About “Leave Me Alone!, a Jazz Opera" Print
Plonsey and Pekar are deeply committed to the notion that art transcends distinctions of class and hence ought to be available to all. Accordingly, both the live performance and the webcast of the opera will be offered free of charge. Those wishing to support the production may do so by purchasing a comic about the opera, written by Harvey Pekar and illustrated by Joseph Remnant, at www.LeaveMeAloneOpera.com. The comic is available as a signed, limited-edition print ($300) or digital download ($5). Visitors may also purchase a cell-phone ring tone featuring Harvey's inimitable voice ($5) on the site.
About “Leave Me Alone!, a Jazz Opera"
LEAVE ME ALONE! is a new jazz opera with music by Dan Plonsey on a libretto by Harvey Pekar, to be performed at 8pm on January 31st, 2009 in Finney Chapel, Oberlin College, OH, and streamed live to an international online audience.
The story of the opera revolves around conversations between the composer and librettist held from their respective living rooms in the Bay Area and Cleveland. Dan and Harvey, the two primary interlocutors, played by themselves, engage in discussions about music, the life of the artist as householder, finding time to work, the current state of the avant garde, and the opera itself.
Further characters include their wives, Mantra Ben-ya'akova Plonsey and Joyce Brabner (also played by themselves), and Musical Director Josh Smith. Telephone appearance by Robert Crumb in conversation with the artists provides additional perspectives on the opera's themes. An ensemble of 6 musicians comprises the orchestra accompanying four singers who variously double the protagonists.
Both Plonsey and Pekar are deeply committed to the notion that art transgresses and transcends distinctions of class and hence ought to be populist in nature, available to all.
Please help us realize this vision by watching the opera here for free at 8 PM on January 31, 2009.
The opera will be streamed live on January 31, 2009 at 8:00 PM EST. Watch it here for free.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
