Dead Man Walking
MUSIC BY JAKE HEGGIE, LIBRETTO BY TERRENCE MCNALLY, BASED ON THE BOOK BY SISTER HELEN PREJEAN, THIS OPERA WAS COMMISSIONED BY THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
JANUARY 27-FEBRUARY 3
A contemporary standout. The most performed new opera of the 21st century, this heartbreaking story of grief, grace, and redemption is a modern classic. Based on Sister Helen Prejean’s memoir that inspired the Oscar-winning movie of the same name, it recounts her courageous struggle to provide spiritual guidance to a condemned Louisiana murderer in the months leading up to his execution. With a powerful libretto by four-time Tony Award® winner Terrence McNally and lyrical music by Jake Heggie—praised as one of the great living opera composers—Dead Man Walking has moved audiences worldwide since its premiere.
RUNTIME
2 hours and 58 minutes, including one intermission.
LANGUAGE
Sung in English with English captions projected above the stage.
WARNING
Dead Man Walking contains simulated cigarette smoking, gunshots, strong language, simulated nudity, and violence. Not recommended for audience members under the age of 15.Due to the graphic depiction of a sexual assault during the prologue, there will be a late seating opportunity after the first scene (approximately 7 minutes after the opera begins).
Minnesota Opera's Dead Man Walking
Cast and Creative Team
See AllSynopsis
Learn MoreAct I
In a poor New Orleans school, Sister Helen and Sister Rose teach a hymn to a group of children. Helen is distracted as she thinks about her plan …
Composer Biography
Learn MoreJake Heggie
Jake Heggie is the American composer of the acclaimed operas Dead Man Walking (libretto by Terrence McNally), Moby-Dick (libretto by Gene Scheer) …
Composer's Notes
Learn MoreThe Journey to Dead Man Walking
Composer Jake Heggie takes us on Dead Man Walking‘s journey from an idea to the most performed new opera of the 21st century.