Norfolk, VA – Some things just have to be experienced! I have been capturing Virginia Opera performances for a few years now. The experience has been phenomenal as I have seen operas from the past brought to life with a modern twist and I have captured modern operas with deep stories to tell. On the night of April 23, 2025, at student night at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, VA, I had the honor of capturing the world premiere of “Loving v. Virginia“.
The opera was co-commissioned by Virginia Opera and Richmond Symphony. Composed by Damien Geter, a staple in the Virginia opera and symphony world, with the libretto (words and storyline) by Jessica Murphy Moo, the story is a operatic history lesson into the landmark court decision in the 1960s that overturned Virginia’s discriminatory laws banning interracial marriages. The story by itself is powerful. Add to that the emotion of intricate melodies, heart piercing lyrics, and a cast that wanted to tell the story that all needed to hear, and you have a formula for a perfect night of opera. That is exactly what the cast and crew delivered to the students and others in attendance.
The story began on the day of the 1967 Supreme Court hearing to decide on whether states could have laws in place to prohibit interracial marriage. It was a civil rights case that was 10 years in the making. A landmark decision was about to be made and the family involved, the Lovings, played by soprano Flora Hawk and Jonathan Michie (Mildred and Richard) were the focus of this historic journey. Their operatic voices, supported by the orchestral backing of Richmond Symphony, conducted by Adam Turner, set the student night audience up for the emotional roller coaster that was about to transpire over the next 2 hours and 30 minutes, give or take.
Flashing back to 1957 at a auto drag race in Virginia, we were taken to the time and place where it all began. Falling in love, the next step was to get the blessing of the bride to be’s family.
While liking Richard, Mildred’s family was quite aware of the perils which an interracial marriage, especially in Virginia, could bring to their daughter if they approved the bond. Mildred’s facther reluctantly approved, at which time the law chorus made it quite clear that interracial marriages were illegal in the Commonwealth. The couple would have to wed elsewhere. They did marry, only to have their matrimonial bond punished in the bedroom of their own home.
Both were taken to jail, with Richard ridiculed by the others and Mildred placed in solitary. She was terrified. Family tried to console her, but also understood the hardship of what was to come, especially if they remained in Virginia. The laws were clear. The trial ensued, the couple changed their plea from not guilty to guilty and were sentenced to a 25 year banishment from the state.
Loving v. Virginia Photo Gallery 1
The couple moved to Washington DC where Richard worked as a bricklayer. While in DC, their son is injured in a car accident. They decide that the life in DC is not worth it and they must try and return home. A courageous Mildred wrote to the US Attorney General, Robert Kennedy, asking for support.
Still living in DC, Mildred is carrying their third child. Kennedy does respond, but sadly says the government can do nothing. He recommends they engage the ACLU.
Bernard Cohen (Troy Cook) at the ACLU received the letter from Mildred and knew there is a case. The case was fit for the Supreme Court, the only question was, how to get it there. A few years later, Cohen, along with Philip Hirschkop (Christian Sanders) met with the Lovings and presented their case. It was revealed that the Lovings have defied the banishment and had moved back to Virginia.
Finally, their day in court comes. While presenting their case to the court, the family gathered at their home. As protests to abolish discrimination go on, a cross was burned on the family lawn. As this was taking place, the court reached their decision. It was unanimous, states cannot ban interracial marriage! VICTORY!!
After a few questions from the press, the Lovings return home… their home in the state that had once banished them, Virginia. The curtain closed to a silhouette of the couple returning to where the story started.
Student night is technically the last dress rehearsal before the opening performance. This is a wonderful way for Virginia Opera to introduce this wonderful artform to future audiences. I think one of the most endearing things about student night is that the audience is not confined by a perception of what an opera audience is supposed to do. The students are not afraid to show emotion and react naturally. As the cast came out for their final bows, the impact this story had on the audience was clear. Standing, loudly cheering, and their praise for the story and its message was heard heard throughout the opera house and perhaps even throughout the city of Norfolk. This production, the story, the music, the acting had clearly captured the hearts and mind of the students who attended.
Loving v. Virginia Photo Gallery 2
The production just completed it’s opening run at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk and will be appearing on May 3 and 4 at the Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, at George Mason’s Fairfax, VA Campus; and May 9-11 at the Dominion Energy Center in Richmond, VA. Get your tickets HERE.
For the full program, cast, credits, and synopsis, go HERE.
Credits
Damien Geter – Composer
Jessica Murphy Moo – Librettist
Adam Turner – Composer
Orchestra – Richmond Symphony
Cast
Flora Hawk – Mildred Jeter Loving
Jonathan Michie – Richard Loving
Troy Cook – Bernard Cohen
Christian Sanders – Philip Hirschkop
Benjamin Werley – Sheriff, Judge, Bazile
Adam Richardson – Raymond Green
Tesia Kwarteng – Annette Byrd
Phillip Bullock – Theoliver “Jake” Jeter
Melody Wilson – Musiel Byrd Jeter
Alissa Anderson – Lola Allen Loving
Chase Sanders – Mildred Jeter Loving (May 10)
Robert Wesley Mason – Richard Loving (May 10)
