For the child in all of us (ages 7+), Jupiter’s Journey to the Earth is a family-friendly chamber opera sung in English based upon the story of Philemon and Baucis from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. This new adaptation and production will mix puppeteers, opera singers and instrumentalists in a show the entire family can enjoy. Franz Joseph Haydn’s opera Philemon und Baucis, oder Jupiters Reise auf die Erde was originally written for a marionette theater at the Royal Castle of Esterhazy in the 18th Century. In the story, the gods look down upon the earth and observe mankind’s cruelty towards one another and the world in which they live. At first, the gods throw storms upon the earth as punishment for the humans’ bad behavior. But before destroying everything, the gods decide to search for any moral good remaining. Jupiter and Mercury descend upon the earth and discover a husband and wife whose kindness proves humanity is worth saving. Created by the little OPERA theatre of ny.
The new singing translation is by Mark Herman & Ronnie Apter, and the story is adapted and directed by Philip Shneidman. Conducted from the harpsichord by Elliot Figg leading a period instrument ensemble, the production will feature puppetry by Maria Camia, lighting and scenic design by Seth Reiser and costume design by Lara de Bruijn. Catherine Miller is the associate music director.
