Charlotte Shakespeare Opens OPUS, 10/10

Charlotte Shakespeare will present the regional premiere of Michael Hollinger's drama Opus, October 10-27, 2012, at the Duke Energy Theatre in Spirit Square. Tickets are $10-22 and are available from carolinatix.org or by calling 704-372-1000.

Playwright and former violinist Michael Hollinger has penned a witty drama about the politics and passions that threaten a classical string quartet. In front of an audience they're pitch perfect, but behind the scenes the Lazara string quartet is coming unstrung – all on the eve of their first televised performance at the White House. As musical ambitions collide with personal dynamics, their rehearsal room becomes a pressure cooker and their world begins to fall apart.

"Our audiences loved our 2010 production of Michael Hollinger's Incorruptible," says Artistic Director Elise Wilkinson. "So when the opportunity arose to present Opus, we jumped at the chance to stage another of Hollinger's plays. Opus gives audiences a glimpse into the backstage drama surrounding a string quartet. It's a tightly-written, funny and intense 90-minute theatrical thrill ride."

Matt Cosper, who directed this summer's production of The Tempest, directs a cast consisting of veteran actors Joe Copley (Elliot), Matthew Corbett (Carl), James K. Flynn (Alan), Rob Kahn (Dorian) and Gretchen McGinty (Grace).