The Snowy Day

Based on The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Composed by Joel Thompson
Libretto by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Overview

Smiling snowmen, snow angels, and warm bubble baths: experience the magic of Ezra Jack Keats’ beloved children’s book come to life on the opera stage. The Snowy Day follows the adventures of young Peter as he explores his neighborhood on a snowy day, making new friends and encountering unexpected wonders along the way. 

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Production Sponsor
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Length
1 hour and 5 minutes, no intermission
Language
English with English captions
Family-friendly matinee
The Snowy Day is a perfect introduction to opera for young people.

Cast & crew

Enhance your experience.

About the Composer & Librettist

Learn about the creators of this opera adaptation: Joel Thompson and Andrea Davis Pinkney. 

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Learn the Five Reasons Why

You won't want to miss this delightful and charming piece. Here's five reasons to join us.

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Plan Your Opera Experience.

Where to park and what to wear. Explore info about the venue and what to expect. 

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Ezra Jack Keats Foundation

Learn more about the foundation and legacy of Ezra Jack Keats.

Learn more.

Production Information

With music by Joel Thompson and libretto by Andrea Davis Pinkney, the west coast premiere of this new opera is a celebration of imagination, nature, and friendship. Sung in English, The Snowy Day is a perfect introduction to opera for young people, and a joyful reminder for audiences of all ages about impermanence and the wonders of youth. 

We're excited to welcome patrons to our family-friendly matinee performance on March 24 at 2 PM. This performance will include crafts and games for kids on the 2nd balcony, dimmed lights inside the theatre so families can come and go from their seats at their convenience, as well as stickers and books!

The Snowy Day is sung in English with English captions above the stage. 

Commissioned by the Houston Grand Opera.

Premiered by Houston Grand Opera in December 2021.

Special thanks to the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. Learn more about the foundation here

Dates, programming, artists, and details are subject to change.

Accessibility

Captions: For patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing, each performance includes live English captions projected above the stage.

Audio Description: For patrons who are blind or have low-vision, the Sunday matinee performance will include a live audio description of the action and dialogue onstage.

Learn more about accessibility at the Newmark Theatre here. If you require wheelchair accessible and/or companion seating, or have any other hearing or vision needs, please call us to purchase tickets so that we can ensure your visit to the theatre is an excellent one.

When We Gather

When We Gather

Our commitment to cultural equity continues to inform our audience policies and experiences. When we gather, it must be with respect and with care for the entire community.  

Let us be clear: there is no place for bigotry, discrimination, hate, harassment, or intolerance at Portland Opera.  

Behaviors that are disrespectful, discriminatory, or not aligned with our policies for attendance (including health and safety and firearm policies) will not be tolerated, and audience members may be asked to leave the premises and/or be prohibited from returning in the future. 

Thank you for joining us in creating a safe and welcoming Portland Opera space for everyone.  

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Community sponsors

https://www.arts.gov/
https://www.millerfound.org/
https://www.oregonartscommission.org/
https://racc.org/

Portland Opera is grateful for the ongoing philanthropic support from our individual patrons and generous donors, James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Community Foundation, Regional Arts and Culture Council, including support from the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the Arts Education & Access Fund, special support from The CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund, and The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program.