November 13, 2006 - Mackris v. O'Reilly: The Opera
In the book Sweet Jesus, I Hate Bill O'Reilly, we discussed the possibility of a musical theater
production. We even went so far as to throw together some lyrics. Well kids, in the race to the
stage, we've been beaten to the punch… and by a guy named Igor, no less.
Mackris v. O’Reilly is the new work by Igor Keller. The oratorio (which is basically an opera
without the scenery), is for a 31-piece chamber orchestra, 32-voice chorus and three soloists,
directed by Kris Falk.
The libretto is comprised of the original court document and O’Reilly’s on-air settlement
announcement. Imagine a two-hour neo-baroque extravaganza including seven chorales, two
madrigals, three choruses, four recitatives, two instrumental entrances and numerous arias
dedicated to the sexual exploits of the most popular man in cable news.
Charles Robert Stephens - Baritone
as Bill O'Reilly
Stephens’ performances show "a committed characterization and a
voice of considerable beauty." (Opera News) He has been hailed by
The New York Times as a "baritone of smooth distinction."
Signe Mortensen - Soprano
as Andrea Mackris
Mortensen's roles include Musetta in La Boheme (Bellevue Opera),
Pamina in Magic Flute (Skagit Opera), Micaela in Carmen (Opera
Pacifica), Frasquita in Carmen (Tri-Cities Opera), Adele in Die
Fledermaus (TCO), Yum-Yum in Mikado (Skagit Opera), and
Josephine in HMS Pinafore (Northwest Savoyards)