THE (R)EVOLUTION OF STEVE JOBS Makes West Coast Premiere At Seattle Opera

Do you remember what life was like before the iPhone? Steve Jobs, the man who created that game-changing device in your pocket, will soon have his story play out at McCaw Hall. This February, Seattle Opera presents the West Coast premiere of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, a smash hit with music nominated for multiple Grammy Awards.

For better or worse, humanity will never be the same because of Jobs' products and the cultural transformation that they helped usher in, said Seattle Opera General Director Aidan Lang. As we explore this complicated man onstage, we also hope to spur dialogue about the impact of technology in our lives, and examine how the tech industry has impacted our community here in the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle Opera's production begins with a crucial point in Jobs' life: Faced with mortality, the CEO revisits 18 of his most important memories in search of a perfect moment to take with him. He examines the people and experiences that shaped him the most: his father's mentorship, his devotion to Buddhism, his relationships, his professional rise and fall, and finally his marriage to Laurene Jobs, who showed him the power of human connection.

Starring in the role of the turtleneck-clad mogul is acclaimed baritone John Moore who wowed Seattleites as Figaro in The Barber of Seville and as Papageno in The Magic Flute. Moore is joined by returning singers Adam Lau as K bun Chino Otogawa and Morgan Smith as Paul Jobs. Making company debuts are Emily Fons (Laurene Jobs), Garrett Sorenson (Steve Wozniak), and Madison Leonard (Chrisann Brennan).

The creative team includes Mark Campbell, a Grammy-nominated and Pulitzer Prize-winning librettist at the forefront of the U.S. contemporary opera scene. In 2017 alone, Campbell premiered five new operas.

Because he's still so present in our memories, everyone has their own version of Steve Jobs, said Campbell, also the librettist for Seattle Opera's chamber piece As One (2016). I sought to create a sympathetic portrayal by circling back on the events and influences in Jobs' life; a portrayal that neither demonizes nor lionizes the man, but does acknowledge his undeniable influence on our lives.

(R)evolution was composed by Mason Bates, a master at combining traditional symphony orchestra with electronic sounds, and the first composer-in-residence of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Bates was recently named the most-performed composer of his generation and the 2018 Composer of the Year by Musical America. Kevin Newbury, director of stage and screen who created Mary Stuart (2016), returns to direct. And scenic designer Victoria Vita Tzykun, whose numerous credits for opera, theater, dance, film, and TV include art direction for Lady Gaga, returns following Semele (2015).

Prior to The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, Seattle Opera is partnering with GeekWire and KUOW respectively to host two free panel discussions: The Flawed Genius of Steve Jobs on Feb. 7 and Tech has changed Seattle. Now what? on Feb. 12. Both events will be held at the company's newly opened Opera Center (363 Mercer St.) adjacent to McCaw Hall and are free to the public.

The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs opens Saturday, Feb. 23 and runs through Saturday, March 9, 2019, 2019. Tickets are available online at seattleopera.org, by calling 206.389.7676, or in person at the box office located at the Opera Center, 363 Mercer Street. Box office hours are Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Groups save at least 20 percent: 206.676.5588 or groups@seattleopera.org.