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Opera Edwardsville will perform a free concert July 31 in City Park.
The hourlong performance begins at 8 p.m. This year’s free event will showcase musical theater favorites and hometown talent.
Devin Archer, an Edwardsville High School graduate, will be one of the headlining performers. Archer is a Northwestern University alumnus who has appeared in the U.S. national tour of “Les Misérables” as Enjolras. He has also performed in or covered major roles in “Miss Saigon,” “Bright Star” and “Mamma Mia!” Most recently, Archer appeared at Chicago’s Paramount Theatre as Emile de Becque in “South Pacific.”
Opera Edwardsville’s annual free concert usually takes place around Labor Day, but this year’s event will have a summer feel, which founder Chase Hopkins said is a perfect fit for musical theater.
“Opera is definitely the most expensive art form, and if it exists in a community, it’s very special and very rare,” Hopkins said. “This is a concert that we want everyone to enjoy. We want everyone to find the music accessible and exciting.”
Archer’s wife, Audrey Cardwell, will join the show as a performer, along with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student Raegan Huitt, who will be featured as the “Student Spotlight.” Joseph Welch, Opera Edwardsville’s artist in residence, will serve as the collaborative pianist. Madison County artist Lon Brauer created this year’s poster.
“Opera Edwardsville is very much a stage production that presents with open arms to the community at large,” Brauer said in his artist statement. “In my image I wanted to convey the grandeur and wide sweeping pageantry that is offered to art patrons of all stripes. Art, whether performance or visual, is at its best when shared with others. Opera Edwardsville is a community gem!”
Cleveland-Heath is the show’s restaurant partner, and visitors can walk to City Park after dining at the Main Street restaurant. Hopkins encourages people to bring chairs, blankets and a picnic to enjoy during the show.
“I have loved when people do that. It’s clear up to me on the stage that people are having a good time,” Hopkins said.
