The journey of Dead Man Walking
When Terrence McNally and Jake Heggie first met in 1996 to discuss a possible opera collaboration, it was a comedy that the producer had in mind. Something light and celebratory for the millennium.
Dead Man Walking from Page to Stage
October 03. 2019
Upcoming Dates
Swipe to view more slides
October 03. 2019
Dead Man Walking from Page to Stage: A Conversation with Sister Helen Prejean and Jake Heggie
For one night only, join us as Sister Helen Prejean, author of the New York Times bestselling and Pulitzer Prize-nominated book Dead Man Walking, and award-winning composer Jake Heggie discuss the story and behind-the-scenes creation of the critically-acclaimed opera Dead Man Walking. From Sister Helen's memoir, which recounts her time spent as a spiritual advisor to a death row inmate, to Heggie's opera which has now been given in more than 60 productions on five continents, you won't want to miss this opportunity for a deep dive into a timely, culturally relevant American work that the Guardian raved, "makes the most concentrated impact of any piece of American music theater since West Side Story. ” Join us in this conversation moderated by WFMT's George Preston and get ready for the highly anticipated Lyric premiere.
- Location: Lyric Opera House in Room 200
Dead Man Walking articles
Sister Helen Prejean on Dead Man Walking
It's been nearly two decades since the powerful story of the Louisiana nun who became spiritual adviser to a condemned man first premiered on the opera stage. First a New York Times best-selling book, then an Academy Award-winning film, Dead Man Walking is now the most often-produced opera of our generation. The ongoing emotional resonance of this gripping story is undeniable.
Why Susan Graham Wants You to See Dead Man Walking
Lyric audiences have loved American mezzo-soprano Susan Graham for an astonishing three decades. Now Susan wants you to experience the Lyric premiere of Dead Man Walking, which has been incredibly close to her heart since she created the role of Sister Helen Prejean nearly 20 years ago.
Dead Man Walking: A Surprisingly Traditional Modern Opera
For an opera that premiered at the start of the new millennium, Dead Man Walking is surprisingly traditional in many ways. That should be encouraging news to anyone who's wary of contemporary opera.
Meet the artists
Lyric premiere of Heggie’s Dead Man Walking generously made possible by
Roberta L. and Robert J. Washlow
Production owned by Lyric Opera of Chicago. Originally created by Opera Pacific, Cincinnati Opera, New York City Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, Pittsburgh Opera, and Baltimore Opera.
Music by Jake Heggie. Libretto by Terrence McNally. Based on the novel by Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ. Commissioned by San Francisco Opera.