The UT School of Music proudly presented the UT Opera Theatre in Robert Ward's The Cricible this weekend at The Bijou Theatre. Conducted by Kevin Class, UT students from the UT Symphony Orchestra performed the music while both UT students and guest professionals displayed their voices on the stage.

I am so joyfully aware of how blessed we are to have so much talent here in Knoxville!Carroll Freeman, director It was a magnificent display of talent both on and behind the stage, with several undergraduate students taking lead roles on the stage and in the orchestra.

“It’s a little risky because the orchestration is a little thick,” UT Opera Theatre artistic director Carroll Freeman said. “But these are amazing students.”

Based on the play by Arthur Miller, Robert Ward's The Crucible relives the Salem witch trials of the seventeenth century, and is often thought to be symbolic of McCarthyism and The Red Scare of the 1940s and '50s.

Ward wrote a score for his modern opera that has both delicate and aggressive themes, for which he recieved a Pullitzer Prize. The music skillfully accentuates the talented performers on stage and enhances the naturally dramatic plot.

“On top of having these eloquent ideas and words from the play, The Crucible has a beautiful score that functions like a film score behind a great piece of drama,” says Freeman. “And its very inspiring to hear the music support the drama. I am so joyfully aware of how blessed we are to have so much talent here in Knoxville!”

Students of the orchestra as well as the cast and crew expressed excitement about performing this particular production not only because of the wonderful score and story, but also because of the play's notoriety. Some are finding it appropriate to think about the play's tragic message when pondering the issues of today's world.

There certainly was a buzz around on the campus leading up to this production's premier. Conductor of the UT Symphony Orchestra, James Fellenbaum, expressed great excitement about this opera production during last week's symphony performance.

There will be one final performance Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. at the Bijou Theatre. The UT Opera also has productions planned for the Spring semester including The Pirates of Penzance and The Village Singer.