(Directed by Curtis Taylor/2005) Hand of Bridge is the film treatment of a one act opera written by Samuel Barber with text by Gian Carlo Menotti (1959). Performed by four voices (Shawna Avinger, Eric Banks, Glenn Guhr and Janna Wachter) and saxophone orchestra (conducted by Roger Nelson, arranged by Scott Granlund). The film/opera depicts two couples at a game of bridge. The theme is an interplay between each character and their public vs. private selves, a shifting from the niceties of the game to potent secret daydreams of lust and melancholy.

‘A Hand of Bridge’ (film directed by Curtis Taylor: click to play)

A Hand of Bridge

Vodvil Theater Presents: ‘A Hand of Bridge’ (chamber opera)

Music: Samuel Barber: Libretto: Gian Carlo Menotti

Direction and production design: Curtis Taylor

Cinematography: Britta Johnson

Featuring in order of appearance: Eric Banks (Bill); Shawna Avinger (Geraldine); Janna Wachter (Sally); Glenn Guhr (David)

The Northstar Saxophone Orchestra: Jay Easton, Scott Granlund, Barbara Larson and Ryan Marsh with Tahoma Hauptman on percussion. Conducted by Roger Nelson; Arrangement by Scott Granlund; Engineer: Floyd Reitsma

Lighting by Benjamin Kasulke; David Hanagan, Assistant Camera; Edited by Britta Johnson; Sound Design: Boyd Post; Production Design: Curtis Taylor; Costumes: Rose Powers; Art Direction: Oscar Lofgren and Paul Repetowski; Makeup: Theresa Lefebvre; Hair: Roxie Hunt; Props and set dressing: David Bowen, Eve Cohen, Jason Puccinelli, Julianna Heyne, Eric Avinger, Janet and Edward Galore; Poster by Friese Undine; Bridge Coach: Jeremy Matthews; Produced by Anne Rosellini, Kathryn Lindenmayer and Chris Weber; Special thanks to Jason Puccinelli, Isabel Hamilton, Stone Gossard, Artist Trust, Dan Iverson, Office of Arts and Culture/Seattle, Shunpike, the French Project (Annette Lefebvre, Erin Jorgensen, Chris Lefebvre & Charles Smith) and Sand Point-Magnuson Park.

Photographs by Dave Hanagan