Atlanta Opera ready for 'Cold Sassy Tree'

Arts and Culture

Atlanta Opera rehearses for the opening of 'Cold Sassy Tree,' based on a novel by Atlantan Olive Ann Burns.

John McVeigh (left, in the role of Will Tweedy) and Maureen McKay (in the role of Lightfoot McClendon) during the rehearsal for Saturday's opening at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Leading the Atlanta Opera's production of "Cold Sassy Tree" is conductor Arthur Fagen. As recently retired music director of the Dortmund Opera, often cited as Europe's most scandalous opera house, he's now Atlanta's opera maestro and has conducted 50 percent of the season.

Kristopher Irmiter (as Rucker Lattimore), John McVeigh (Will Tweedy) and Erin Wall (Love Simpson) during rehearsal.

Arthur Fagen during the rehearsal at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday.

Conductor Arthur Fagen before the rehearsal begins at Cobb Energy.

Arthur Fagen checks his papers as Kristopher Irmiter gets made up for the rehearsal.

Kristopher Irmiter sings the role of Rucker Lattimore during the rehearsal at Cobb Energy.

Conductor Arthur Fagen leads the rehearsal of 'Cold Sassy Tree' at Cobb Energy.

Conductor Arthur Fagen during a contemplative moment in the rehearsal for Saturday's opening of 'Cold Sassy Tree.'

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John McVeigh (left, in the role of Will Tweedy) and Maureen McKay (in the role of Lightfoot McClendon) during the rehearsal for Saturday's opening at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

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