The young and innocent Susannah lives with her brother in a small town in the American Appalachia. One fateful day, men from her church happen to spot her bathing in a stream and begin to spread vicious rumors about her. As gossip circulates, the community turns their back on Susannah, forcing her to choose between conformity and isolation. But Susannah won’t be made a victim forever. She refuses to give a false confession, inflaming the town around her with tragic, life-altering consequences. Set to a rich score, this classic American opera offers a powerful indictment of religious and social hypocrisy. 

Awarded the New York Music Critics Circle Award for Best New Opera in 1956, Susannah is widely praised for its contemporary feminist themes. OTSL will stage the American classic for the first time during its 2023 Festival Season — this production will be the first to be led by both a female stage director and conductor!