Great Performances Land of Gold (Season 52, Episode 2)
TV Episode | Comedy, Drama, Music

Great Performances

Land of Gold (Season 52, Episode 2)

TV Episode | Comedy, Drama, Music

This installment explores the making of San Francisco Opera's 'Girls of the Golden West', which tells the turbulent story of the 1849 California Gold Rush. With the opera's title referencing Puccini's 1910 romantic opera 'The Girl of the ...See moreThis installment explores the making of San Francisco Opera's 'Girls of the Golden West', which tells the turbulent story of the 1849 California Gold Rush. With the opera's title referencing Puccini's 1910 romantic opera 'The Girl of the Golden West', Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Adams and famed director Peter Sellars' opera tells a harsher and more complex story through the letters of writer Louise Clappe who lived in a miners' settlement in 1850. Spotlighting the behind-the-scenes action during the opera's rehearsal process, the documentary highlights the creative process as actors and creative team grapple with the historical significance of the material and bringing it to the stage. Two stories are told: One on stage in the present day, and one in the past through the opera. Soprano Julia Bullock stars in the opera as Louise Clappe with mezzo-soprano J'Nai Bridges as Josefa Segovia, two women among the many men caught up in the quest for wealth in the lawless mountains. The talent includes: Jon Else - Documentary director // Peter Sellars - Director, 'Girls of the Golden West' // John Adams - Music // Julia Bullock - Soprano, as Louise Clappe in 'Girls of the Golden West' // J'Nai Bridges - Mezzo-soprano, as Josefa Segovia in 'Girls of the Golden West' // Ryan McKinny - Bass-baritone, as Clarence King in 'Girls of the Golden West' // Paul Appleby - Tenor, as Joe Cannon in 'Girls of the Golden West' // Elliot Madore - Baritone, as Ramone in 'Girls of the Golden West' // Lorena Feijoo - Dancer, as Lola Montez in 'Girls of the Golden West'. Written by PBS: Public Broadcasting Service See less

Contacts

+ Add

Become a member to see contact information for Land of Gold.

Cast	+ Add Cast
8 cast members

Name	Known for
John Adams Self - Composer, 'Girls of the Golden West' Self - Composer, 'Girls of the Golden West' See fewer	Shutter Island (2010)
Paul Appleby Self Self See fewer	The Metropolitan Opera HD Live (2006)
J'Nai Bridges Self Self See fewer	The Metropolitan Opera HD Live (2006)
Julia Bullock Self Self See fewer	Annette (2021)
Lorena Feijoo Self Self See fewer	Collapse (II) (2013)
Elliot Madore Self Self See fewer	The Metropolitan Opera HD Live (2006)
Ryan McKinny Self Self See fewer	Vinkensport, or the Finch Opera (2020)
Peter Sellars Self - Director, 'Girls of the Golden West' Self - Director, 'Girls of the Golden West' See fewer	The Cabinet of Dr. Ramirez (1991)