The Perfect American
The final years of Walt Disney’s life, set against stirring music by Philip Glass.
Commissioned by English National Opera and Teatro Real de Madrid.
Based on Peter Stephan Jungkʼs novel and written by Philip Glass, one of the world’s most influential composers, The Perfect American imagines the final years of Walt Disney’s life, including mythical imaginings of Abraham Lincoln and Andy Warhol.
The Perfect American is Glass’s 24th opera, originally commissioned by ENO and Teatro Real Madrid to mark his 75th birthday. The design was led by international designer Dan Potra, whose work on the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games ceremony was widely acclaimed.
The world premiere of the work took place at the Teatro Real, Madrid in January 2013. The first UK production took place at the London Coliseum in June 2013. This was followed by a third production with Opera Queensland, Australia for the Brisbane Festival, commencing in 2014. The Madrid premiere was broadcast live on medici.tv.
The full production at Teatro Real de Madrid can be viewed on YouTube:
Creative Team (ENO, 2013):
Composed by Philip Glass
Conducted by Gareth Jones
Directed by Phelim McDermott
Designed by Dan Potra
Lighting Designed by Jon Clark
Lighting Design recreated by Adrian Plaut
Choreographed by Ben Wright
Chorus master Narelle French
Video Designed by Leo Warner
Assistant to the Director and Choreographer Francis Christeller
Associate Video Designer Jane Michelmore
Photography by Javier del Real
Cast (ENO, 2013):
Walt Disney: Christopher Purves
Dantine: Donald Kaasch
Roy Disney: Douglas McNicol
Hazel George: Cheryl Barker
Lillian Disney: Marie McLaughlin
Sharon: Sarah Crane
Diane: Jade Moffat
Lucy/Josh: Rosie Lomas
Abraham Lincoln: Zachary James
Andy Warhol: Kanen Breen
Chuck/Doctor: Mattias Lower
Secretary/Nurse: Hayley Sugars
Skills Ensemble:
Luke Brown
Francis Christeller
Dom Czapski
Marta Masiero
Hal Smith
Michelle Barnett*
Daryl Brandwood*
Benjamin Chapman*
Rebecca Hall*
Elise May*
Jack Ziesing*
*Member of Expressions Dance Company
You can find more information about the team and cast who worked on the Teatro Real de Madrid production on their website.
