“American Ghost Stories: Triple Feature” Showcases the Talents of BYU Voice Students Through Three Unique Operas Set in the Old West
American Ghost Stories: Triple Feature
Date & Time: Feb. 15, 18–22
Location: West Campus Mainstage Theatre
Price: $18–22
Tickets: Available online at BYU OnStage
Recommended for individuals ages 12 and up.
Audiences get three operas for the price of one with “American Ghost Stories: Triple Feature.” The School of Music production centers on tales of the Old West and will feature “No Ladies in the Lady’s Book,” “The Face on the Barroom Floor” and “The Medium.”
Shea Owens, BYU director of opera, welcomes audiences into a world of haunting melodies and captivating tales. “From the jazzy wit of ‘No Ladies in the Lady's Book’ to the spirited charm of ‘The Face on the Barroom Floor’ and the spine-tingling mystery of ‘The Medium,’ this production promises a night of laughter, chills and unforgettable music,” he said.
“No Ladies in the Lady’s Book,” with libretto by Rachel J. Peters and music by Lisa Despain, tells the story of women’s involvement in building the Transcontinental Railroad. In August 1869, Louis Godey published an article claiming that no women had helped build the railroad. In reality, women held at least 95 registered patents for inventions and innovations that directly related to the railroad. As the opera unfolds, various women visit Godey to set the record straight.
This isn’t the first time Rachel J. Peters and Lisa Despain have worked with BYU students. In 2023 they workshopped a new opera they were writing called “Staggerwing” about the first two female pilots to win the Bendix Trophy Air Race in 1936. That opera is now in the process of being published.
“The Face on the Barroom Floor,” with libretto by John S. Bowman and music by Henry Mollicone is a one-act opera inspired by the famous 1887 poem of the same name by Hugh Antoine d'Arcy. Set in a small Colorado saloon, the story weaves together the lives of three contemporary characters — a singer, her boyfriend, and a bartender — with a haunting tale from the past. Themes of love, jealousy and betrayal unfold as an unexpected painter’s creation blurs the lines between past and present.
Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Medium” tells the tale of Madame Flora who tried to cheat her clients through fake seances with the help of her daughter Monica and mute servant Toby. Flora is touched by a hand during one of the seances, and the unexplainable occurrence drives her to insanity and eventually murder.
Each of these three operas tells a different perspective of the American West through music and theatrics. This triple feature is an opportunity to experience a wide variety of opera in one performance.
“Don’t miss the chance to witness three unique stories, three vibrant styles and one unforgettable evening of opera,” Owens said.
Please note that this performance contains scenes with simulated gunshots and depictions of characters being shot, which may be startling or intense for younger audience members. Viewer discretion is advised, and it is recommended for individuals aged 12 and up. A family-friendly performance for all ages will be held on Feb. 22 at 11:00 a.m. in the West Campus Mainstage Theatre as part of the Family Concert Series. Thank you for your understanding and enjoy the show!