SHADOW TRAILS ~ Opera Libretto Reading!
Saturday, September 20th 7:00pm, at The YES! House

Ann Millikan, composer/librettist, and Scotty Reynolds, theatre artist/director are excited to engage the Granite Falls community in the development process of a new opera!

Ann is creating an opera based on her fantasy novel about snow. Join us for a public reading of the libretto with our fabulous cast of local actors before it is set to music.

The Granite Falls community will be given the opportunity to question and respond to the Libretto Reading in a post discussion between artists and audience. Direct feedback from the audience and participants on the effectiveness of the libretto will influence revisions.

CAST: Nikki Salazar, Jules Scarborough, Nadine Schmidt, Alyster Schmidt, Paula Nemes, Luwaina Al-Otaibi, Jordan Stangeland, Alexander Castro, Sandy Lynn Erickson, Scott Tedrick.

SHADOW TRAILS is a hero’s journey, with parallels to climate change and biodiversity loss. The Snow World is a magical place where all sound originates, and where it must return every winter in order to survive. Kira, a 13-year-old Brazilian girl from the Amazon, unexpectedly lands in the Snow World, and is entrusted with an urgent task. The Silver Birds that guide sound into the deepest layers, where the Counting Woman and the Radio Man renew the sounds before the end of winter, are being destroyed.
The Blacksmith gives Kira a powerful sword that enables her to direct sound. Beto leads her on an arduous journey where Kira must learn how to wield the sword to keep the Snow World alive. Kira, the lead role in SHADOW TRAILS, is inspired by Millikan’s beloved Brazilian niece who lives in the Amazon.

Ann Millikan is an award-winning composer whose works have been performed in Europe, South America, and throughout the US. She composes for orchestra, chamber ensemble, choir and individual artists, as well as opera, experimental and interdisciplinary projects involving installation, theatre and dance. She is known for her collaborative projects that connect deeply with community. Story, history, culture and science are often an impetus behind her work. Millikan is a freelance composer based in Saint Paul, MN. Her orchestral and chamber music
is available on Innova Recordings.

Ann Millikan is a fiscal year 2025 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.