The Blue Fairy
Loghan Bazan, Andrew Bloomgarden, Louise van Mook, Thomas Erik Angerhofer, Katy Williams & Rob Frankenberry (photo: Julie Goetz)
Years ago, Geppetto wished upon a star for his puppet to become a real boy—a wish the Blue Fairy granted. Now, Pinocchio is middle-aged and alone, beloved by his community yet burdened by the aches and complexities of human life.
When the Blue Fairy reappears, she offers Pinocchio a chance to reverse Geppetto’s wish, but not without a price. This reimagined modern opera explores themes of aging, identity, and the human condition, inviting audiences to reflect on the true meaning of being real. Music by Rob Frankenberry, libretto by Kip Soteres.
Read The Blue Fairy Libretto here
Rob Frankenberry (photo: Julie Goetz)
Rob Frankenberry & Jenna Ziccardi (photo: Dennis Keyes)
Thomas Erik Angerhofer & Rob Frankenberry (photo: Julie Goetz)
Louise van Mook, Loghan Bazan, Katy Williams & Rob Frankenberry (photo: Julie Goetz)
Loghan Bazan, Louise van Mook, Rob Frankenberry, Andrew Bloomgarden, Katy Williams & Thomas Erik Angerhofer (photo: Julie Goetz)
Rob Frankenberry (photo: Julie Goetz)
THOMAS THE RHYMER
"Thomas the Rhymer" is a captivating new opera adapted from the legendary Scottish ballad. Thomas is a medieval multimedia man, famous as a historical figure, a legendary poet with prophetic powers, a seducer who becomes seduced, a liar who through magic is forced to forever tell the truth, and a mythological character in a story that takes him to Fairyland and back.
Journey with Thomas as he is entrapped by the Queen of Fairyland and taken along tormented paths, through spiritual crossroads and a lake of blood, to Fairyland. He is bound by an oath of silence and ultimately bestowed with the blessing and the curse of prophecy and the inability to tell a lie in a world that does not want the truth.
Set to Matthew Gillespie's riveting music, "Thomas the Rhymer" features an original score that blends traditional medieval music with contemporary orchestration. The powerful performances of our talented cast promise to transport audiences to an otherworldly land of peril.
Experience a story that has enthralled audiences for centuries, updated and reimagined for a modern stage. "Thomas the Rhymer" is an unforgettable journey composed, written and performed by Pittsburgh artists – honoring the strong Scottish roots of our region and deep Pennsylvania traditions of ghost stories and supernatural tales.
