Charlie Parker’s Yardbird
In-Theatre Availability
| Location | Date and Time |
| Schuster Center | October 7, 2022 7:30 pm |
| Schuster Center | October 9, 2022 2:30 pm |
About the Opera
While the body of tormented bebop saxophonist Charlie “Yardbird” Parker lies unidentified in a New York City morgue, his spirit travels back to the famed NYC jazz club Birdland, where he struggles to complete his final masterpiece. Fusing classical and jazz styles into an intriguing mix, Charlie Parker’s Yardbird is a powerful expedition into the mind, heart, and personal purgatory of the jazz genius.
Program
Charlie Parker’s Yardbird (1 hour and 45 minutes)
Music by Daniel Schnyder
Libretto by Bridgette A. Wimberly
Performed in English with English supertitles
This program does not include an intermission. Recommended for ages 12 and up with parental discretion; includes references to drug use.
Cast
Charlie Parker……………Martin Bakari, tenor*
Addie Parker……………Angela Brown, soprano
Chan Parker……………Lauren Nash Silberstein, soprano*
Doris Parker……………Sarah Stembel, soprano*
Rebecca Parker……………Chrystal E. Williams, mezzo-soprano*
Dizzy Gillespie……………Sankara Harouna, bass*
Nica……………Naomi Brigell, mezzo-soprano*
Dancer……………Du’Bois A’Keen*
Artistic Team
Clinton Smith, Guest Conductor
Fenlon Lamb, Stage Director
Du’Bois A’Keen, Associate Stage Director/Choreographer*
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
Kathleen Clawson, Artistic Director
*Denotes Dayton Opera Debut
Supers
Charles Cram
Connor D. Elgoff
Julio Soto
Aaron Washington*
Dave Zelmon
Production Team
Kathleen Stakenas, Stage Manager*
Sarah J. Renzoni, Assistant Stage Manager*
Pamela Matheson Jones, Assistant Stage Manager
John Rensel, Resident Lighting Designer
Greg Emetaz, Projection Designer
Mark Halpin, Scenic Designer
Greg Emetaz, Projection Designer
CeCe Sickler, Costume Designer
Thomas Venditelli, Wigs/Makeup Designer
Cass Brake, Wigs/Makeup Designer
Artega Wright, Surtitle Caller*
John Lavarnway, Props Coordinator
Lyn Baudendistel, Costume Coordinator
Arizona Opera, Sets, Projections, and Properties
Arizona Opera, Costumes
Nanyi Qiang, Rehearsal Accompanist/Coach*