Having Guests for Dinner (2020/2023)
Libretto by Robert Feng, Composed by Nick Bentz
A Comic-Horror Opera in One Act
Having Guests for Dinner (2020) is a comic horror opera in one act with music by Nick Bentz.
When Marcus and Laura arrive at their friend's coworker's house for a dinner party, things take an unexpected turn for the macabre. Over the course of the dinner, the couple becomes increasingly suspicious that their elegant host is actually a cannibal. Curious guests always make the best food in this dark comedy!
Having Guests for Dinner received its virtual premiere as a 16 minute long micro-opera with New Opera West and received its full length premiere in February 2024 with SUNY Fredonia, the Western NY Chamber Orchestra, and Kor Productions.
Full-Length Premiere: February 18, 2024
at SUNY Fredonia, Rosch Recital Hall
with WYNCO & /Kor/ Productions
Length: 1 Hour 30 Minutes (Full Length Version)
(Scored for S-T-B + 2 Spoken)
Premiere Cast:
Mia Mandineau - Laura
Dan Novak - Marcus
Patrick Connolly - Christoph Aberfeld
Dominic Townsend - Police Officer 1 / Christoph cover
Bridgette Turner - Police Officer 2
Glen Cortese - Conductor
Julie Newell - Director
James Welch - piano
"Curious guests always make the best food!"
Virtual Premiere: June 17, 2020 at New Opera West
Length: 16 Minutes (Micro-Opera Version)
1 Hour 30 Minutes (Full Length Version)
(Scored for S-T-B)
Premiere Cast:
Janet Szepei Todd (soprano) - Laura
Edmond Rodriguez (tenor) - Marcus
Anthony Moreno (baritone) - Christoph Aberfeld
Mark Lanz Weiser - piano/music director