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Lawrence University's Opera Theatre program is set to present two one-act operas by women composers. The performances will take place at the university's Stansbury Theater from February 29 to March 3, featuring Pauline Viardot's "Cendrillon" and Melissa Dunphy's "Alice Tierney."

Director of opera studies Copeland Woodruff emphasized the program's aim to highlight lesser-known works. "[We’re] trying to find equity in other people’s works that may or may not have been suppressed—forgotten histories or erased histories," he said.

Woodruff and Assistant Professor of Music Kristin Roach chose these two short operas instead of a single lengthy piece. "Alice Tierney," premiered in 2023, has had limited performances, while "Cendrillon" was largely overlooked for a century after its debut in 1904. Lawrence University will be among the few opera companies to stage either work and the first to perform them together.

The productions feature a double cast, with each role shared by two singers who alternate nightly. This approach results in four separate casts, providing more opportunities for student performers. Senior Allison Juárez Wunderlin expressed her appreciation for sharing the title role of Cendrillon with junior Sarah Ruiz, saying it allowed them to build trust and inspire each other.

Woodruff explained that their goal is to prepare students across various genres: operatic masterworks, musicals, contemporary works, and pop and rock styles. "[We’re] trying to give them a wealth of experiences," he noted.

Each academic year includes a major work during Winter Term—in this case, two short operas—and two scenes concerts featuring excerpts from diverse operas and musicals. Wunderlin highlighted the numerous opportunities available at Lawrence University.

The thematic elements of identity exploration connect both operas despite their apparent differences. "Cendrillon" retells Cinderella's story in French, while "Alice Tierney" delves into the death of a colonial American woman through an archaeological lens. "[There’s] the metaphor of archaeology and digging to find out about someone who pretends to be someone they're not," Woodruff explained.

Both productions pose challenges for students due to their specific stylistic demands. Woodruff remarked on learning broad comedy for "Cendrillon" and stylized approaches for "Alice Tierney." Wunderlin described her role as challenging due to diction requirements.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from February 29 through March 2, with a matinee at 3 p.m. on March 3 at Stansbury Theater within Lawrence University's Music-Drama Center. Tickets range from $15-$30; seniors can purchase tickets for $10-$25; Lawrence and non-Lawrence students with valid ID can attend free when obtaining tickets in person at the Box Office.