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Lyric Theatre to premiere faculty member's jazz opera

By Tom Vogel
January 12, 2007

<I>The Love Sonnets of a Hoodlum</I>
The Love Sonnets of a Hoodlum, the second production of the St. Olaf Music Department's initial lyric theatre season, will be performed Jan. 24 and 25 at 8:15 p.m. in Urness Recital Hall. Hoodlum, a jazz opera, is the culmination of years of work by Associate Professor of Music James McKeel, who in the past has composed works not only for St. Olaf, but also for the Kennedy Center and the Minnesota Opera.

Hoodlum's story takes place in 1920s San Francisco, where it follows the exploits of gangster Willie McManus. McManus falls for a woman engaged to another man, and does everything in his power to win her affections. However, unfortunate events -- such as interventions by the police and even McManus' own gang -- obstruct his path. A cast of nearly 30 St. Olaf music majors brings the opera to life.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.