Welcome to Madrid

The stage of the Royal Theatre is the venue for the Spanish premiere of Dead Man Walking, an opera in two acts. This production is the first opera by composer, Jake Heggie, based on the book of the same name by Sister Helen Prejean. 

The term “Dead Man Walking” is used in American prisons to refer to the inmate who is about to be executed in the electric chair or via a lethal injection. The story tells how Sister Helen Prejean tries to obtain the absolution and spiritual peace of Joseph DeRocher, sentenced to death for murdering two teenagers.

The mezzo-soprano, Joyce DiDonato, will be responsible for bringing the main character of Sister Helen Prejean to life, under the musical direction of Mark Wigglesworth and stage management of Leonardo Foglia.

Creative Team:

Musical Direction - Mark Wigglesworth               
Stage Management - Leonard Foglia     
Stage Design - Michael McGarty             
Costume Design - Jess Goldstein           
Lighting- Brian Nason
Video - Elaine McCarthy              
Choir Management - Andrés Máspero    
Children’s Choir Management - Ana González        

Cast:

Sister Helen - Joyce DiDonato           
Joseph DeRocher - Michael Mayes         
Mrs. DeRocher - Maria Zifchak            
Sister Rose - Measha Brueggergosman        
George Benton - Damián del Castillo     
Father Grenville - Roger Padullés             
Kitty Hart - María Hinojosa        
Owen Hart - Toni Marsol            
Jade Boucher - Lucy Schaufer
Howard Boucher - Vicenç Esteve            
Policeman - Enric Martínez-Castignani         
Sister Catherine - Celia Alcedo         
Sister Lillianne - Marifé Nogales      
First Guard - Enric Martínez-Castignani        
Second Guard - Tomeu Bibiloni         

Programme:

Opera in two acts
Music - Jake Heggie
Libretto - Terrence McNally, based on the book of the same name by Sister Helen Prejean
Premiere at the Royal Theatre
Production by the Lyric Opera de Chicago
Resident Choir and Orchestra of the Royal Theatre
(Intermezzo Choir / Symphonic Orchestra of Madrid)
Young singers from ORCAM