Intrigue, murder mystery, dark humor, and pleasure gone awry are afoot in Opera Noir: The Tickler Murders by Karel Suchy with libretto by Bruce DeYoung. Intrepid gumshoe Larry McBrown is in hot pursuit of the notorious and dastardly serial killer “The Tickler,” who tickles victims to death..
The Tickler Murders new-form opera incorporates original music, theater, poetry, video, visual art, magic and dance. The libretto is based on a set of eight poems, The Tickler Murders by the late Bruce DeYoung, which was written in 2002. Composer Karel Suchy enjoyed the humor and “quirkiness” of the poems, and decided to set them to music. The intriguing score employs a variety of styles, and includes solo and ensemble voices and instruments, with pre-recorded sounds.
Voices and Verses premiered this work October 12, 2013 at the Rhode Center for the Arts, Kenosha, as part of The Big Read with the Kenosha Public Library.