July 16, 2026

ALLEGRA & THE CELLO, IN MOVEMENTS, A New Opera

Story and Libretto Catherine Filloux |
Music Julia Schwartz

December 10-20, 2026

[Program tbd]

Runtime: 75 minutes

Witness a groundbreaking moment in opera history where the first-ever female doctor to take stage in opera brings to life the story of Allegra.

Set in the tension-filled days before a high-stakes trial, Allegra lets the audience of lawyers into the most vulnerable and difficult moments in her life and career as they navigate her pretrial discovery together.

Through a bold fusion of rhythm, movement, emotion, silence and vibrant colors, Allegra & the Cello, in Movements explores the struggles of a woman who questions and defies law for the sake of humanity. With the music of a single cello guiding Allegra through each scene, this opera challenges tradition in more ways than one. Join Allegra in her discovery–a story of wavering resilience and eternal resistance.

Credits

Story and Libretto by Catherine Filloux

Music by Julia Schwartz

Starring
BRITTANY RENEE as ALLEGRA
SARAH OVERTON, CELLO

Directed by Elena Araoz

Set/Lighting Design by Justin Townsend

Projection Design by Milton Cordero

Co-Costume Design by Suttirat Larlarb and Brynne Oster-Bainnson

Press Representatives Katie Rosin and Erin Kramer

Casting Director Jamibeth Margolis, CSA

a Dominick Balletta, HIGH HARD HEAT production

The artist

CATHERINE FILLOUX
www.catherinefilloux.com

bio

an award-winning French Algerian American playwright and librettist who has been writing about human rights for many decades. Filloux’s plays and libretti have been produced in the U.S., internationally, and are widely published, anthologized and written about.

JULIA SCHWARTZ
www.juliaschwartz.ch

bio

a composer and conductor who composes pieces of music theater, choral and orchestral works, vocal and instrumental chamber music, art songs, and works for solo instruments. Her works have been performed around the world.

BRITTANY RENEE (Allegra)

bio

GRAMMY Award-winning soprano Brittany Renee has affirmed her status as a rising star destined for a luminous future. This season, Mrs. Renee débuts with Boston Lyric Opera as Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire. Last season, she returned to The Metropolitan Opera as her esteemed Bess in Porgy & Bess following her successful run at Washington National Opera.

SARAH OVERTON (Cellist)

bio

Sarah Overton is a New York City-based cellist. A 2025 New Music USA Creative Fund Award winner, Sarah has shared stages and sessions with Alicia Keys, Lalah Hathaway, and Asake (Red Bull Symphonic), appeared in Moncler’s international “Warmer Together” campaign alongside Tobe Nwigwe, and as a cello sub on Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen. Other credits: the 63-city national tour of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert, and stages from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to King’s Theatre and Broadway’s Shubert Theatre.