Susannah

Curtis Opera Theatre opens its 2026–27 season with Carlisle Floyd’s *Susannah*, a tragedy set in rural Tennessee and inspired by the biblical story of Susanna and the Elders. The opera follows a young woman who is falsely accused and persecuted by her Evangelical community, exploring religious hypocrisy, isolation, and the destruction of innocence.

Floyd’s distinctly American score combines folk-influenced melodies and Protestant hymn traditions with expansive operatic writing. This new production is directed by Mikhaela Mahony and conducted by Rita E. Hauser Conducting Fellow Mariana Corichi Gómez, with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra and a large ensemble of singers. The performance is in English with English supertitles.

When: November 21, 2026

Showtime: 2:00 p.m.

Venue: Mainstage Theater, Philadelphia Film Center

Tickets: Price not available

Availability: The November 21 performance is currently sold out, with a waitlist available.

Program: Carlisle Floyd’s *Susannah*

Director: Mikhaela Mahony

Conductor: Mariana Corichi Gómez

Orchestra: Curtis Symphony Orchestra

Cast: Jennifer Robinson as Susannah Polk, with Kate Li as cover; Jack Hicks as Sam Polk; Theo Harrah as Olin Blitch, with Ed Smith as cover; Harun Tekin as Little Bat; Abigail Arnold as Mrs. Hayes; Juliet Rand as Mrs. Gleaton; Maisy Parker as Mrs. Ott; Carlyle Quinn as Mrs. McLean; Brett Michael Hunter as Elder Gleaton; Henry Drangel as Elder Hayes; Ethan Elsbernd as Elder McLean; and Sebastian Wittmoser Herrera as Elder Ott.

Chorus: Eva Capron, Celestia Song, Maya Mor-Mitrani, Jeysla Rosario Santos, Isabella Hincksman, Kate Li, Judy Zhuo, Emilio Vasquez, Yulin Yan, Ed Smith, and Ryan Jester.

Language: Performed in English with English supertitles.

Age guidance: The performance contains mature themes and may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Note: Programs and artists are subject to change.