A DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT THEATRE
STARRING PETER COYOTE PREMIERES VIRTUALLY
MARCH 25 – APRIL 11, 2021
Riders of the Purple Sage: The Making of a Western Opera, a documentary film that celebrates the artistry of live theatre, will be presented by Quantum Leap Productions as an online benefit to support creative professionals out of work due to the pandemic. The Actors Fund is partnering with Quantum Leap to raise funds for performing arts professionals across the country. For tickets to the virtual film, playing MARCH 25 – APRIL 11, 2021, visit Riders Opera Film.
Filmed over six years, with a lush fully orchestrated score reminiscent of a Hollywood blockbuster, the film follows a composer as he adapts a 1912 dime novel masterpiece into a modern American opera. Zane Grey’s tale Riders of the Purple Sage flew off bookshelves around the world. A century later, composer Craig Bohmler dives into Zane Grey’s cabin during a rainstorm and discovers a story with the grand dimensions of opera. What begins as a challenge between a composer and his librettist evolves into a creative posse of artists, musicians, and singers sharing a singular vision. When legendary fine art painter Ed Mell translates Arizona’s landscape into a towering stage set, the opera accelerates toward its world premiere. The power of a classic Western is reclaimed opening night in a new work that marries hallowed musical traditions, cutting-edge stagecraft, and matinee heroes.
Opera’s hallowed traditions and America’s cowboy culture converge to celebrate the collaborative power of art. The documentary details the creative process of all artists involved in live theatre onstage and backstage. Zane Grey is read by Peter Coyote, with performances by shining young opera stars, Karin Wolverton, Morgan Smith, Laura Wilde, Joshua Dennis, Joshua Jeremiah, Keith Phares, and Kristopher Irmiter.
“Mounting a new opera requires the collaboration of singers, musicians, designers and crew. The Actors Fund understands how important every individual is to the collective experience of live theatre,” said Quantum Leap’s Kristin Atwell Ford. “While theatres are dark, we hope this film reminds us of the essential role artists play in elevating the human spirit.”
The documentary is directed by Emmy® Award-winning filmmaker Ford and produced by Quantum Leap, a full-service video company based in Scottsdale, Arizona, in collaboration with Arizona Opera. Executive producers include Billie Jo & Judd Herberger and Scott J. Hooker.
photos by Jane Lassiter
