Shadowboxer (opera)

Shadowboxer, is a boxing opera in two acts composed by Frank Proto to a libretto by John Chenault based on the life of Joe Louis, the legendary American boxer. Conceived and directed by Leon Major at the University of [Maryland School of Music|University of Maryland] Opera Studio, it premiered on 17 April 2010 at the University's Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center.

Roles

Joe Louis – created by Jarrod Lee
Young Joe – created by Duane Moody
Marva Trotter – created by Adrienne Webster
Max Schmeling – created by Peter Burroughs
Lillie Brooks – created by Carmen Balthrop
Jack Blackburn– created by VaShawn McIlwain
Julian Black – created by Robert King
John Roxborough – created by Benjamin Moore
Ring announcer – created by David Blalock
Beauty #1 – created by Madeline Miskie
Beauty #2 – created by Amelia Davis
Beauty #3 – created by Amanda Opuszynski
Reporter #1 – created by Andrew Owens
Reporter #2 – created by Andrew McLaughlin
Reporter #3 – created by Colin Michael Brush
Joe the boxer – created by Nickolas Vaughn
Joe's opponents – created by Craig Lawrence

Synopsis

The opera begins with an elderly, sickly Louis in a wheelchair, remembering scenes of his life. The first act shows him becoming a successful professional boxer and ends with his triumphal defeat of the German Max Schmeling in 1938. With this victory Louis became an American hero. The second act follows his decline, eventual defeat in the ring, and his problems with the American Internal Revenue Service.