A chamber opera
Duration: approx. 2' 10" with intermission
Susan Kander, music
Roberta Gumbel and Susan Kander, libretto
Premiere May 29, 2026 at Buffalo Opera Unlimited
ROGER, 25, wants to be like his big brother, Billy: to see the world, be more independent, live in an apartment with fun roommates. Except Roger wants to watch Sponge Bob Square Pants and eat pizza with olives every night. Carry My Own Suitcase brings us into a family living in the kaleidoscope that is autism. A dancer and a speaking singer simultaneously portray Roger as the opera zigzags through time, space, memory and the onstage orchestra (!) in a rollercoaster of comedy, chaos, pain, passion, and most of all love.
Roles:
Acting Roger – speaking actor or singer (skilled music reading required), 25
Dancing Roger – need not look at all like Roger
Diana (Mom) – mezzo, 50s
Sam (Dad) – baritone, 50s
Billy (brother) – tenor, age 7 and 28
Laney (Billy’s girlfriend) – soprano, 20s
Neuro Specialist – soprano, 50s
Bass-baritone double cast as James – a social worker, 45-50, a slob with a golden heart, and Mr. Zingone – pizza place owner, 83
The ensemble of 11 is on stage, an organic part of the action. Additionally, five instrumentalists from the ensemble enter scenes and “play” small roles (from memory.)
2 Vln, Vc, Db, 2 Cl. (doubling Eb and bass clar), Bsn (doubling contra), Tpt, Tbn, Perc, Pno
Aria:
Trailer:
Workshop production March 2023 at University of Kansas School of Music:
Linda Brand, director (Director of Opera, University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music)
Jacob Ashworth, music director (Artistic Director, Heartbeat Opera, New York)
This workshop production was supported by generous grants from National Endowment for the Arts, OPERA America’s Opera Grants for Women Composers: Discovery Grants program, supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation., and the Dean’s Discretionary Fund of the University of Kansas School of Music.
For information: susan@susankander.net; rgumbel@msn.com; tc@blackteamusic.com