Dennis Gotkowski, class of 2007, as Little Bat McLean, and Carley Wilson, class of 2005, as Susannah Polk, stargaze in their roles in the opera Susannah.

Event: Illinois Wesleyan University’s School of Music presents the opera: Susannah

Date/Time: Oct. 7 (Thursday), 8 p.m.
Oct. 8 (Friday) – Oct. 9 (Saturday), 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 15 (Friday) – Oct. 16 (Saturday), 7:30 p.m.

Location: Westbrook Auditorium, Presser Hall, 1210 Park St., Bloomington

Admission: Free and open to the public

Background: Illinois Wesleyan University music students will present the opera Susannah. Composed by American Carlisle Floyd in 1953, Susannah became a national hit after its first New York production in 1956. It has since become one of the few American operas to secure a spot in the repertoire of both American and international companies.

Based loosely on the biblical Book of Susannah, Floyd’s opera is a response to the McCarthyism or anti-Communist paranoia that permeated American life in the 1950s. Set in a small Midwestern town, it explores the powerful function of false accusations while demonstrating how decent people can combine to create mob frenzy.

Nearly 80 people will share the stage in Westbrook Auditorium, including the Illinois Wesleyan Civic Orchestra. Carley Wilson, class of 2005, from Sherrard, Ill., will play the lead, Susannah Polk, for the shows on Oct. 8 and Oct. 16, and Caroline Shaul, class of 2005, from San Mateo, Calif., will play the role on Oct. 9 and 15.

Other cast members include William Roberts III, class of 2006, from Kings Park, N.Y., playing Rev. Olin Blich; Jeremy Fisher, class of 2007, from Oak Park, Ill., as Sam Polk; and Dennis Gotkowski, class of 2007, from Tinley Park, Ill., as Little Bat McLean.

Linda Farquharson, professor of voice at IWU, is director and conductor for the opera, and Michael McHugh, class of 2005, from Glenview, Ill., serves as associate stage director for the production.

Contact: For additional information, contact the Illinois Wesleyan School of Music at (309) 556-3061.