The National Opera Company’s Premiere AJF Opera Theater Performance

A Rake Competes With A Hatchet
The National Opera Company’s Premiere AJF Opera Theater Performance

Nick Shadow (David Schmidtt) beckons Rakewell into Hell.

The National Opera Company’s performance of “The Rake’s Progress” featured the dischordant strains of Stravinsky, a story of a young man’s descent with the Devil, and an inaugural appearance on the stage of its namesake. The cast and orchestra performed the difficult score in concert with the riffs of Molly Hatchet and other Southern rock performers in the parking lot of the BTI Performing Arts Center. RibFest competed with the opera and the conflict received attention in more than one news publication.

Sellem, the auctioneer, provides a bit of color to the action.	Baba The Turk seems a find for young Tom Rakewell but soon shows her true colors.	Anne Truelove captures the heart of Tom Rakewell.
Shadow (right) treats Rakewell to untold riches.