Crane Opera Ensemble Presents a Double Bill of Gossip, Chaos & Missed Connections

Crane Opera Ensemble at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music Presents Gilbert and Sullivan's 'Trial by Jury' and Gian Carlo Menotti's 'The Telephone,' from Nov. 13 to 15

Potsdam, NY (11/09/2026) — What happens when a broken engagement becomes a televised courtroom spectacle? Or when a man tries to propose marriage, but his girlfriend just won't get off the phone?

The Crane Opera Ensemble will bring these two operatic comedic scenarios together this weekend, from Nov. 13 to 15, at SUNY Potsdam's Performing Arts Center. Directed by Chris MacRae, with musical direction by Jeanne-Minette Cilliers, the production features student singers and instrumentalists from The Crane School of Music presenting a double bill of gossip, chaos and missed connections.

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13 and Saturday, Nov. 14, with a closing matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15, all in the Proscenium Theater. All performances are free and open to the public.

An additional full livestream performance will be offered on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m., available on the Crane YouTube channel.

In Gilbert and Sullivan's "Trial by Jury," a jilted bride takes her former fiance to court for breaking his promise to marry her. Crane Opera transforms the courtroom into a live television spectacle, complete with cameras, projected close-ups, and larger-than-life personalities inspired by daytime programming icons, such as Judge Judy and Maury Povich.

Menotti's "The Telephone" takes place in the same world, but away from the cameras. Ben desperately wants to propose to Lucy, but every attempt is interrupted by another phone call.

"We wanted to create a world that audiences would recognize immediately," said MacRae. "In one opera, a failed relationship becomes a public spectacle. In the other, two people can barely have a private conversation because the phone keeps getting in the way. The situations are ridiculous, but they're also surprisingly familiar."

For Caleb Froats '27, a senior double-majoring in vocal performance and music business who plays the Judge, seeing the production come together has been especially rewarding.

"I really love when all the moving parts come together, and all the chorus and all the principals have their parts ready, and then we get to join with the orchestra," Froats said.

As for what audiences can expect, he offered a hint: "I'm most excited for the audience to see what the judge does at the end."

Performances and Cast

Middlesex cast - Wednesday, Nov. 11, 6 p.m. (livestream), and Saturday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.:

• Caleb Froats (Judge), Jose Gonzalez-Alarcon (Usher), Mikey Miller (Edwin), Rebekah Lucia (Angelina), and Manny Coleman (Ben, "The Telephone").

Westminster cast - Friday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 15, 3 p.m.:

• Liam Yerdon (Judge), Lyra Woods (Usher), Matt Reed (Edwin), Nadia Shaw (Angelina), and Luke Miner (Ben, "The Telephone").

Both casts:

• Vincent Reyes (Counsel), Gustavo Antonio (Jury Foreman), and Eryn McCoy (Bridesmaid Soloist) in "Trial by Jury," and Gloria Diederich (Lucy) in "The Telephone."

For upcoming programs, livestream links and more performance information, visit www.potsdam.edu/cranelive.

About the Crane Opera Ensemble:

The award-winning Crane Opera Ensemble is a significant source for opera and music theatre in the North Country region of New York State. The ensemble provides exciting opportunities for students to experience all facets of opera performance and production, through rehearsals, coaching and classes related to performance practices and production techniques. The ensemble's productions have garnered awards from the National Opera Association (2023, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2003), The American Prize (2011, 2017, 2023), and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (2010). To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/Crane/opera.

About The Crane School of Music:

Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance. Life at Crane includes an incredible array of more than 300 recitals, lectures and concerts presented by faculty, students and guests each year. The Crane School of Music is the State University of New York's only All-Steinway institution and was one of the first Yamaha Institutions of Excellence. For more information, please visit www.potsdam.edu/crane.

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