Ricky Ian Gordon

Intimate Apparel
2020-03-21 14:00 - 16:00, 2020-03-20 20:00 - 22:00, 2020-03-19 20:00 - 22:00, 2020-03-18 20:00 - 22:00, 2020-03-18 14:00 - 16:00, 2020-03-17 20:00 - 22:00, 2020-03-15 15:00 - 17:00, 2020-03-14 20:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) and 17 more dates | Lincoln Center Theater, 150 W. 65th St, New York, NY, 10023, United States
Set in 1905 in turn of the century New York, INTIMATE APPAREL tells the story of Esther, a lonely, single African-American woman who makes her living sewing beautiful corsets and ladies’ undergarments. There is warm affection between her and the Orthodox Jewish man who sells fabrics to her, but any relationship between them, even a touch, is completely forbidden. Seeking love and romance, Esther eventually embarks on a letter writing relationship with a mysterious suitor laboring on the Panama Canal. When he moves to New York they embark on an unhappy marriage, leading Esther to realize that only her self-reliance and certainty of her own worth will see her through life’s challenges.

Intimate Apparel
2020-02-28 20:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Lincoln Center Theater, 150 W. 65th St, New York, NY, 10023, United States
Set in 1905 in turn of the century New York, INTIMATE APPAREL tells the story of Esther, a lonely, single African-American woman who makes her living sewing beautiful corsets and ladies’ undergarments. There is warm affection between her and the Orthodox Jewish man who sells fabrics to her, but any relationship between them, even a touch, is completely forbidden. Seeking love and romance, Esther eventually embarks on a letter writing relationship with a mysterious suitor laboring on the Panama Canal. When he moves to New York they embark on an unhappy marriage, leading Esther to realize that only her self-reliance and certainty of her own worth will see her through life’s challenges.w

Intimate Apparel: Behind the Scenes
2020-02-09 19:30 (America/New_York) | Simon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 5th Ave., New York, NY, 10128, United States
Go behind the scenes of a new chamber opera based on Lynn Nottage’s popular play Intimate Apparel, with music by Ricky Ian Gordon and a libretto by the playwright, and directed by Bartlett Sher. Set in turn-of-the-century New York, the opera tells the story of Esther, a lonely, single African-American woman who makes her living sewing beautiful corsets and ladies’ undergarments. Seeking love and romance, Esther embarks on a letter-writing relationship with a mysterious suitor laboring on the Panama Canal, and realizes that only her self-reliance and certainty of her own worth will see her through life’s challenges. Dramaturg and Director of the Opera Commissioning Program at The Metropolitan Opera Paul Cremo moderates a discussion with Gordon, Nottage, and Sher and cast members perform highlights, ahead of the opera’s opening performance on February 27.
Intimate Apparel is the first opera produced by Lincoln Center Theater and was developed by LCT and the Metropolitan Opera as part of the Met/LCT New Works Program, which is dedicated to developing new opera and music theater works.

Cocktails & Composers: An Evening with Ricky Ian Gordon
2020-01-23 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Lincoln Center Theater, 150 W. 65th St, New York, NY, 10023, United States
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
6–8pm Cocktails & Snacks
7pm Conversation & Musical Performance by Ricky Ian Gordon
Introduction by LCT’s Producing Artistic Director Andre Bishop
Vivian Beaumont Theater Lobby
150 W. 65th St.
Join LCT Angels for cocktails and conversation with composer Ricky Ian Gordon as he discusses his collaboration with Lynn Nottage to adapt her iconic play, Intimate Apparel, into an opera. Plus, be the first to hear a special sneak peek of the score!

Ellen West @ Prototype
2020-01-19 15:00 - 17:00, 2020-01-18 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | GK Arts Center, 29 Jay St., Brooklyn, NY, 11201, United States
Inspired by one of the earliest cases of existential analysis, Ellen West is a remarkable new opera that explores the emotional, psychological, and physical challenges of a woman struggling with perceptions of her body, her relationship with food, and the world closing in around her. Poet Frank Bidart and composer Ricky Ian Gordon examine the lives of psychiatrist Ludwig Binswanger and his patient, “Ellen West.” Bidart’s poem, which serves as the primary source for the opera’s libretto, juxtaposes the clinical observations of Binswanger with fictitious entries of Ellen’s journals, which shine light on her deeply personal struggles.
Co-produced by Beth Morrison Projects and Opera Saratoga
Commissioned by Beth Morrison Projects and Opera Saratoga with generous leadership support from The Poetry Foundation, The Ted & Mary Jo Shen Charitable Gift Fund, David and Kiki Gindler, and The Francis Goelet Charitable Lead Trusts.
The world-premiere production of Ellen West is a co-production of Beth Morrison Projects and Opera Saratoga.
