“Awe-inspiring” is the only word that comes to mind when I try to describe Opera Theatre’s opening night performance of Carlisle Floyd’s “Susannah”.

Set in the Appalachian Mountains, “Susannah” follows the story of the title character as her world is torn apart after the church elders, played by Cullen Jarman, Jamie Gann, Robert Alexandre, Jim Burns see her bathing in a creek and accuse her of immoral behavior. Susannah, played by Isabel Lowney, tries to fight the lies but is repelled by a wall of disbelief that has been fortified by the elders’ wives, played by Sarah Agee, Megan Brand, Katarina Nortz, Martha Boutwell. Even Susannah’s devoted friend Little Bat, played by Harv Wileman, refuses to see her anymore because of the rumors. The only comfort Susannah has comes from her brother Sam, as played by director James Daniel Frost, whose reputation as a violent drunk has caused the to people fear him. Susannah’s problems only get worse when Preacher Blitch, played by David Tahere, comes to town for the annual revival.

With the first notes of the overture, the captivating atmosphere of opening night was set. My anticipation built as the curtain slowly rose to reveal colorful sets and beautiful scenery. By the end of the first scene, I had a sure feeling that this show was going to be simply breathtaking. The entire cast exhibited wonderful vocal abilities; they made the words come to life with fluid movement and magnificent facial expressions.

By the end of the night, I had fallen in love with “Susannah” as I beheld the struggle for justice in a community full of judgment and preconceived notions. Though some of the ideas portrayed in this show are controversial, the controversy is what makes the message so strong and the emotional attachment of the audience so deep.

After a night well-spent at the Opera, with spell-binding music, performed by the Lee University Symphony Orchestra, I am sure that this production of “Susannah” is bound to be a success. The viewer will not soon forget it!