Image of an ice cream shop with pine trees and a setting sun behind it, World War 2 planes overhead, and three women in 1950s clothes look on while embracing each other as friends. Text reads, "Portland State University Opera Presents The Eleanors, A new Chamber Opera."

The Eleanors

Music & Libretto by Jodi Goble; Michael Ching, Co-Librettist

November 29 - December 7, 2025

West Coast Premiere of a new chamber opera sung in English.

“You’re just a bunch of Eleanors,” says a curmudgeon to three young women, intending it as an insult. But to this trio of friends–two with husbands fighting on the frontlines of World War II–it’s an honor to be associated with their hero, Eleanor Roosevelt–a woman of strength, intelligence, compassion and purpose. In this uplifting tale of wartime solidarity and friendship, the three women experience the terror, hardship and enduring hope of living during a time of global strife. As they struggle to keep the home fires burning and face myriad challenges, they lean on each other, ultimately discovering their own strengths and the power of friendship. Featuring music influenced by swing and the American Songbook, this new chamber opera composed by Jodi Goble, with libretto by Goble and Michael Ching, is a nostalgic delight. Reserve your tickets for this West Coast premiere!

Saturday, November 29, 7:30 PM
Sunday, November 30, 3:00 PM
Saturday, December 6, 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 7, 3:00 PM

Location
Lincoln Hall Studio Theater (LH 115)
1620 SW Park Ave
Portland, OR 97201

Cost: 
General Admission $45
Seniors 65+ $30
Any Students $20
Group (10+) $40

Run time is 2 hours with an intermission.

Cast

Character - Cast (performance date)
Maxie - Katie Erb (November 29 & December 7)
Maxie - Serena Mason (November 30 & December 6)
Lilian - Laurien Zahn (November 30 & December 6)
Lilian - Kathryn Thomas (November 29 & December 7)
Ramona - Holly Freiberg
Cal - Izaak Thoms (November 30 & December 6)
Cal - Felipe Araya (November 29 & December 7)
Mr. Pete - Jere Burkholder
Susie - Madeline Green
Juliette - Lily Pounders
Flo - Taylenne Ubieta-Johnson
Curmudgeon - Paul Mortimer

Artistic Team

Artistic Director: Kelley Nassief
Stage Director: Brenda Nuckton
Music Director: Paul Floyd
Costume Design: Amanda Cardwell-Aiken
Wigs and Make-Up: Diane Trapp
Lighting/Projections Designer: Ian Anderson-Priddy
Assistant Lighting/Projections Designer: Ash Goodrich-Hendrickson
Choreography: Jeananne Kelsey
Props & Set Design: Sumi Wu
Stage Manager: Kallin Leenhouts

Parking Information: www.pdx.edu/transportation/hourly-visitor-parking

Questions: music@pdx.edu; (503) 725-3011

Opera graphics created by Bologna Sandwich and modified by Jeff Hayes.


PSU Opera students in performance

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