event was streaming only, and will not be archived

event website URL: http://www.oberlin.edu/con/leavemealone/

start date and time: Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 7:55 PM

end date and time: Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 9:45 PM

categories:   music   arts & culture   theater

event description:

video webcast -

World premiere of the autobiographical jazz opera Leave Me Alone! at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, OH. The opera is a collaboration between iconic, underground comic book author Harvey Pekar and fellow Cleveland native Dan Plonsey. Pekar wrote the libretto and Plonsey composed the music.

The story focuses on conversations between the two artists about music, work, and life as an artist. The artists play themselves in the opera and their wives also play themselves. Harvey Pekar is known for his comic book series American Splendor. A movie about Pekar, also named American Splendor, was released in 2003.

Artist Robert Crumb makes a telephone appearance and six musicians will accompany the opera. Josh Smith is the musical director.

sponsor's website: http://new.oberlin.edu/