City Lyric Opera Presents the New York Premiere of Lori Laitman's Chamber Opera 'Uncovered' Nov 16-19

“A story that millions can recognize, told with spirit, courage and honesty.” – Gloria Steinem

What: City Lyric Opera’s UNCOVERED
When: Wednesday-Friday, November 16-18 @ 8:30 p.m. EST, Saturday, November 19 @ 4:00 p.m. EST and Saturday, November 19 @ 8:30 p.m.
Where: HERE Arts Center, 145 Sixth Avenue, Manhattan, 10013, Trains: C/E Spring St., 1 Houston St., N/R Prince St.
Tickets: $35. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 212.647.0202 or go to HERE.org.

NEW YORK, NY (For Release 10.06.22) — One of New York City’s most innovative opera companies, City Lyric Opera (CLO), presents the New York premiere of Uncovered, a chamber opera that plumbs the dramatic intersection of abortion, fundamentalism, and homosexuality within a true story. Uncovered is composed by Lori Laitman, one of the foremost composers of classical vocal music today, with a libretto by Leah Lax based on her memoir relating her journey out of Hasidic Judaism to freedom as a gay woman. The production is directed by Beth Greenberg, renowned for her work at New York City Opera, and conducted by Jackson McKinnon. The cast includes soprano Rachel Policar as Lisa/Young Leah, mezzo-soprano Emily Blair as Older Leah, tenor Chris Carr as Levi, mezzo-soprano Heather Jones as Mother, Rachael Braunstein as Mikvah Attendant, and Sydney Anderson as Lover. 

Uncovered is co-commissioned by City Lyric Opera, The New York Opera Society, and Utah State University. The world premiere took place in March 2022 at The Caine Lyric Theatre in Logan, Utah. According to Megan Gillis, co-founder and CLO Executive Director, “We felt it important to bring in singers who are sensitive to the tension between religious fundamentalism and the need for an honest life.” 

Uncovered examines one woman’s secret life in a restrictive society and the consequences of living a lie. Drawn to the spiritual promises of the ultra-orthodox Hasidim, Leah hides her homosexuality and accepts an arranged Hasidic marriage. Forbidden birth control, the young couple lives in lockstep within the Hasidic community until Leah’s eighth pregnancy when, convinced she will not survive, Leah has a secret abortion that changes her. She allows herself to fall in love with a woman. But the community betrays her. Gillis adds, “We hope audiences leave Uncovered inspired by Leah's story. By showcasing stories like Uncovered, we aim to inspire audiences to listen to their hearts in the lifelong quest to live authentically without apology.”

In the lead roles of Young Leah and Older Leah are two emerging singers: Rachel Policar and Emily Blair. A sought-after performer across many genres, Rachel Policar has been described as “spectacular” (The Los Angeles Times), “arresting” (San Francisco Classical Voice), and “a natural comedienne” (Broadway World), for her recent performances on the operatic, theatre and concert stages. Rachel is also passionate about telling stories that are rooted in her Jewish heritage. She made her Off Broadway debut with the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, with which she is a frequent guest artist. Performing the Older Leah is Emily Blair who was recently featured in Central City Opera’s 2002 summer festival. Praised for her “sweet, rich voice” (South Florida Classical Review) and “coloratura flourishes” (Palm Beach Arts Paper), she has performed with Palm Beach Opera, Portland Opera, Opera Upper West, and more. This past year, she won both the Igor Gorin Memorial Award and the Iris Henwood Richards Memorial Award. Joining them as the husband Levi is tenor Chris Carr. Chris has been described as a tenor with “superb vocal panache” (myscena.org), and has performed roles with Arizona Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Washington National Opera and Central City Opera, among others. 

About Lori Laitman (composer)
“One of the most talented and intriguing of living composers” (Fanfare Magazine), American composer Lori Laitman has written multiple operas, choral works, and over 300 songs setting texts by contemporary and classic poets, including those who died in the Holocaust. Laitman’s music is performed worldwide to critical acclaim and her discography is extensive. “One cannot help but be astounded by the endless reserves of Laitman's musical imagination and her unerring instincts for setting texts with sensitivity and grace.” (The Journal of Singing) ArtSongs.com

About Leah Lax (librettist)
Leah’s libretti include The Refuge, composed by Christopher Theofanidis for Houston Grand Opera, and Overboard, a choral work by composer Mark Buller, also for HGO and now a Houston favorite for Veterans’ Day. Also with Buller, Leah recently wrote Mass In Exile for the Grammy Award-winning Houston Chamber Choir to premiere October 2024. Leah wrote the libretto for Uncovered at Laitman’s request after Lori read Leah’s award-winning memoir Uncovered: How I Left Hasidic Life and Finally Came Home. LeahLaxAuthor.com

About City Lyric Opera                                                                                                  

Founded in 2016, City Lyric Opera (CLO) is an all-female operated non-profit organization dedicated to affordable opera created by a team of diverse and inclusive New York City-based artists. Applauded for being “a most worthy company with high ideals (Voce di Meche),” CLO redefines the way opera is perceived and produced by providing affordable, timely opera for the New York City community with a commitment to productions that put artists first, and ensuring a welcoming experience both on and offstage. CityLyricOpera.org.

New York Premiere of UNCOVERED (2022)

Producer: Megan Gillis
Composer: Lori Laitman
Librettist: Leah Lax
Director: Beth Greenberg
Music Director: Jackson McKinnon
Lisa/Young Leah: Rachel Policar (soprano)
Levi: Chris Carr (tenor)
Older Leah: Emily Blair (mezzo-soprano)
Mother: Heather Jones (mezzo-soprano)
Mikvah Attendant/Grandmother: Rachael Braunstein (mezzo-soprano)   

Lover/Dream Ana: Sydney Anderson (soprano)                                                         

Chorus: Sara LeMesh, Juliet Morris, Joanie Brittingham, Melanie Long, Sophie Delphis, Stephanie Feigenbaum, Ai Ra, Miguel Pedroza, Samuel Chiba, Collin Safley                            

Musicians: Colin Roshak, Aurora Mendez, Issei Herr, Dura Jun                              

Chorus Master: Hannah Nacheman                                                                         

Production Stage Manager: Christopher Denver                                                         

Scenic Designer: Jessica Cancino                                                                               

Lighting Designer: Jessica Wall                                                                                  

Costume Designer: Daniela Goytizolo                                                                       

 Intimacy Director: Toni Machi                                                                                     

Assistant Lighting Designer: Izzie Cava                                                              

Production Assistant: Gloria Kamo

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