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Goat Hall Productions

San Francisco Cabaret Opera

Past Productions

  • Goat Hall Productions Premieres new Works: Dionysus and Playboy of the Western World
    Oakland Metro Opera House @ Jack London Square
    201 Broadway, Oakland
    August 23—26, 2007

    The opera Dionysus, music by Steven Clark with words from several ancient texts, explores the many aspects of the androgynous and seductive God of Wine and Madness, focusing on the ancient pagan religion or Mystery Cult in which Dionysus was worshiped as a God of seasonal death and rebirth, sexuality, and dark earth-magic.The score of the opera will include ancient Greek instruments and practices, modern opera and musical theater, as well as rock and electronic music. Graphic-novelesque designs, video projections and live multi-instrumentalists will be employed as well.

    In Playboy of the Western World, music by Mark Alburger from the play by J.M. Synge, the composer combines vernacular and cultivated traditions in a world of tuneful yet twisted melodies mapped onto pre-existent musical structures in a post-minimalist context. Playboy is an Oedipal/Monty Pythonesque/coming-of-age fairytale of love and loss. It takes place in a three-ring-circus barroom where musical suggestions of Irish drinking songs appear throughout. Further, the opera will be performed in the Oakland Metro Operahouse, an actual bar/theater space.

  • Fresh Voices VII Festival of New Music
    Fridays, June 15, 22; Saturday, June 16; Sunday, June 24 (last Sunday of the month!)

    Our acclaimed annual presentation of fully produced new operas by Bay Area composers and librettists returns to Goat hall for four performances in June 2007.

  • Easter Hangover
    Sunday, April 29, 2007, 2:00 PM

    Eclectic spiritual works from religious texts by composers mark Alburger, John partridge, and others. A revelatory experience.

  • 2nd Annual Musical Matchmaker Event for Fresh Voices VII
    Sunday, February 25, 2007, 2:00 PM

    Composers present excerpts of their operas, singers present their vocal talents, the two groups seek each other out and before you know it Fresh Voices VII is cast. An exciting event to which you are seriously invited.

  • Cats, Dogs, & Divas at the Women on the Way Festival
    January 18—19, 2007, 8:00 PM

    Mark Alburger/Harriet March Page’s powerful, moving and often humorous story of three ages of woman (child, mother, crone) will be performed at the Women on the Way Festival.

  • Fresh Voices VI
    Fresh Voices VI

    A whole festival!:
    “Pipers and Puppets” part A - May 18th, 7:30 PM; May 19th and 20th, 8:00 PM
    Songs for the 21st Century - May 21st, 5:00 PM
    “Pipers and Puppets” part B - May 25th, 7:30 PM; May 26th and 27th, 8:00 PM
    NOW Festival - May 28th, 5:00 PM

    All performances will be held at Thick House
    1695 18th Street (Potrero Hill)
    San Francisco
    Box Office (415) 401-8081

    Fresh Voices VI appears at Thick House as part of Thick Description's 2006 Presenting Program

    For the sixth season, GHP is proud to present our Fresh Voices Festival— fully staged works and excerpts of new theater music by local talents. As in previous years, we will have two distinct programs offered on consecutive weekends. In addition, there will be two new offerings: a program of theater songs, and the NOW festival— composers from all over the world flying in to present their own works.
    Featured composers: Mark Alburger, John Beeman, Dawn Chambers, Steven Clark, Allan Crossman, Gary Friedman, Brian Holmes, Elizabeth Lim, D. C. Meckler, John Partridge, Lisa Scola Prosek, and Connie Tyler

    Program Listings

    “Pipers & Puppets” — Program A:

    Leonardo’s Notebooks
    Music and libretto by Lisa Scola Prosek
    Directed by Jim Cave
    Amok Time
    Music and words by Steven Clark
    Dear Composer
    Music and words by John Beeman
    A four-minute opera
    The Pied Piper of Hamelin
    Music and libretto by Mark Alburger, after the poem by Robert Browning

    “Pipers & Puppets” — Program B:

