New American Opera Series Planned

Opera Pacific will launch a series devoted to new American operas with Mark Adamo’s “Little Women,” May 12-20, 2001, at the Irvine Barclay Theatre.

Based on Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel, “Little Women” was commissioned by the Houston Grand Opera, which premiered the work in 1998. It is Adamo’s first opera.

Jake Heggie’s “Dead Man Walking,” based on Sister Helen Prejean’s bestseller, will be produced as part of Opera Pacific’s 2001-02 season at the Orange County Performing Arts Center. Playwright Terrence McNally wrote the libretto. The work was commissioned by San Francisco Opera, which will give the premiere in October.

William Bolcom’s “A View From the Bridge,” based on Arthur Miller’s play, will be produced in Opera Pacific’s 2002-03 season at the center. Miller collaborated with Arnold Weinstein in adapting the play. The opera will be premiered in October by Lyric Opera of Chicago and will move the following season to the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

Members of Opera Pacific’s new resident artist program also will perform a workshop production of Hector Armienta’s new “River of Women” in December. The venue will be announced. Opera Pacific previously commissioned Armienta’s “Un Camino de Fe” as part of its education and outreach program.

Information: (800) 346-7372.