Penny (2015)

Penny is an opera about the power of music. In the course of this one-hour opera, we see the leading character Penny Rutherford literally and figuratively find her voice. As Penny learns to express herself through singing, she transforms before our eyes and begins to believe in herself.

Penny also happens to be a person with autism. As the saying goes, "if you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." Tonight you'll me Penny, who is singular in every way. She does not typify a person with autism, but is one representation of it.

At its core, Penny is about discovering who you are—a journey that everyone goes through in their lives. Although this opera has a protagonist with autism, Penny could just as easily be anyone in the world who understands the power of music. As she sings of her fears, regrets, and dreams, you'll see what a unique and compelling leading character she is.

Washington National Opera, 2015

Artists:

• Conductor - Anne Manson
• Director - Alan Paul
• Penny - Deborah Nansteel, mezzo-soprano
• Katherine Tate - Kerriann Otaño, soprano
• Gary Tate - Trevor Scheunemann, baritone
• Martin - Patrick O’Halloran, tenor
• Mr. Jaeson Shaw - Wei Wu, bass
• Raymon Fasten - James Shaffran, baritone