    Tales of the Cultural Revolution and The Fashion God
    Music and words by Brian Holmes
    Eye Eye Sailor
    Music and words by Steven Clark and Michael Wertz
    The Music Department
    Music and words by Allan Crossman
    Cats, Dogs & Divas
    Music by Mark Alburger, words by Harriet March Page
    Joan of Arc: Fear of the Fire (scene from Act III)
    Music and libretto by John Partridge
    Directed by Bill Sevald
    Brigid, Fiery Arrow
    Music and words by Connie Tyler
    PRESS:
    Click here to download:
    Calendar Listing
    Press release
    Pictures
  • Composer Bash & Birthday Party Cabaret Fundraiser for Fresh Voices VI
    Two evenings at Goat Hall:
    Saturday, Feb. 25th, 8:00 PM (Composers Mark Alburger, Allan Crossman, Steven Clark, Lisa Prosek)
    Sunday, Feb. 26th, 7:00 PM (Composers Brian Holmes, John Partridge, Connie Tyler)
    Plus surprise guests!

    It’s Harriet’s birthday! Help us celebrate in Goat Hall Cabaret Style while we prepare for our upcoming Fresh Voices VI in May. See below.
    Supporters tables available:
    3-4 persons, $150; 1-2 persons, $75; additional additional persons $25 each.
    Email Harriet at Harriet@goathall.org if you are interested, or call 415-289-6877
    You may also donate at the door if you don’t need a table!

  • Fresh Voices V
    Two programs:
    Program A: “Myths and Archetypes” August 20, 21, 22
    Program B: “On the Western Edge” August 27, 28, 29
    Fridays & Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 7 PM
    All performances will be held at Thick House
    1695 18th Street (Potrero Hill)
    San Francisco

    For the fifth season, GHP is proud to present our Fresh Voices Festival— fully staged works and excerpts of new theater music by local talents. Two distinct programs are offered on consecutive weekends. Featured composers: Mark Alburger, Steven Clark, Sanford Dole, Brian Holmes, Peter Josheff, Michael Kimbell, and Lisa Scola Prosek.

  • Stephen Sondheim: “A Little Night Music”
    November 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at Goat Hall

    Sondheim’s magical reworking of Ingmar Bergman’s Smiles of a Summer Night captured Broadway in 1973, and Sondheim aficionados rank it among his best. Entirely written in ¾ time, this musical romance is, in Clive Barnes’ words, “heady, civilized, enchanting.” Directed by Harriet March Page; choreographed by Dean Loumbas.

  • Double bill: Francis Poulenc: “Les Mamelles de Tirésias” (The Breasts of Tiresias)
    after the play by Guillaume Apollinaire
    and
    Ralph Vaughan Williams: “Riders to the Sea”
    (A co-production with Solo Opera)
    May 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 PM, Sunday May 11 at 2 PM (special Mother’s Day matinee!), Sun at 7 PM at Goat Hall

    In just 70 minutes of stage time, this 1944 opera— a mad burlesque on the Greek myth of bi-gendered Tiresias— gives us a woman who becomes a man with grandiose ambitions, a man who bears 40,000 babies in a day, and a Riviera resort town with an instant population problem... all wrapped up in some of Poulenc’s most delicious and sophisticated music. Don’t miss this rarely performed gem, sung in English and staged in GHP’s inimitable style. Directed by Vicky Holder.

    Riders is the composer’s masterly setting of the one-act play by J. M. Synge about Irish fisherfolk in the remote, storm-battered Aran Islands. Set at the turn of the 20th century, it’s a tragic snapshot of one family— mother Maurya, her daughters, and the sons and brothers they lose to the cruel, seductive, indifferent sea. Simon Mundy calls it “the finest and most concentrated of Vaughan Williams’ works for the stage.” Directed by Sylvia Amorino, with Harriet March Page as Maurya.

  • Fresh Voices IV
    July 25, 26, 27 Friday & Saturday at 8 PM, Sunday at 7 PM at Goat Hall

    GHP’s annual summer festival of new works and works in progress returns, with exciting new music from composers Mark Alburger (GHP Music Director) and Lisa Scola Prosek, among others. Be part of our fourth season of presenting original operas and music theater by Bay Area creators.

