Following the pandemic-forced hiatus, the new opera adaptation of Intimate Apparel returned to Lincoln Center Theater in preview performances January 13. Bartlett Sher directs the work, with a libretto penned by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage—based on her play of the same name—and music by Ricky Ian Gordon. Opening night is set for January 31 at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater.
The story centers on Esther, a seamstress in turn-of-the-century New York, who sews corsets and ladies' undergarments. Her own search for love leads to a letter-writing relationship, an unhappy marriage, and finally to a recognition of her own self worth.
The role of Esther is performed by Kearstin Piper Brown at Tuesday through Saturday evening performances and Sunday matinees, and Chabrelle Williams at Wednesday and Saturday matinee performances.
The cast also includes Justin Austin, Errin Duane Brooks, Chanáe Curtis, Adrienne Danrich, Jesse Darden, Arnold Livingston Geis, Christian Mark Gibbs, Tesia Kwarteng, Anna Laurenzo, Barrington Lee, Jasmine Muhammad, Naomi Louisa O'Connell, Kimberli Render, Adam Richardson, Krysty Swann, Indra Thomas, and Jorell Williams.
The company of Intimate Apparel
Justin Austin, Adrienne Danrich, and Kearstin Piper Brown in Intimate Apparel
Kearstin Piper Brown and Naomi Louisa O'Connell in Intimate Apparel
Kearstin Piper Brown in Intimate Apparel
Kearstin Piper Brown and Justin Austin in Intimate Apparel
Krysty Swann (center) and the company of Intimate Apparel
Justin Austin in Intimate Apparel
Kearstin Piper Brown and Arnold Livingston Geis in Intimate Apparel
The production features sets by Michael Yeargan, costumes by Catherine Zuber, lighting by Jennifer Tipton, sound by Marc Salzberg, projections by 59 Productions, music direction by Steven Osgood, and choreography by Dianne McIntyre. Theresa Flanagan is the stage manager, and casting is by The Telsey Office.
