Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 7:30pm
The Jefferson Performing Arts Center
This music drama is free and open to the public but you must have a ticket to enter. Call the box office at (504) 529-3000 to secure your seat.
The Falling and The Rising chronicles the journey of a soldier recovering from a roadside attack. While in a medically-induced coma, she imagines interactions with fellow service members, each sharing a particular tale that provides insights into her own situation. The dedication and resiliency she discovers with them helps her find the strength to recover, and to return home to her family.
This collaborative effort by members of The U.S. Army Field Band and the team of Zach Redler, composer, and Jerre Dye, librettist, was inspired by collective interviews with dozens of active duty Army veterans at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
“I have a whole new understanding of my role as a soldier,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ben Hilgert, the co-creator and executive producer of “The Falling and The Rising.” “You can’t hear those stories and have it not change you. This project tells the Army story in a very human way. The stories contained in the opera speak truth to the service of soldiers, while at the same time highlighting the resiliency and strength demanded of them.”
“…this is the first opera produced and performed by active duty soldiers. Their connection, experience and commitment honors those who serve in defense of the nation and its ideals.” – Garnett Bruce, Artistic Advisor of the San Antonio Opera
| Composed by | Zach Redler |
| Libretto by | Jerre Dye |
| Conducted by | Robert Lyall |
| Directed by | Jerre Dye |
| Designed by | Chris Rynne |
| Accompanied by members of | the Louisiana Philharmonic |
In collaboration with the US Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus.
Cast
| Soldier | Sgt. 1st Class Teresa Alzadon |
| Toledo | Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Garcia |
| Jumper | Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Hilgert |
| Dr. & Soldier | Staff Sgt. Ian Bowling |
| Colonel | Staff Sgt. Will Tvrdik |
| Doctor | Master Sgt. Rose Ryon |
| Doctor | Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Erbe |
| Doctor | Sgt. 1st Class Michaela Shelton |