  • Tom Lehrer: “Tomfoolery”
    February 15 - March 16 Fridays & Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 2 and 7 PM at Goat Hall

    Goat Hall Productions welcomes OpenStage Repertory Theater as they present this hilarious revue based on Tom Lehrer’s satirical songs written in the ’50s and ’60s, which he performed at sold-out concerts for audiences around the world. Hardly politically correct, but still relevant after all these years, songs like The Masochism Tango, National Brotherhood Week, Poisoning Pigeons in the Park and The Vatican Rag will leave you laughing with delight!

  • Gian-Carlo Menotti: “Amahl and the Night Visitors”
    December 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM, Sundays at 2 PM at Goat Hall

    Amahl returns! For three years, our holiday production of Menotti’s beloved classic (and Christmas carol sing-along) won the hearts of Potrero Hill and Bay Area audiences. After a two-year hiatus, we’re bringing back Amahl, his long-suffering Mother, and the Three Kings to perform holiday miracles once more.

  • A Caberet Opera performance of Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide”
    October 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, November 1, 2, 3, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 7 PM at Goat Hall

    Is it opera or musical theater? No matter because everyone adores Leonard Bernstein’s frothy, funny, and heartbreaking score for Candide. On his “hero’s journey,” Candide careens through perils both absurd and terrifying, finally arriving at loving wisdom. Our semi-staged production puts the focus on Bernstein’s gorgeous music and witty lyrics.

  • Fresh Voices III
    July 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 7 PM at Goat Hall

    For the third season, GHP is proud to present out Fresh Voices Festival— fully staged works and excerpts of new theater music and songs by local talents. Two distinct programs are offered on consecutive weekends; special ticket prices for both weekends. Featured composers: Mark Alburger, Lisa Scola Prosek, DC Meckler, Nancy Bloomer-Deussen, Sondra Clark, David Famiano, Laurie Griswold, Bob Hall, Hugh Livingston, Douglas Mandell, and Helena Michaelson.

  • Sarah Michael: Arachne
    May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 7 PM at Goat Hall

    Michael’s chamber opera retells the myth of Arachne, who challenged the goddess of weaving to a contest of skill. Provoked by the nymphs Magenta, Cyan and Yellow, and advised by the crones Martha and Mona, Arachne and Athena move throught the stages of the drama with authority and grace, to the inevitable ending of the ancient tale. This is the work’s first fully staged production. Directed by Harriet March Page, conducted by Dr. Kathleen McGuire, conductor of the SF Gay Men’s Chorus.

  • Leonard Bernstein: Bernstein Banquet, An Evening of Songs and Scenes
    Friday, March 8th and Saturday March 9th, 8 PM at Goat Hall

    GHP company members treat you to an elegant “supper show” featuring one of our favorite music theater composers: Leonard Bernstein. On the program will be Bernstein song cycles such as the delicious “La Bonne Cuisine” (aka Recipe Songs) as well as excerpts from West Side Story, Trouble in Tahiti, and a taste of this fall’s Candide. Refreshments served!

  • Gian-Carlo Menotti: “The Consul”
    November 2-4, 9-11, 15, 16-18 at Goat Hall
    Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm

    Menotti’s Pulitzer Prize­winning opera, premiered in 1950.

    The music world celebrates Menotti’s 90th birthday in 2001. Menotti’s chamber operas have been a focus of GHP since our founding. This is our first production of his only full-length opera— a haunting tale of desperate refugees at the mercy of a soulless state, and hauntingly appropriate for this moment in history.

    Click here for Press Release.

  • “Fresh Voices II”
    Our second annual set of programs premiering new music by Bay area composers and librettists
    Two Different Programs:
    Friday & Saturday, July 20 & 21, 8 pm and Sunday, July 22, 7 pm at Goat Hall
    Friday & Saturday, August 3 & 4, 8 pm and Sunday, August 5, 7 pm at Goat Hall
  • Mark Alburger/Mel Clay: “Henry Miller in Brooklyn”
    May 4-6, 10-13, 19, 20, 2001 at Potrero Hill Neighborhood House
    Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 7 pm

    World Premier of a New Opera:
    In the Roaring Twenties—before Paris, before Tropic of Cancer, before fame—struggling novelist Henry Miller shared a bed in a Brooklyn basement flat with his volatile wife June, an erotic dancer, and her lover Jeanne, a painter. These were the crazy bohemian days and nights that shaped a literary icon. Come see and hear this exciting, touching, and funny new-music drama by two noted Bay Area creators, on the coming-of-age of the writer who broke all the taboos. (In two acts, under 2 hours including intermission.)

