The word on the street…
Teresa Castracane Photography
“Rather than call Florida an opera, let me call it a sung-through sinister graphic novel with libretto full of danger about community standards, revenge and seduction. All with two hours of delicious, moody jazzy and blues orchestral music. … It is sui generis.” David Siegel
“Tackling far too many weighty subjects to be comedic, Florida lays bare the grey area that exists for teenage girls between childhood and womanhood, and society’s disparate reactions to male and female innocence when exploring those desires as teenagers. The delightful mixture of opera and jazz infused into the score leaves you on wonderfully unsure footing and the incredibly strong cast make this production a must see. With piercing themes and dramatic interpretations, Florida will make you take another look at the world before you too decide who is guilty and who is innocent.” Em Skow
Teresa Castracane Photography
“Sharin Apostolou as Florida is positively sensational in her captivating portrayal of the young girl’s lust for life and experiential coming of age. From her sensual physicality to the ease of her vocal production, Apostolou’s high energy performance leads the show with an intensity that matched that of her complex character…Florida remains a strong addition to Urban Arias’ repertoire due to the challenging yet relevant themes it poses of how today’s society perceives a woman’s sexuality.” Erin Ridge
“Sharin Apostolou was terrific playing a curious, vibrant teenager with a vivid and seemingly tireless soprano voice….The idea of a scream inside that, for lack of a better outlet, translates into bright nail polish and blood-red lips; or the number “Madly in Love,” about being in love with nobody in particular, speak strongly to the teen female experience.” Anne Midgette
“This new work has legs, and I hope it continues to grow and flourish.” Susan Galbraith
What is Florida doing in DC?
Florida
moves in this weekend.
World-Premiere Opera Opens Saturday at Atlas Performing Arts Center.
Performances:
Saturday, April 7 at 8pm
Sunday, April 8 at 2pm
Friday, April 13 at 8pm (BEST AVAILABILITY)
Saturday, April 14 at 8pm
Vowels are always important in opera. For the teenage girl at the center of the opera FLORIDA, they are more so—they are her DNA. Florida follows one girl, one Summer, as she tries to negotiate the demands of her mother, her boyfriend Marc, and her own desire all under the watchful eyes of The Redwoods, her next-door-neighbors who see all from their backyard deck.
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“A name you can dance to, not a name you can trust…”
April 13th and 14th is the world premiere of FLORIDA, at UrbanArias, directed by the brilliant Kevin Newbury. Here’s the link: UrbanArias.org. Come join us in DC!
MUSIC BY RANDALL ENG LIBRETTO BY DONNA DI NOVELLI
News! News!
Breaking Film and TV Industry News — March 2
More of this week’s news for industry insiders.
Friday, March 2
– Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired U.S. rights to the latest film from Josephine Decker, “Madeline’s Madeline.” The film had its world premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, with an international premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, where it was met with universal acclaim. O-Scope is planning a theatrical release for later in 2018.
Of the acquisition, filmmaker Decker said, “Oscilloscope is like the Alice Cooper of film distribution. They rock hard; they throw audiences out of their minds; they never overdose. Many of my favorite films in recent years are Oscilloscope films. They are daring and bold in the films they support, and they know how to reach audiences hungry for a mindfuck. I’m honored to be working with them.”
And this…
The Film Stage:
“The greatest praise I can give Madeline’s Madeline is that, considering its sheer momentum and imaginative tackling of the complicated issue of exploitation for art’s sake, multiple viewings would reap greater rewards. With just one, it’s clear Decker has crafted a whirlwind of an experience, one that coheres in breathtaking bravado by the climax when art as therapy reaches its uncomfortable, astounding conclusion. There will never be easy answers when dealing with the soul-baring act of producing truly great art, but Josephine Decker’s film is as mesmerizing a plunge into the process as one is likely to find in modern cinema.”
Madeline’s Madeline premieres in the NEXT category at Sundance Film Festival
http://www.indiewire.com/2018/01/madelines-madeline-review-josephine-decker-miranda-july-helena-howard-sundance-2018-1201920965/
So proud to work with Josephine Decker as a co-writer on this audacious, women-driven film.
Looking Ahead: The Good Swimmer & Florida
Looking ahead 
to working on two upcoming premieres the week of December 11th. The Good Swimmer with composer Heidi Rodewald who is bringing on new music and Florida with composer Randall Eng who is cutting music. Both pieces will have Kevin Newbury in the house as director! Both are scheduled for productions in 2018.