January 11-14 and 18-21, 2012
Tickets: $45-$65 {Buy Now}

Directed and Libretto by Mark Streshinsky
Score by Clark Suprynowicz

Press ReleaseThe Crucible proudly presents, MACHINE: A world premiere Fire Opera written, conceived and directed for The Crucible stage by Mark Streshinsky, who previously collaborated on Dracul and Firebird. The music of MACHINE is by Clark Suprynowicz who is well known in the Bay area for his Jazz and Rock infused compositions of opera and symphonic work.

Based on a short story by science fiction author Derek J. Goodman, MACHINE is set in a fiery industrial universe in which workers have sold themselves into a lifetime of servitude. When one worker regains his power of self-determination, the story ignites into an explosive brew of escape plots, alliances, and unlikely love interests. This spectacular performance features two opera singers, a rock singer and percussionists that “play” the scaffolding-like set. Visual effects including a molten metal pour, fire performers and industrial artists such as glass blowers and blacksmiths. MACHINE will deliver the kind of awe-inspiring performance that Crucible audiences have come to expect.

Composer Clark Suprynowicz has written a riveting score for this piece that incorporates seven percussionists alongside both classical and rock instrumentalists and directed by noted conductor, Barnaby Palmer. The musicians inhabit the machine and perform as the workers of the factory. Suprynowicz’ score reinforces the virile voice of baritone Eugene Brancoveanu who The SF Chronicle calls “extravagantly gifted with unforced charisma, vocal clarity and heft.”

Sung in English, MACHINE is a stunning show that takes full advantage of the industrial surroundings of The Crucible’s 56,000 square foot education facility.

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This project is based on the short story Deus Ex Machina by Derek J. Goodman and is being developed in collaboration with composer Clark Supynowicz and writer/director Mark Streshinsky with support from The Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation, the Kenneth Rainin Foundation, the James Irvine Foundation, and the East Bay Community Foundation’s Fund for Artists.

 

 

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Tickets On Sale Now!

January 11-14 and 18-20, 2012
Doors at 7:30pm / Show at 8:30PM
Tickets: $45-$65

Please Note: This is a seated event, no late entry will be permited. This show also contains mature content and situations that may not be suitable for young children.

Closing Night Gala

Saturday, January 21, 2012
Doors at 6:30pm / Show at 8:30PM
Tickets: $150

Join us in your finest evening attire at the Closing Night Gala of MACHINE to celebrate The Crucible’s 12th Anniversary. As industrial art and performance art unite, our studio space transforms into a mysterious machine of operatic fire performers, belting baritones and flaming sculptures.

Enjoy fiery cocktails and decadent hors d’oeuvres during our pre-performance reception and after the show, a champagne toast with the cast as we celebrate another innovative year at The Crucible. Gala tickets are partially tax-deductible.

Thank you to our generous event sponsors!

Christopher & Amber-Marie Bently
Warren Breslau & Frances Hellman
Nick & Sloane Morgan
Charles Olson & Yoko Watanabe
Todd Seabold
Eli Weinberger

Event Sponsorship Opportunities

For more information on how you or your company can become a community sponsor of this world-premier event contact Ray Boyle, Development Coordinator, by email at ray@thecrucible.org or by phone at (510) 444-0919 ext. 119

Cast & Crew

Mark Streshinsky Director
Clark Suprynowicz Composer
Barnaby Palmer
Steven Young
Conductor
Producer

 

CAST
WILLIAM Eugene Brancoveanu Baritone
SONYA Valentina “Tina” Osinski Mezzo-Soprano
REDSHIRT Joe Meyers Tenor
EMILY Ann-Kathryn Olsen Soprano
BRIGID Dawn McCarthy Rock n’ Roll Singer
MARGARET Alexis Lane Jensen Mezzo-Soprano
MUSIC
Greg Mason Accompanist
John Schott Guitar
Ian Stahl Guitar
Nancy Bien Souza Cello
Craig Kleinman Bass
Jim Kassis Drums
Henri DuCharme Accordion
Scott Bleakin Timpani
Loren Mach Climber / Percussionist
Joel Davel Climber / Percussionist
Erika Johnson Climber / Percussionist
Alex Wadner Climber / Percussionist
Andrew Meyerson Climber / Percussionist

 

CREW
Jean-Francois Revon Set Design
Joey Gottbrath Techincal Director
Peter Kropf Fire Effects
Danny Dillon Fire Technician
Lucas Krech Lighting Design
Daniel Yasmin Instrument Construction
Phil Lockwood Sound Designer
Brendan Aanes Sound Engineer
Romy Douglass Costumer Designer
Shamika Baker
Andrea Lundquist
Julie Chin
Mark Watson
Bob Westman
Chi Chi Okonmah
Julie Allen
Julia Russotti
Carla Hall
Michael Curry
Heather Katz
Makeup Artist
Event Manager
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
Box Office Manager
Usher Manager
FOH Manager
Security Captain
Fire Safety Captain
Radio Manager

Event Information

Location & Directions
The event will be located at:
The Crucible
1260 7th Street
Oakland, CA 94607Directions & Parking…Parking
The Crucible has a very small parking lot on the corner of 7th & Union that will be available for disabled placard parking only. Those spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and go quickly. There are also two paid parking lots that will be staffed. One is on Kirkham Avenue and the other is the 5th Street lot by BART. Please do not park in lots owned by local businesses or the residential area behind The Crucible; your car may be towed.

Public Transit
Ditch the car and don’t worry about parking – The Crucible is easily accessible by BART!
From the West Oakland BART Station, exit onto 7th Street, turn right and walk 2 blocks east to Union (at the 2nd light). The Crucible is on the northwest corner of 7th & Union, at 1260 7th Street. To plan your BART trip, visit www.bart.gov.

What to Wear
The Crucible is protected from the elements, but not the temperature. Please be prepared for cold winter temperatures.

Special Notes
Every guest regardless of age must purchase a ticket. Guests may be subject to loud noises, bursts of flame, amplified music or strobe-like effects.

Youth Under 18
Every guest regardless of age must purchase a ticket. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. This show also contains mature content and situations that may not be suitable for young children.

Smoking
A designated smoking area will be available outside. There is no smoking inside The Crucible.

Photography and Video
Absolutely no professional photography or video equipment or flash is allowed at this event! Small pocket cameras are okay, please just turn of your flash.

Press & Media
If you are a member of the press, there will be a full dress rehearsal press preview night on Monday, January 9th from 7-10pm for photos, video and interviews to be acquired. Please RSVP to be added to the list by contacting Andrea Lundquist at andrea@thecrucible.org or (510) 444-0919 x135. Press and media professionals only please.

Event Rules
• No In/Out access
• No Outside food or drink
• Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times
• No Pets (except service dogs)
• No Chairs
• No Professional Photography or Video Equipment
• No Flash Photography
• No Roller-skates or heelys
• Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas
• No uncontracted fire performance or vending of any kind

Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs
We are pleased to accommodate guests with disabilities or other special needs. If you require disability-related assistance, contact our box office at (510) 444-0919 in advance, and we will be happy to assist you. The Crucible’s flooring is flat concrete with two small concrete ramps, so getting around inside the event area is straightforward.