Susannah

Curtis Opera Theatre opens its 2026–27 season with Carl 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 whose community turns against her after a false accusation, examining religious hypocrisy, isolation, persecution, and the loss of innocence.

Floyd’s distinctly American score combines folk-influenced melodies and Protestant hymn traditions with expansive operatic writing. The production is directed by Mikhaela Mahony and conducted by Mariana Corichi Gómez, with the Curtis Opera Theatre and Curtis Symphony Orchestra. It is performed in English with English supertitles.

When: November 19, 2026

Showtime: 7:00 p.m.

Venue: Mainstage Theater, Philadelphia Film Center

Program: Carl Floyd’s *Susannah*

Director: Mikhaela Mahony

Conductor: Mariana Corichi Gómez, Rita E. Hauser Conducting Fellow

Performers: Curtis Opera Theatre and Curtis Symphony Orchestra

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

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

Tickets: Price not available

Additional performance: The same production is also listed for Saturday, November 21, at 2:00 p.m.

Note: Programs and participating artists may change.