Shadowboxer: An Opera Based on the Life of Joe Louis

Maryland Opera Studio
music by Frank Proto
libretto by John Chenault
Leon Major, director
Timothy Long, conductor
Erhard Rom, scenic design
David Roberts, costumes
Nancy Schertler, lighting design
Kirby Malone and Gail Scott White, projections

Program guide:

• Download the program [PDF format]

Shadowboxer is co-commissioned by the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and the UM School of Music with support from Commissioning Partners Peter Wolfe and Robert and Patricia Knight.

The world premiere of a new American opera based on the life of one of the greatest boxers who ever lived. Joe Louis —“The Brown Bomber” — became a hero to the whole country in an era when a black hero was all but unthinkable. But what happens to a hero when the glory fades and the bills come due? This new opera by Frank Proto and John Chenault brings the triumph and tragedy of an American icon to new life in a stunning production featuring projected images, an onstage jazz band and a 12-member chorus.

Estimated Runtime: 2 hours 25 minutes, including intermission

Join us for post-performance Talk Backs with composer Frank Proto and librettist John Chenault (April 18) and with the Shadowboxer cast, moderated by director Leon Major (April 25).

This event is part of the Shadowboxer Engagement Project:

• April 18, 21, 23, 25 – The Music of Shadowboxer with assistant conductor Michael Ingram and assistant director Carolyn Black-Sotir.