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ANDY: A Popera
150
English
Synopsis
A multi‑media, cabaret‑opera hybrid inspired by the life, fame and philosophy of Andy Warhol. The work is not a straight‑forward biography but a retrospective of Warhol’s legacy, exploring his rise, his celebrity‑infused Factory, and his transformation into a global brand. It features singing soup cans, Marilyns, a banana, and contemporary versions of Warhol’s “superstars” – Valerie Solanas, Candy Darling, and Edie Sedgwick – as well as Warhol’s mother, Julia. The action moves from a twelve‑step meeting to a raucous Factory party (Act I), then to Warhol’s hospital room after the 1968 shooting (Act II), ending with a reflection on fame, violence and mortality. The audience is integrated through selfies, on‑screen appearances, and direct interaction.
Composer
Heath Allen (resident composer of The Bearded Ladies) and Dan Visconti (classically‑trained composer, b. 1982). Allen contributed original pop‑style songs; Visconti provided the larger operatic score.
Lyricist / Librettist / Playwright
Primary libretto: John Jarboe (Artistic Director of The Bearded Ladies), developed in collaboration with Sean Lally and the ensemble. Additional lyrics: Liz Worth (from her daily poems based on Warhol’s novel “A”).
Year of composition/publication / premiere
2013/2015
Genre
Other:
LGBTQAI+ category
Queer
Level of centrality
Main character
Characters
Andrei (a female‑voiced representation of Warhol, played as a “pants role” / replication of his character); Candy Darling (portrayed by Scott McPheeters, a prominent drag icon and Warhol superstar); Valerie Solanas (the radical feminist who shot Warhol) and Joe (a composite queer character) also appear.
Voice type
Pronouns
Andrei: presented as a male character sung by a female performer – the character uses he/him. Candy Darling’s stage persona uses she/her (a drag queen).
Publisher / Rights holder
The work was a co‑production of Opera Philadelphia and The Bearded Ladies Cabaret, with support from the Knight Foundation and the William Penn Foundation.
Where to buy / access the work
Not commercially released.
Performance rights
For performance rights, please contact the composer and/or publisher to ensure legal compliance.
Official website
Audio recording(s)
Video performance(s)
Keywords
Andy Warhol, popera, queer opera, cabaret‑opera, The Bearded Ladies Cabaret, Opera Philadelphia, queer experimental theatre, pop art, Valerie Solanas, Candy Darling, Edie Sedgwick, Factory, 1960s.