Music by James Kallembach
Libretto by James Kallembach
Conducted by Dr. Hana J. Cai
Stage Direction by Roxanna Myhrum

Sanders Theatre, Harvard University
Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 8:00PM
Politics, sex, religion, and power converge in the turbulent Massachusetts Bay Colony, culminating in the 1637 trial of Puritan Anne Hutchinson. In a gripping new opera by James Kallembach, this dramatic chapter of Boston's history comes to life, delving into the roots of America’s unique political DNA. At its heart is the clash between midwife and spiritual leader Anne Hutchinson and Governor John Winthrop—a battle over public versus private, common good versus individual freedom, and law versus home.


Commissioned by the Harvard Choruses, this world premiere will be conducted by Hana Cai in a semi-staged concert performance. Soprano Sarah Joyce Cooper stars as Anne Hutchinson, with baritone Sumner Thompson as John Winthrop, and a talented cast of performers bringing this powerful story to the stage.

Learn more about american jezebel

Highlighting Harvard’s history and commitment to storytelling through music, Clark introduces the world premiere of American Jezebel, a compelling opera that delves into timeless questions of justice, equality, and individual conscience. 

PANEL DISCUSSION

Co-Sponsored by the Harvard Choruses and First Church Cambridge, this conversation, moderated by Harvard’s Director of Choral Activities Andrew Clark, features James Kallembach, historian Eve LaPlante, and Puritan scholar Francis J. Bremer. Together, they’ll explore Hutchinson’s impact, the role of dissent in American history, and how music and theatre illuminate the past.

In the news

Cast
SARAH JOYCE COOPER
Anne Hutchinson
KRISTEN WATSON
​Mary
SUMNER THOMSPON
​John Winthrop
GENE STRENGER
Tom 
Henry Vane
ELISABETH MARSHALL 
Margaret Winthrop​
CREATIVE TEAM
DR. HANA J. CAI
Conductor
JAMES KALLEMBACH
Composer and librettist 
ROXANNA MYHRUM
Stage Director
Elizabeth Resner, Stage Manager
Kathy Wittman (Ball Square Films), Super Titles Designer
Justin Lahue (Ball Square Films), Super Titles Associate
Brooke Stanton, Costume Designer
Rachel Padula Shufelt, Hair/Makeup
Luisa Earle, Tailor/Wardrobe
Jeff Adelberg, Lighting Designer
Riley Vogel, Orchestra Manager
Jack Flanigan, Chorus Manager
Olivia Porada, Producer
Andrew Clark, Producer

The Harvard Choruses

Glee Club

Collegium

RCS

HRC

Other Harvard
​Choral Groups 

Kuumba Singers
University Choir
​Harvard Summer Chorus