“The Tender Land,” an opera by American composer Aaron Copland, will be presented by the East Tennessee State University Opera Theatre next Thursday and Saturday (April 3 and 5) at 7:30 p.m. in the Bud Frank Theatre in Gilbreath Hall.
Set in the 1930s in a Midwest farming town, this three-act opera focuses on one farming family’s hopes in their soon-to-be-graduated daughter, the daughter’s dream of a larger life, and a mother’s acceptance of life’s seasons.
In the opera, the town is preparing for the spring harvest and high school graduation. When he delivers a graduation dress to Laurie Moss and her mother, the postman delivers news that two strangers in a neighboring town have hurt a young girl.
Ma Moss’ worries are compounded with the arrival of two itinerant workers, Martin and Top. Laurie’s grandfather hires the two men to stay and work the harvest, and Laurie invites them to her graduation party.
Suspicious of the two men, Ma sends for the sheriff, just in case her doubts are correct, and as the party progresses, Martin and Laurie find themselves alone. Martin declares his feelings for Laurie, but when they kiss, her grandfather catches them.
Just as Ma reveals her suspicions and Grandpa becomes enraged, news arrives that two other men were arrested in the neighboring town for their crime, proving that Top and Martin are innocent. Still, Grandpa asks the two to leave the following morning.
Laurie and Martin decide to leave to start a new life together. But when she discovers the following morning that Martin has gone without her, Laurie decides she must leave on her own.
“The Tender Land” features several Appalachian folk tunes, and even incorporates some flat-foot dance in the big chorus/party scene.
“Some have called it an operatic version of the musical ‘Oklahoma,'” says ETSU Opera Theatre Director Karen Smith, who notes that it is in English and is very easy to follow.
Cast members are: Linda Brimer, Greeneville, and Kathryn Hawthorne, Knoxville, double-cast as Laurie; Amber McKinney, Abingdon, Va., as Ma Moss; Shane Burke and Kevin Fox, Big Stone Gap, Va., as Top and Grandpa Moss, respectively; instructor Zach Marshall, Limestone, as Martin; Justin Conway, Elizabethton, as Mr. Splinters; Ashley Francis, Crossville, as Beth; Courtney Jolley and Sharvis Smith, Johnson City, as Mrs. Jenks and Mrs. Splinters, respectively; and Samuel Crawford, Kingsport, as Mr. Jenks.
Admission is $10 for the public and $5 for senior citizens and students with ID. For tickets, more information, or assistance for those with disabilities, call the ETSU Department of Music at (423) 439-4276.

Author