Wichita State University's School of Music and School of Performing Arts present Carlisle Floyd's "Cold Sassy Tree," a comedy based on a novel by Olive Ann Burns. The opera was written for WSU Distinguished Professor of Opera Samuel Ramey, and will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9-Saturday, April 11, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 12, Miller Concert Hall.

The story is about a May-December romance set in the fictional rural Georgia town of Cold Sassy Tree in 1900. When the book debuted, one reviewer called it “The story of an old man growing young, a young man growing up, and the woman who, without intending to, becomes a catalyst for both,” and the operatic version holds true to that.

The story unfolds in the memory of its narrator, Will Tweedy, who was a 15-year-old boy when a family dispute divided the community. The citizens of Cold Sassy are outraged when Will’s grandfather announces plans to remarry a mere three weeks after his wife’s death. Worse, his betrothed is half his age, his employee and a Yankee to boot, and a tangled series of events ensues.

Alumni, current faculty, graduate and undergraduate voice and music theatre majors will participate in the production. Alumna and emerging professional Mandy Brown returns to WSU as Love Simpson, alternating with Adjunct Professor of Voice Emily Sternfeld-Dunn. Guest artist Eric Lindsey alternates with current graduate student Jake Skipworth as Rucker. Director of Opera Marie King is stage director; Ann Walenta Faculty of Distinction Endowed Professor Mark Laycock conducts. Set design is by alumnus J Branson, with costumes are by alumna Alison Babb. Sophomore Dalton Houck is the lighting designer. Associate Professors David Neville and Cate Wieck are faculty advisors.

Ramey will not be part of this production due to professional commitments.

“Cold Sassy Tree” is Rated G. Tickets for the event are on sale now at the Fine Arts Box Office noon-5 p.m. weekdays in the lobby of Duerksen Fine Arts Center or online at wichita.edu/fineartsboxoffice. General admission is $16. Discount tickets are $14 for seniors, faculty/staff and military or $6 for children and students. Fine arts events are always free for Wichita State students with their Shocker ID.

For more information, contact the box office at 316-978-3233.