---
title: "First Great American Opera, “Regina,” Comes to UMD"
date: 2016-04-05T15:31:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/first-great-american-opera-regina-comes-umd-153326de-1248-4af3-99a2-ef8ad6fb4074"
section: Articles
---
# First Great American Opera, “Regina,” Comes to UMD

*April 5, 2016* — by [Maryland Today Staff](/author/maryland-today-staff)


*Regina PS Act2 thumb 230x200 — The Maryland Opera Studio partnered with the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies to create elaborate sets.*

Maryland Opera Studio students will perform “Regina” from April 8-16, the sordid tale of a greedy mercantile family in Alabama at the start of the 20th century. Hailed by famed composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein as the first great American opera, “Regina” draws on musical sources ranging from operatic arias to ragtime dances, gospel spirituals to vaudeville ditties. See what it takes to put on the show at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, from set and costume design and creation to stage rehearsals.

- The Clarice’s graphic designer, Eric Wheatley, created this original illustration for the opera’s promotional poster.
*Regina 24x36 poster2201*
- The Maryland Opera Studio partnered with the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies to create elaborate sets. Rendering by scenic design student Diana Chun M.F.A. ’17.
*Regina PS Act1*
- The grand staircase in “Regina’s” set, midway through its construction in the production studio at The Clarice.
*IMG 3040203*
- Craig Kier, director of the Maryland Opera Studio, conducts the orchestra during a rehearsal. Photo by Geoff Sheil.
*Kier Conducting*
- The Maryland Opera Studio partnered with the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies to create intricate costumes. Drawing by costume designer Tyler Gunther M.F.A. ’16.
*Regina20 II*
- The Maryland Opera Studio partnered with the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies to create intricate costumes. Drawing by costume designer Tyler Gunther M.F.A. ’16.
*Ben*
- The Maryland Opera Studio partnered with the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies to create intricate costumes. Drawing by costume designer Tyler Gunther M.F.A. ’16.
*Birdie20 II20plate*
*160329 MOS012201*
- Maryland Opera Studio students during rehearsal of “Regina.” Photo by Geoff Sheil.
*160329 MOS004201*
- Maryland Opera Studio students during rehearsal of “Regina.” Photo by Geoff Sheil.
*160329 MOS019201*
- Maryland Opera Studio students during rehearsal of “Regina.” Photo by Geoff Sheil.
*160329 MOS017*
- Maryland Opera Studio graduate students Chelsea Davidson, Laynee Woodward, Daren Jackson and Alexandra Christoforakis perform during a Regina rehearsal. Photo by Geoff Sheil.
*Regina Quartet*


**Tags:** [Student Experience](https://today.umd.edu/topic/student-experience)