#Montana

en.killbait.com

Opera Montana Premieres First-Ever Adaptation of 'A River Runs Through It'

Opera Montana has made history with the world premiere of its operatic adaptation of Norman Maclean's beloved novella 'A River Runs Through It,' marking the first time the iconic Montana story has been transformed into an opera. The production debuted in Bozeman at the Ellen Theatre in September 2026, bringing a globally recognized piece of American literature to the stage in an entirely new form. The opera features music by composer Zach Redler and a libretto by Kelley Rourke and Matt Foss. According to organizers, the production combines sweeping orchestral music with cinematic storytelling inspired by Montana's landscapes and waterways. To prepare for their roles, the cast even went fly-fishing on the Yellowstone River to authentically capture the story's deep connection to Montana's fishing culture. Originally published in 1976, Maclean's semi-autobiographical novella follows brothers Norman and Paul Maclean as they navigate family expectations, faith, love, and personal struggle against the backdrop of Montana's rivers. The story gained international fame through Robert Redford's 1992 Academy Award-winning film adaptation starring Brad Pitt, Craig Sheffer, and Tom Skerritt. Despite the story's enduring popularity over nearly five decades, Opera Montana's production represents its first-ever operatic adaptation. Opera Montana, a small company that has grown in recent years, says premiering the work in Montana carries special significance because of the story's deep ties to the state and its cultural identity. The production features powerful storytelling and visuals designed to capture both the emotional intimacy and natural beauty that made 'A River Runs Through It' a classic of American literature.