    PRESS:
    Click here to download:
    Press releases
    Calendar Listing
    Bios and Background Information
    Pictures
  • Benjamin Britten: “The Little Sweep”
    December 1-3, 8-10, 2000 at Goat Hall
    Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm

    An Opera for Young People in One Act
    A Christmas Dickensian Delight— holiday entertainment for the whole family, especially children!

  • Kurt Weill: “Weill at Heart”
    October 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, 2000 at Goat Hall

    Cabaret songs from Brecht to Broadway
    Celebrating the Centenary of Kurt Weill (1900-1950)

  • Summer Festival on the Hill 2000
    • “Fresh Voices”
      An Evening of Love, War & Sex
      Premiering new music by Bay area composers and librettists
      Saturday, June 17, 8 pm and Sunday, June 18, 7 pm at Goat Hall
    • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: “The Magic Flute”
      Mozart Master Class, Dietrich Erbelding, Musical Director; Harriet March Page, Director
      Fully staged performances in English with “Virtual Orchestra”
      July 21-23, 28-30, August 4-6, 12, 2000 at Goat Hall
    • “Two Fish Out of Water”
      An Evening at Home with Harriet and Dave
      Written and performed by by Dave Hurlbert and Harriet March Page
      Saturday, August 26, 8 pm and Sunday, August 27, 7 pm at Goat Hall
  • Gian-Carlo Menotti & Samuel Barber: “The Medium” and “A Hand of Bridge”
    March 17-19, 24-26, 31-April 2, 2000 at Goat Hall
  • Gian-Carlo Menotti: “Amahl and the Night Visitors”
    December 10-12, 17-19, 1999 at Goat Hall
    December 3-5, 1999 at the Julia Morgan Theater, Berkeley

    Third annual reprise of the beloved holiday classic about a miraculous meeting between a poor boy who cannot walk and Three Kings following the Star to the Christ Child.

  • Tom Jones/Harvey Schmidt: “The Fantasticks”
    October 15-31, 1999 at Goat Hall

    Featuring well-known songs “Try to Remember” and “Soon it’s Gonna Rain,” this two-hour musical is a darkly humorous recasting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Since 1960 “The Fantasticks” has enjoyed a continuous run at the Sullivan Street Theater in New York City.

  • Summer Festival on the Hill 1999
    • “Sweet Betsy From Pike”
      a Horse Opera in One Act by Mark Bucci
      Sunday, June 13, 2 pm and 7 pm at Goat Hall
    • Kurt Weill/Bertolt Brecht: “Mahagonny Songspiel”
      Igor Stravinsky: “A Soldier’s Tale”
      Berkeley Lyric Opera Orchestra
      Saturday, June 26, 8 pm at St. Gregory Nyssen Church, 500 DeHaro at Mariposa, SF
      Sunday, June 27, 7:30 pm at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave., Berkeley
    • “Out on the Porch”
      Original theater piece with music written and performed by Dave Hurlbert/Harriet March Page/Lynn Park
      Friday, July 9, 8 pm Saturday, July 10, 8 pm at Goat Hall
    • Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: “Cosė fan tutte”
      Mozart Master Class, Dietrich Erbelding, Musical Director/Pianist Harriet March Page, Director
      Fully staged Performances in English with Piano
      Saturdays at 8 pm, August 7, 14, 21, and 28
      Sundays at 5 pm, August 8 and 22
  • Weill/Brecht: “Threepenny Opera”
    April, 1999
  • Gian-Carlo Menotti: “Amahl and the Night Visitors”
    December, 1998
  • Leonard Bernstein’s “Trouble in Tahiti”
    October, 1998, with performances in San Francisco and Berkeley
Douglas Mandell
Last modified: Thu Jan 24 01:08:48 PST 2008