Title: Helen Martin: An American Moment

Libretto: Darren Canady

Instruments: 8 Singers (SSSATTBB) + Piano and electronics (other orchestration available)

Program Notes:

Helen Martin is the key to her husband’s reelection campaign: poised, witty, wise, steely, and steadfast; she’s the kind of political spouse who knows where the bodies are buried but has a smile and charm so brilliant no one’s going to bother digging. But as election season heats up, it’s becoming more and more clear that Helen and Lewis’ trip back to the Governor’s Mansion is far from assured. As Lewis’ numerous indiscretions and political ties put him in the crosshairs of a power-hungry, hardline challenger, Helen is forced to decide how much pain and betrayal she’ll paper over with that perfect smile. When tragedy strikes the heart of the campaign and all the political masks are ripped away, Helen must choose once and for all if her love for her husband and the life they have built outweighs her own integrity and personal ambitions.

First Performance: Fall 2020 (Steel City Opera)