My Name is Florence
Review by Ernest Goes To The Theatre/Ernest Edwards
I was at opening night of the World Premier of the new opera My Name is Florence. It’s part of the Minnesota Opera’s 63rd Season. We learned before the opera started that MN Opera is working on six new opera’s. There will be a new opera per season for several seasons to come. That will be fun! Some opera’s that have premiered through MN Opera are Grapes of Wrath, Silent Night, The Shining The Opera, and many more. This is the 51st original new opera for MN Opera.
For this new opera. The orchestra was on stage, the area where the orchestra pit is normally located was an extended part of the stage. That brought this opera closer to the audience. I really enjoyed the scenery designed by Eli Sherlock. Costumes by Trevor Bowen need a shout out. The story takes place between 1900 and the 1940’s.
The story is about music prodigy Florence Beatrice. Florence as named after her mother and taught piano by her mother. Florence also named her own daughter Florence. Florence left Little Rock for the New England Conservatory of Music. We see the affects of American History in Little Rock Arkansas during this time period.
Florence eventually moves to Chicago. While living in Chicago she composes her most famous work Symphony in E Minor. Composer B.E. Boykin and Libretto by Harrison David Rivers were also present for the curtain call on opening night.
This new opera is just under 90 minutes. With the ice sculptures in Rice Park, it’s a fun time to be at the Ordway in downtown St. Paul.
I really liked this new opera. The story is one to hear. The cast has wonderful voices. For opening night there was a post show with the cast.
My Name is Florence plays at the Ordway through February 8, 2026. Check out www.mnopera.org for tickets.
The Stage, before the opera begins.
