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A new opera production will make its way to Newport’s historic Redwood Library & Athenæum this fall. Titled ‘Pay No Heed,’ the 90-minute performance will be written by Meghan Thomson, a Rhode Island native, lyric soprano, and graduate of the Royal College of Music in London.

Pay No Heed will premiere at Newport’s historic Redwood Library & Athenæum on October 18, 19, and 20. It is described as a “haunting new production” that invites audiences into the parlor of Cliffmoor House to witness the story of two women, separated by time, as they confront the spirits haunting their home.

Contributed photo.

“Music takes center stage with a narrative featuring a rich selection of opera art songs and piano works spanning three centuries of classical repertoire – from Mozart, to Debussy, Puccini, and more.”

The cast is made up of seven emerging performers.

“Pay No Heed promises to be an unforgettable evening of love, loss … and just a few frights. Don’t miss out on your seat in the parlor—tickets are on sale now!”

Buy tickets for ‘Pay No Heed’ online.

Press Release

Ophelia Productions Presents Pay No Heed — A Haunting New Production at Newport’s Historic Redwood Library & Athenæum 

Ophelia Productions is thrilled to announce Pay No Heed, an innovative new performance blending opera with theater, premiering at Newport’s historic Redwood Library & Athenæum on October 18th, 19th, and 20th. Created by emerging young artists, this 90-minute performance invites you into the parlor of Cliffmoor House to witness the story of two women, separated by time, as they confront the spirits haunting their home. Music takes center stage with a narrative featuring a rich selection of opera art songs and piano works spanning three centuries of classical repertoire – from Mozart, to Debussy, Puccini, and more. Brought to life by a team of seven emerging performers, Pay No Heed promises to be an unforgettable evening of love, loss . . . and just a few frights. Don’t miss out on your seat in the parlor—tickets are on sale now! 

Pay No Heed is written by Meghan Thomson, a Rhode Island native, lyric soprano, and graduate of the Royal College of Music in London. As a storyteller, Thomson draws inspiration from classic literature and local folklore. The production is directed by Jordan Gilbert, an award-winning soprano from New Jersey, currently pursuing her master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music. Gilbert has been recognized for her performances in Eastern Europe and the U.S. 

Performance Details: 

Dates: October 18th, 19th, 20th 

Location: Redwood Library & Athenaeum, Newport, RI ● Tickets: On sale now at www.opheliaprods.com/paynoheed

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...

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