Nashville Opera's upcoming production of Phillip Glass's The Fall of the House of Usher seamlessly melds contemporary opera, bold cinematic effects, and the "undead." Soprano Jennifer Zetlan's character, Madeline Usher, finds herself buried alive and is forced to claw her way out of the grave. The opera staff thought, "why should she have all of the fun?" That is when Nashville Opera's first-ever Zombie Costume Contest was created: During the Sunday, November 15 performance which begins at 2 pm, audience members are invited to dress as their favorite zombie or undead (and "yes" there is a distinction which Artistic Director, John Hoomes, will discuss at the free pre-show introduction scheduled for 1 pm in the Polk Theater) will receive a 20% discount on their ticket to the show and can participate in the contest during intermission in the lobby. The celebrity panel of experts will select the one audience member which most exemplifies the look and qualities of the undead and the winner will receive a fabulous prize package.

"When researching local zombie activities and web sites we quickly discovered that Nashville has a huge interest in zombies and the undead," says ReEd Hummell, Director of Marketing. "We have been searching for the right vehicle to attract this vital demographic to Nashville Opera, and The Fall of the House of Usher, with its Gothic themes, is the perfect fit."

"We are committed to creating productions which are innovative, thought-provoking, and above all else, entertaining," says Carol Penterman, Executive Director. "Phillip Glass is known for his numerous movie scores and his collaborations with Woody Allen, Paul Simon, Linda Ronstadt, David Bowie, and many others. Nashville Opera's exciting new production of The Fall of the House of Usher is breaking stereotypes and building new bridges throughout the community."

Nashville Opera will present the Tennessee premiere of renowned American composer Phillip Glass's The Fall of the House of Usher on Friday, November 13 at 8 PM; Saturday, November 14 at 8 PM; and Sunday, November 15 at 2 PM. Based on the short story by Edgar Allen Poe, The Fall of the House of Usher is directed by Nashville Opera's Artistic Director, John Hoomes, and features the Nashville Opera Orchestra under the direction of Maestro William Boggs. Performances will be at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center's James K. Polk Theater located at 505 Deaderick Street. Tickets range in price from $17 to $80 and are available from Nashville Opera at (615) 832-5242, online at www.nashvilleopera.org, or through the Tennessee Performing Arts Center Box Office at (615) 782-4040. A limited number of pay-what-you-can seats can be purchased at the Noah Liff Opera Center at 3622 Redmon Street in Sylvan Heights during normal business hours.

About Nashville Opera

Nashville Opera, Tennessee's largest professional opera company, is dedicated to creating legendary productions and programs. Among the most successful regional companies in the United States of America, Nashville Opera has a presented three different world premiere operas since its inception in 1981. Main stage performances are presented at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, and play to over 17,000 people annually. Nashville Opera's extensive education and outreach touring program reaches an additional 25,000 students in 18 counties throughout Middle Tennessee.

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