Grounded's brutal trial at the Metropolitan Opera

Opera composers, including Jeanine Tesori, often spend years perfecting their creations. The process is labor-intensive and may only yield a couple of workshop performances before their debut on a main stage. If the production sees a revival – a rare occurrence in the opera world – these artists are afforded a chance to refine their work.

The Rigorous Journey

This pathway can be an arduous experience for creators, as highlighted by the makers of "Grounded", set to debut at the Metropolitan Opera on September 23. Unlike traditional theater and Broadway musicals, where constant revisions in response to workshops, rehearsals, and preview performances are the norm, the world of opera presents a different landscape. While operas undergo revisions until the last moment, they do not receive the same level of audience feedback that theatrical productions do.

Jeanine Tesori, the distinguished composer known for her Tony Award-winning works such as "Kimberly Akimbo", "Fun Home", and "Caroline, or Change", brings a unique perspective to this rigid process. She emphasizes the vital role of the audience in the theatrical space, viewing them as an essential part of the creative journey. Drawing inspiration from esteemed playwright and director George C. Wolfe, Tesori underscores the idea that the audience serves as the final collaborator in the artistic process.