Vanderbilt Opera Theatre will present Staggerwing Thursday and Friday, October 3 and 4, 8:00 p.m. in Ingram Hall. The production marks the regional premiere of the new opera, composed by Lisa DeSpain with librettist Rachel J. Peters, which was workshopped in Vanderbilt’s inaugural Opera Lab in 2023.
Set in 1936, Staggerwing is based on the true story of aviation pioneers Louise Thaden and Blanche Noyes, who became the first all-female team to compete in the transcontinental Bendix Trophy Air Race. Navigating extreme physical risk, sabotage, personal tragedies, and a male-dominated field, the pilots persevere to shape the future of women in aviation.
Staggerwing is produced by Gayle Shay, director of Vanderbilt Opera Theatre, and Jennifer McGuire, music director and conductor of the live accompanying ensemble.
A pre-show lecture with Staggerwing composer Lisa DeSpain and librettist Rachel J. Peters will be held each evening at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday / Friday, October 3-4, 8:00 p.m., Ingram Hall
⭐ Tickets are “Pay as You Wish” ($0 – $30) and required for admission. Reserve tickets: http://vu.edu/staggerwing