Nashville Opera Stages Comedic Superhero Work

Nashville Opera will present a rare contemporary work at the Noah Liff Opera Center this weekend. The production runs from November 13 through 15 at the venue located at 3622 Redmon Street.

The performance features Fortuna the Time Bender vs. The Schoolgirls of Doom. Jason Powell, a writer-composer based in Milwaukee, created both the music and the libretto for the piece. The company describes the show as a comedic superhero opera set in the quiet town of Anyville.

The plot centers on a time-bending heroine named Fortuna. She fights an evil Headmaster alongside her apprentice, a character named Joe. The antagonist commands a group of musical minions known as the Schoolgirls of Doom.

The score blends several distinct musical traditions. Powell draws from opera, Broadway, and Hollywood film scores. He also incorporates elements of Gilbert and Sullivan and adds a substantial amount of 1980s soft rock to the mix.

John Hoomes, CEO and artistic director of Nashville Opera, has programmed this specific work for the current season. Hoomes has served in his role for more than 30 years and is known for introducing audiences to lesser-known contemporary pieces alongside classical favorites.

Stephen Kummer will conduct the Nashville Opera Orchestra for these performances. The cast includes Sarah Antell, Jessica Sandidge, Nicole Heinen, Greg Sliskovich, Daniel Belcher, Ivy Calvert, Bryn Holdsworth, and Sara Crigger.