Two Contemporary Chamber Operas Explore the Power—and Price—of Female Voice and Agency
May 15–18, 2025 | Frank Shiner Theater, Sheen Center for Thought and Culture
“This opera company is clearly trying to engage audiences in fresh and relevant ways, while maintaining the high caliber of excellence that one associates with the opera. Brava.” – No Proscenium
City Lyric Opera (CLO) proudly presents Black Water by Jeremy Beck and Savior by Amy Beth Kirsten, a double bill of gripping chamber operas that interrogate female agency across time. Running May 15–18, 2025 at the Frank Shiner Theater in the Sheen Center for Thought and Culture, this production continues CLO’s bold and artist-centered programming. These bold, contemporary works explore the complexities of female identity, power, and sacrifice across centuries.
Both operas were selected through CLO’s artist submission-based model—an initiative launched in the 2023–2024 season that empowers local artists to propose and lead projects with full organizational support of the organization. This double bill was championed and brought to CLO by sopranos MaKayla McDonald (Black Water) and Ciera Cope (Savior).
Jeremy Beck’s Black Water, based on Joyce Carol Oates’s novella, is a gripping psychological portrait of a young woman’s final moments. Directed by Michelle Beck—an acclaimed director, writer, and filmmaker whose work explores social justice, race, and gender—the opera illuminates the fractured inner world of Kelly Kelleher as she reflects on love, politics, and betrayal while trapped in a sinking car. Soprano MaKayla McDonald brings her expressive artistry to the role, alongside dancer Havanna Fisher and pianist Amber Scherer. The production is conducted by Stephanie Leotsakos, a Greek-Colombian-American conductor and educator whose work spans opera, choral, and orchestral repertoire.
In Savior, Amy Beth Kirsten’s electrifying score reimagines the final reckoning of Joan of Arc, casting her story through a searing, contemporary lens. The titular Joan—sung in triplicate by Ciera Cope, Abagael Cheng, and Rebecca Sacks—embodies strength and vulnerability through visceral music layered with electronic and pre-recorded sound design. Directed by Brazilian-born experimental opera director Jen Pitt and conducted by Broadway and experimental music veteran Julianne Merrill, Savior reframes martyrdom as a feminist anthem that echoes across centuries. The instrumental ensemble features flutist Emily Duncan, cellist Jules Biber, and percussionist Colleen Bernstein.
Though centuries apart, both heroines raise the same question: What happens when a woman dares to speak, lead, or love in a world determined to silence her?
ABOUT CITY LYRIC OPERA
Founded in the fall of 2016 by Megan Gillis and Kathleen Spencer, City Lyric Opera has emerged as a champion for artistic excellence and creativity in the heart of New York City’s cultural landscape. Over the course of eight seasons, City Lyric Opera has proudly curated twelve fully staged productions, providing paid performance opportunities to hundreds of local artists. From captivating main-stage operas to intimate salon concerts, public showcases, and educational workshops, our organization has remained devoted to nurturing artistic expression within a diverse and inclusive community. Distinguished as one of the nation’s few female-led opera companies, City Lyric Opera boasts a 100% female self-identifying leadership team. Embracing a philosophy rooted in inclusivity and collaborative spirit, we are dedicated to fostering an environment where all artists feel empowered to contribute and thrive.
Since its inception, City Lyric Opera has championed a fusion of exceptional musicianship and unparalleled audience engagement, offering a transformative operatic experience devoid of judgment or financial constraints. From performances throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, we have continuously pushed the boundaries of traditional opera, redefining its essence and accessibility.
In the 23-24 Season, City Lyric Opera embarked on a groundbreaking transition to an artist-submission-based model for repertoire selection. Under this approach, artists take the helm of their own creative journey, supported by City Lyric Opera’s knowledge, support, and resources. This shift amplified CLO’s impact within the community and served as a catalyst for the empowerment and elevation of local talent.
At City Lyric Opera, we firmly believe that empowered artists are the architects of inspiring and empowering art. Learn more at www.citylyricopera.org.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
Frank Shiner Theater at the Sheen Center for Thought and Culture
18 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012
Trains NB/D/F/M/6 to Bleecker Street.
May 15, 16, 17 at 7:30 PM | May 18 at 3:00 PM
General Admission: $40; Students/Seniors/Children under 12: $25 | Purchase at: citylyricopera.org/black-water-savior
BLACK WATER
MaKayla McDonald, soprano
Havanna Fisher, dancer
Amber Scherer, Piano
Michelle Beck, Stage Director
Stephanie Leotsakos, Music Director
Joya Powell, Choreographer
SAVIOR
Abagael Cheng, soprano
Ciera Cope, soprano
Rebecca Sacks, mezzo-soprano
Emily Duncan, Flute
Jules Biber, Cello
Colleen Bernstein, Percussion
Jen Pitt, Stage Director
Julianne Merrill, Music Director
PJ Ju, Assistant Music Director
PRODUCTION
Emily Duncan, Production Manager
Christopher Denver, Production Stage Manager
CC Milbrandt, Assistant Stage Manager
Kelvin Pater, Production Scenic Designer
Rebecca Bickley-Clayton, Assistant Scenic Designer
Stacey Boggs, Production Lighting Designer
Betsy Chester, Associate Lighting Designer
Alicia Austin, Black Water Costume Designer
Siena Zoë Allen, Savior Costume Designer
Jack Cavanaugh-Gialloreto, Assistant Costume Designer & Wardrobe Supervisor
EvanTyor, Co-Sound Designer
Eli Bronstein, Co-Sound Designer
