaged even when you’re a bit baffled."

  • Wall Street Journal Logo

    "Composer and librettist Kate Soper’s inventive ... adaptation of a 13th-century French poem at Long Beach Opera explores the messiness of romantic love."

The Romance of The Rose Impact

In 2023, Long Beach Opera delivered a groundbreaking performance of THE ROMANCE OF THE ROSE, a genre-defying masterpiece composed by Kate Soper and directed by James Darrah. This operatic adventure embarked on a quest to explore the complexities of human folly, artfully blending comedy and fantastical elements.

The production unfolded as a narrative of epic proportions, captivating audiences with its inventive storytelling. Pulitzer Prize finalist Kate Soper, known for her unique compositional voice, crafted a musical journey that defied convention. Her composition featured a mesmerizing blend of modernistic dissonance, madrigalistic elegance, auto-tuned didacticism, and lush Romanticism, pushing the boundaries of traditional opera.

The talented cast, led by Tony Award nominee Lucas Steele as The Dreamer, delivered exceptional performances that resonated with the audience. Laurel Irene, Anna Schubert, Tiffany Townsend, and Tivoli Treloar, among others, breathed life into the allegorical characters of Shame, Lady Reason, Idleness, and The Lover. Their artistry illuminated the dreamlike world of the narrative, inviting viewers to contemplate the beauty and absurdity of human existence.

THE ROMANCE OF THE ROSE defied categorization, leaving its viewers dazed and intrigued. It delved into themes of love, morality, and the human condition, all while infusing a sense of humor that left audiences questioning where comedy ended and meaning began. This operatic marvel embraced abstraction and challenged narrative conventions, offering a refreshing perspective on the art form.

In the historic Warner Grand Theater, this production enchanted, charmed, and even terrified its audience, promising an unforgettable journey into the realm of artistic exploration. Kate Soper's fearless approach to composition, coupled with James Darrah's visionary direction, ensured that THE ROMANCE OF THE ROSE would be remembered as a daring and original theatrical experience.

The Romance of The Rose Cast & Creative

The Romance of The Rose Photos & Videos

The Romance of The Rose Venue

The Warner Grand Theatre

478 W. 6th St.
San Pedro, CA 90731

🔗 GrandVision.Org

This historic art deco theater, with its grandeur and architectural splendor, served as the perfect backdrop for a production that aimed to blur the lines between traditional opera and modern innovation. Its opulent design, characterized by pristine white courtyards and intricate detailing, created a visually stunning setting that transported the audience to a dreamlike world.

Moreover, the Warner Grand Theatre's rich history and sense of grandeur lent an air of timelessness to the production. This sense of history resonated with the themes explored in THE ROMANCE OF THE ROSE, as the opera delved into the profound juxtaposition of beauty and absurdity in human folly.