ENCOMPASS MAINSTAGE PRODUCTION

TRANSATLANTIC

by George Antheil

1981 American Premiere

Photo Credit: The Trentonian

“The Encompass production - directed by Nancy Rhodes and conducted by William Graham - is a snazzy piece of business in all respects, and the cast shone. The staging, sets, costumes and choreography of Transatlantic exploit the ‘20s ambience to the maximum, with all the verve of the period… There are numerous brilliant touches in both [the] vocal line and orchestra.”
- Michael Redmond, The Star Ledger

Originally titled “The People’s Choice,” George Antheil’s first opera was written in Paris and Vienna in 1928 and performed in Germany by the Frankfurt State Opera in 1930. The plot revolves around the election of an American president, with big business and organized crime trying to influence the outcome. Amidst the tales of laundered money, show girls and speakeasies, this is a love story as well as the first American political opera, predating George Gershwin’s “Of Thee I Sing” by several years.

Written in English, with a libretto that uses American folk tunes and jazz melodies, it was translated for the German performance and its name changed to “Transatlantic.” Despite touches that bewildered Antheil on opening night — the gangsters were dressed like cowboys — the opera received 20 curtain calls.

When the curtains open on the first act, an ocean liner is docking in New York Harbour, with the presidential candidate and the woman he loves singing on the deck. Other scenes are hardly less spectacular — there is a suicide attempt on the Brooklyn Bridge, a visit to a speakeasy frequented by tuxedo-clad gangsters, and an aria sung by a soprano from her bathtub.

“The ‘20s come roaring to life in Antheil’s Transatlantic. The singing is as fine as you will hear in almost any opera house today… Director Nancy Rhodes has evoked good acting performances from the singers…”
- Donald P. Delany, Trenton Times

“The Encompass production was well-staged… the choreography was excellent… Costumes and dances were authentic for the ‘20s… the stage settings reflect the rakish look of the New York skyline early in the century… the opera is carried by the two strong voices of the two leads…”
- Ed Leefeldt, The Trentonian

CAST (in order of appearance)

Hector Jackson, the Presidential Candidate: Martin Wright
Helena, his mistress: Diana Rubin
Ajax: Charles Damsel
Jason: Steve Pearlston
Leo: Charles Walker
Gladys: Jane Garzo
Revue Dancer: Terry Kirwin
Henchmen/Goons: Chris Allen, Edwin Cardona, Joel Thompson
Ensemble/Dancers: Janice Lamb, Kriss Larsen, Robin Lyon,
Carolyn Sebron, Donald Sternfeld, Jesse Stokes, Beth Williams

CREDITS

Directed by Nancy Rhodes
Musical Director/Conductor: William Graham
Assistant Music Director/Vocal Coach: Dale A. Johnson
Technical Director: Frank Sullivan
Stage Manager: Chris VanScott
Production Assistant: David Bjorkadaan
Choreographed by Judith Haskell
Adaptation and Scenario: Nancy Rhodes
New English Version by Drew Jewett
Sets by Holmes Easley Lighting by Jason Kantrowitz
Costumes by Ann Hould-Ward Makeup by Antonio Belo

Orchestration by Frank Johnson
Female Impersonator’s Song, Words, and Music by Drew Jewett
Musical Preparation by Dale A. Johnson
Preparation and Supervision of Musical Materials by John V. Allen

ORCHESTRA

1st Violins 2nd Violins
Martin Agee, Concertmaster David Clampitt, Principal
Susan Shumway Valery Shevchenko
Sani Ronkin

Violas: Scott Hosfeld, Marcia Kaufmann
Celli French Horns
Warren G. Weis, Principal Paul Riggio, Principal
Andrew Scholtz Penelope Britton
Flute: Barbara Siesel Oboe: Beth Orson Clarinet: Susan Wahling
Bass: Robert Zimmerman Bassoon: Cynthia Gady
Trombone: Paul Geidel Trumpet: William Harrison
Piano: Susan Woodruff Percussion: Andrew Bowman

ENCOMPASS NEW OPERA THEATRE

Producer: Roger Cunningham
Managing Director: Stephen Simon
Artistic Director: Nancy Rhodes