Operatic version of Pink Floyd's “The Wall” making U.S. debut tonight in Cincinnati

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m_pinkfloydanotherbrickinthewallopera630_classroomstill_071918

Credit: Philip Groshong

Credit: Philip GroshongThe operatic version of Pink Floyd‘s The Wall that debuted in March 2017 in Montreal will get its U.S. premiere at the Cincinnati Opera tonight, July 20. Another Brick in the Wall — The Opera was composed by Julien Bilodeau, based on the original words and music Roger Waters wrote for his old band’s classic 1979 concept album.

A total of five performances are scheduled for Cincinnati’s Music Hall, on July 20, 21, 26, 28 and 31. The production features performances by an international cast of solo singers, as well as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, enhanced by video projections and captivating staging.

Like The Wall album, the opera tells the story of a rock star named Pink, who becomes more and more alienated from the world as he struggles with issues from his past. Among the many troubles the character faces are the death of his father in World War II, an overbearing mother, a repressive school teacher, and an unfaithful wife.

In the Cincinnati production, Pink will be portrayed by baritone Nathan Keoughan, who tells local paper CityBeat that the role is a challenging one for him as a singer.

“I have to sing incredibly high notes, which I never thought I had,” he says. “I started out as a bass-baritone and now I’m a baritone touching the edges of tenor.”

CityBeat reports that Waters, who recently wrapped up a European leg of his Us and Them solo tour, isn’t planning to attend the Cincinnati premiere of Another Brick in the Wall. Meanwhile, Pierre Dufour, former general director of Opera de Montreal, tells CityBeat that opera companies in Buenos Aires, England, France and Toronto are discussing staging the production.

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