Benjamin Britten’s Operatic Thriller Continues the Spirit of Halloween

 

Photography by John Cahill.

 

Continuing the spirit of Halloween, CCM Opera Theatre and the Philharmonia Orchestra join forces to present a fully staged concert version of Benjamin Britten’s operatic thriller, The Turn of the Screw, in the Patricia Corbett Theater on the University of Cincinnati campus from November 5-7, 2010.

Based on the famous Henry James novella of the same name and described by Stephen King as “the quintessential ghost story,” The Turn of the Screw tells the story of a young governess hired to care for two young children on an isolated English manor estate. Shortly after her arrival the governess is haunted by two malicious ghosts who she fears are stalking her innocent charges. Determined to save the children, the governess battles the supernatural while struggling with the apparent complicity of the children. Benjamin Britten blends 12-tone technique, arresting motifs and stirring lyricism, as the “Screw” turns in this chilling tale of sexual repression and the corruption of innocence. Christopher Allen conducts and Amanda Consul directs. The opera will be sung in English with supertitles.

The Cast:

The Prologue – Ian Ramirez
The Governess – Megan Aylward
Mrs. Grose – Brandi Samules
Miles – Natalie Eccleston
Flora – Brooke Batchelor
Peter Quint – Marco Cammarota
Miss Jessel – Jennifer Cherest

Tickets for The Turn of the Screw cost $15 general admission, $10 non-UC students, UC students FREE.

Performance Dates:
Nov. 5-7
* Friday, Nov. 5, 8 p.m.
* Saturday, Nov. 6, 8 p.m.
* Sunday, Nov. 7, 2:30 p.m.

Location:
Patricia Corbett Theater, College-Conservatory of Music
University of Cincinnati