MOONDRUNK (1998)
Fin-de-siècle Venice meets the 21st century when internationally acclaimed performance artist/choreographer John Kelly and Da Camera Artistic Director Sarah Rothenberg join forces in this collaboration of chamber music and dance theater. Arnold Schoenberg’s expressionist masterpiece Pierrot lunaire, a specialty of famed soprano Lucy Shelton, is brought to life by John Kelly and dancers in a fantastical evening that begins with intoxicating waltzes of Johann Strauss and piano works of Johannes Brahms. A unique event in which renowned solo musicians and visionary dance theater are brought together on the concert stage.
A Da Camera of Houston production, co-commissioned with the Society for the Performing Arts and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
TITLE
Moondrunk
CONCEPT
Music by Johann Strauss, Brahms and Schoenberg.
PREMIERE
World Premiere: April 3, 1998, Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center, Houston. New York premiere: January 15, 1999, Great Performers at Lincoln Center “New Visions” series Opening Event. A Da Camera of Houston production, co-commissioned with the Society for the Performing Arts and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
PRODUCTION DETAILS
World Premiere: April 3, 1998
Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center
New York premiere: January 15, 1999
Great Performers at Lincoln Center “New Visions” series Opening Event
Conceived by Sarah Rothenberg
Choreography/Stage Direction by John Kelly
Set Design by Scott Pask
Costume Design by Donna Zakowska
Lighting Design by Jennifer Tipton
Original performers: Lucy Shelton, soprano; Carol Wincenc, flute; David Krakauer, clarinet; Guillermo Figueroa, violin; Andrzej Grabiec, violin; Wayne Brooks, viola; Fred Sherry, cello; Sarah Rothenberg, piano; John Kelly and Dancers: John Kelly, Barbara Allen, Jon Kinzel.
Johann Strauss: Kaiser-Walzer, Op. 437 arr. A. Schoenberg
Johannes Brahms: Intermezzo in A Minor, Op. 118, No. 1
Arnold Schoenberg: Andantino in C Sharp Minor; Andantino grazioso in F Major
Johannes Brahms: Intermezzo in E Flat Minor, Op. 118, No. 6
Arnold Schoenberg: Fragment (unfinished) from Sechs kleine Klavierstïucke, Op. 19
Arnold Schoenberg: Pierrot lunaire, Op. 21
PRESS QUOTES
” . . . birth of a genre.” — American Theatre