BOZEMAN, Mont. — Opera Montana marked a significant milestone in its nearly 50-year history with the world premiere of “A River Runs Through It” on Friday at the Ellen Theater. The new opera is an adaptation of Norman Maclean’s acclaimed novella, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Composed by Zach Redler with a libretto by Kelley Rourke and Matt Foss, the work offers a lyrical and accessible retelling of Maclean’s story, set against the landscapes and cultural heritage of Montana.
The production represents the culmination of a strategic evolution at Opera Montana, a regional company that has experienced substantial growth under recent leadership. Founded in 1978 as Intermountain Opera Bozeman, the company traditionally staged two operas and one musical annually. In 2020, a leadership transition saw Michael Sakir become artistic director and Susan Miller join as general director shortly afterward. Their vision expanded the company’s scope to a statewide mission, prompting a rebranding to Opera Montana in 2024.
Alongside the rebrand, the company developed new community initiatives, including a veterans chorus, a youth opera program, and Wheels of Harmony, a touring effort focused on Native American music education. Collaborations with local organizations have also been integral, such as a partnership with Haven, an agency supporting domestic abuse victims, during a production of “Carousel,” and staging “Ragtime” at a naturalization ceremony in Helena, Montana’s capital.
Opera Montana’s budget has grown significantly in recent years, increasing from around $400,000-$450,000 before 2020 to approximately $1.5 million in 2023. This rise reflects the production costs associated with the “River” premiere, which the company credits for attracting new donors and supporters.
The opera adaptation originated from parallel efforts. Matt Foss had been in discussions with John Maclean, Norman Maclean’s son, to adapt the novella for the stage, while Miller and Sakir sought an authentic Montana story for their first commissioned opera. Upon securing the rights, Maclean, an opera enthusiast and fly fisherman like his father, endorsed the project, believing opera would enhance the poetic qualities of the book.
The creative team includes Foss, co-librettist Rourke, an opera veteran, and composer Redler, whose musical style blends elements of opera and musical theater. Redler’s score has drawn comparisons to the works of Adam Guettel, featuring sophisticated melodies and folk influences designed to engage audiences unfamiliar with opera.
The production features a cast led by Schyler Vargas as Norman Maclean, Michael Kuhn as his brother Paul, David Pittsinger and Phyllis Pancella as their parents, and Christine Taylor Price as Jessie, Norman’s wife. The work maintains a restrained tone overall, reflecting the novella’s understated narrative, with one notable exception during a quiet fly-fishing scene where the music provides an evocative internal dialogue among characters.
Following the premiere in Bozeman, “A River Runs Through It” is scheduled to travel to Missoula, another key setting of the story. Given its accessible score and modest staging requirements, the opera has potential for performances at regional theaters and educational institutions. Opera Montana’s leadership has indicated that any future commissions would continue to align closely with the company’s commitment to Montana’s cultural heritage.
The premiere stands as a noteworthy achievement for Opera Montana, underscoring its growth and ambition while offering audiences a new artistic interpretation of a beloved Montana narrative.