– Wortham Theater Center, Houston

About this event

Houston Grand Opera opens its 2026–27 season with a new staging of Carlisle Floyd’s seminal American opera Susannah, continuing the company’s centenary celebration of the composer. Set in the hills of Tennessee and inspired by Floyd’s roots as a minister’s son, the score blends revival hymns and Appalachian folk idioms with a taut, dramatic lyricism. The libretto, also by Floyd, is written in vivid regional dialect. The production is directed by celebrated soprano-turned-director Patricia Racette and marks soprano Angel Blue’s role debut in the title part. Maestro James Gaffigan conducts in his first engagement as HGO’s Music Director Designate, noting the special meaning of bringing Floyd’s work to the HGO stage given the composer’s long relationship with the company and mentorship of young artists. Content advisory: adult themes; contains a gunshot. Sung in English with projected English text.

Cast & creative

• 

  Susannah

  Angel Blue
• 

  Blitch

  Rod Gilfry
• 

  Sam

  Bille Bruley
• 

  Little Bat

  Aaron Blake
• 

  Mrs. McLean

  Deborah Nansteel
• 

  Elder McLean

  Malcolm MacKenzie
• 

  Elder Ott