Harbach adds that Cather's story "has all the elements that an opera needs: long-term loving relationships, sibling rivalry and murder.
During the world premiere production's rehearsal period (late September to early October 2009), she made cuts to the piece for length, and added necessary interludes for scene changes and preludes before each Act.
took place on October 9, 2009 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center on the campus of University of Missouri-St. Louis in a staging by the Chicago-based director Mark Meier.
[3] The production crew included designers Patrick Huber (scenic), Felia Katherine Davenport (costumes), Kimberly Klearman (lighting), property master Douglas Allebach, set builder Bryan Schulte, répétiteur Vera Parkin and stage manager Allyson Ditchey.
Bridget Ryder of The Current (the University student newspaper): Jonathan Yordy’s libretto draws upon plot events from Parts II, IV and V of the novel.
When childhood friend Carl Linstrum returns for a visit, she overcomes her natural reserve as the friendship slowly blossoms into love.
The youngest son of the Bergson family, but more accustomed to the wealth of the later years than to the earlier hardscrabble life on the farm.
After living out East for a number of years, returns West to visit his childhood home and seek his fortune in Alaska.
Something of a dandy when he married Marie, his life is now focused on wringing a meager existence from a stubborn, unyielding homestead.
Their friendship blossoms into love, amid family tensions over wealth, ownership, and the proper role of women.
These conflicts also bear upon Ivar, a rough seer who advises Alexandra on agricultural matters and offers periodic commentary on events as they unfold.
Carl eventually returns after having heard news of the tragedy and subsequent trial, and he and Alexandra begin a life of tenderness and measured happiness.