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Horror Meets Opera: Paul Moravec’s 'The Shining' Comes to WHRO FM 90.3

This Saturday at 1:00 p.m., tune in to WHRO FM 90.3 for a chilling experience as the WFMT Opera Series presents Paul Moravec’s “The Shining,” performed by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Based on Stephen King’s iconic horror novel, this opera adaptation dives deep into the psychological terror of Jack Torrance’s descent into madness at the haunted Overlook Hotel. Conducted by Gerard Schwarz, with a stellar cast led by baritone Edward Parks as Jack Torrance and soprano Kelly Kaduce as his wife Wendy, this production blends supernatural elements with intense human drama, offering an unforgettable listening experience.

Unlike Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation, Moravec’s "The Shining" stays faithful to King’s original novel, telling the story of Jack Torrance, his wife Wendy, and their son Danny as they become winter caretakers of the isolated Overlook Hotel. As Jack battles his demons—both internal and external—his grip on reality begins to unravel. Haunted by the ghosts of his past, including the abusive specter of his father, Jack’s descent into madness threatens not only his own life but the safety of his family. Meanwhile, young Danny, whose psychic abilities give him a unique connection to the paranormal forces at work in the hotel, struggles to comprehend the terrifying visions he experiences.

The opera features an exceptional cast, including Aubrey Allicock as Dick Hallorann, the hotel cook who shares Danny’s gift of “shining,” and Roger Honeywell as the eerie Lloyd the Bartender, one of the many ghostly figures lurking within the Overlook. But it is Kelly Kaduce’s portrayal of Wendy Torrance that stands out, embodying the emotional heart of the opera. Her pain and resilience are palpable as she fights to protect her family from the invisible horrors that surround them.

Musically, Paul Moravec’s score is hauntingly beautiful, with moments of unsettling calm followed by bursts of tension and dread. The libretto by Mark Campbell expertly captures the psychological depth of the characters, while Gerard Schwarz leads the orchestra through a performance that is both gripping and nuanced.

Be sure to join us for this spine-tingling broadcast of “The Shining” this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. on WHRO FM 90.3, or listen online.

COMPOSER: Paul Moravec
LIBRETTO: Mark Campbell
VENUE: Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas City, MO
PRESENTING COMPANY:Lyric Opera of Kansas City
CAST:
Jack Torrance:Edward Parks
Wendy Torrance:Kelly Daduce
Dick Halloran:Aubrey Allicock
Lloyd the Bartender:Roger Honeywell
Mark Torrance:Malcolm Mackenzie
ENSEMBLE:Lyric Opera of Kansas City
CONDUCTOR: Gerard Schwarz

Content advisory: please note, this broadcast contains language that some listeners may find objectionable.

As the Assistant Radio Producer at WHRO FM 90.3, Aurora contributes to the production of our classical music programs, extending her expertise to both WHRO and WHRV. Her journey in media began at a regional radio station in Valencia, Spain, before transitioning to television, where she spent nearly 20 years producing a variety of formats, from news to game shows and reality TV. In 2023, Aurora relocated to Hampton Roads, bringing her diverse media experience to this vibrant community and becoming an integral part of the WHRO team.