'Treemonisha' takes stage

UTC's Theater and Music departments and The Chattanooga Choral Society of Preservation of American Song will present Scott Joplin's opera "Treemonisha" this weekend.

Ronald Carter, a UTC music professor and the producer of "Treemonisha," said this Saturday marks the 40th anniversary of the opera's theatrical debut.

Varanda Bell, a UTC graduate student, will play Treemonisha, a young black woman in the late 1800s who returns home and leads her town out of superstitious beliefs and ignorance.

Carter said Treemonisha makes it her goal to help end these superstitions all while spreading the importance of education in her town.

He also said the story ties in whether men should follow a woman as a political figure.

"This is a real promotion of the University and it's mission to promote partnerships," Carter said. "We have current students, alumni and the community group coming together. This is the excitement of doing the production."

Jooyong Ahn, maestro and professor of music, will conduct the UTC Orchestra and members of the Chattanooga Symphony.

Ahn said the music of the show consists of some ragtime but also black spirituals and some jazz.

"It's been a joy to work on such an incredible piece and an honor to be a part of this project," Ahn said.

LaFrederick Thirkill, a UTC alum and member of the Choral Society, said the most rewarding thing about working on "Treemonisha" was getting a chance to come back to UTC after so many years and perform on the stage he performed on several years ago.

Steve Ray, UTC theater professor and director of the production, said "Treemonisha" is a rare union between two University departments.

"It is not often that the theater and music departments can come together and get along really well," Ray said. "Except this time. We've had the best time working together."

Performances are Friday, Jan. 27, and Saturday, Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m., as well as Sunday, Jan. 29, at 3 p.m. 

Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for students.