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Kenneth Kellogg (The Father) and Aaron Crouch (The Son)
“Blue explores deeply personal emotional truths and gives them universal resonance”—Wall Street Journal
Mar. 15–28 | Eisenhower Theater
Mar. 20 is BravO Night! BravO members enjoy exclusive savings and complimentary champagne. Learn more.*
WNO presents the D.C. premiere of Tony Award®–winning composer Jeanine Tesori and NAACP Theatre Award–winning librettist Tazewell Thompson’s new opera Blue. In this story of love and loss, we see a father (a police officer) and mother supported by a loving community of fellow law enforcement, churchgoers, and friends as they navigate the devastating reality of their son being killed by an officer.
“Mr. Thompson’s unflinching libretto avoids political posturing yet clearly exposes the underlying predicament…Ms. Tesori’s deeply affecting and disturbing music has just the right weight and gravity for the story.”—Wall Street Journal
Music by Jeanine Tesori / Libretto by Tazewell Thompson
In English with Projected English Titles
Co-Production with The Glimmerglass Festival and Lyric Opera of ChicagoWe welcome back two cast members with local connections!
Kenneth Kellogg, who plays The Father, is a D.C. native and alumnus of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program.
In Blue, Kellogg portrays a role written especially for him, which he debuted in the production’s world premiere at The Glimmerglass Festival in summer 2019.
Aaron Crouch, who plays The Son, hails from Prince George’s County, Maryland and is a graduate of Suitland High School.
Crouch also attended the WNO Opera Institute in 2016, where he sang “Libiamo” from La Traviata.
Come early for a pre-performance talk
Join a free lecture before every production. Free with a ticket from a performance in the series.
Stay later for a post-performance artist Q&A
Engage directly with our artists and share your thoughts on your experience! Free with your ticket
Discussions will be moderated by Nkechi Taifa, founder of Washington’s Justice Roundtable. Guests include the cast of Blue, Jeanine Tesori (composer) and Tazewell Thompson (librettist), DC Police Chief Newsham (March 20), Kanya Bennett of the American Civil Liberties Union, and Washington-area youth.
Let’s Go There: When Tough Issues Hit Home
Mar. 21 at 1 p.m. | Justice Forum at the REACH
The issues of today’s America are being reckoned with on a personal level. At home, this leaves tough conversations to be had. When one’s experience in the world differs vastly based on their race, history, and heritage, how should we talk to our children and families?
Join speakers from opera, journalism, activism, and more for a conversation on the impact of race, police encounters, and safety on the family. The conversation will be moderated by longtime WUSA Channel 9 newscaster Andrea Roane and will feature Blue Community Advisory Committee members Jacquial Durham and Ronald Hampton.