The Tear Jar: A Blues Opera

Live at the Lancaster Ware Center

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Experience a transformative evening of storytelling, sound, and community co-creation.

Join us at the Ware Center for the culminating performance of The Tear Jar: A Blues Opera—a genre-defying theatrical event created in collaboration with over 25 regional musicians, performers, designers, and storytellers. This unique production explores the deep roots of blues music and opera through the lens of civic dialogue, visual art, and performance.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
Location: The Lancaster Ware Center, 42 N Prince St, Lancaster, PA
Cost: Free and open to the public

Meet the Ensemble & Creative Team

Bob Welsh

COMPOSER & CO-PRODUCER- AIE ARTIST

Lenwood Sloan

LIBRETTO COMPOSER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Executive Producer – Chris Bravacos

Story – Jerry King Musser

Nate Petley – Piano, Orchestrator

Soundscape – James Klippel

Cast & Ensemble

Eric Jackson Jr. – Mason

Kellie Turner – Savannah

Cory Landis – Chandra

Brandon Webb Stubbs – Ensemble

Derek Euston – J.R., Featured Guitarist

Johanna Reynoso – Mary

Nelson Polite Jr. – Preacher

Christine Nikel – Shy

Musicians

Bob Welsh – Bass Guitar

Nate Petley – Keyboard/Organ

Mike Yinger – Lead Guitar, Harmonica, Percussion

Derek Euston – Guitar

Matt Woodson – Percussion

Gerri McGritty – Guest Percussionist

Design Team

Adam Serrano – Mentor Artist

Blake Showers – Journeyman Illustrator

Brandon Webb – Journeyman Performer

Production Team

Kathryn Harris – Assistant Production Manager

Eleazar Jimenez – Set Pieces

Nathan Cottrell – Production Consultant

Stephanie Witman – Stage & Lighting Consultant

Priscilla Kaufield – Wardrobe Consultant

Adaria McGill – Stage Manager, Company Liaison

What to Expect

Through music, movement, and immersive visuals, this Artist Salon explores:

  • Indigenous blues roots music

  • Graphic novel technique as a storytelling and stage-setting device

  • Wardrobe's role in character creation

  • Sound effects and their impact on the audience experience

  • The art of making art

  • Use of myth and iconography in storytelling

  • Reimagining the opera form

Historical and cultural themes include:

  • The Great Migration’s influence on American music

  • The celebration of 1970s culture

  • The roadhouse as an alternative to traditional performance venues

  • Strengthening Central PA’s performance community

  • A commitment to collaboration and co-creation

Why It Matters

At YWCA Lancaster, we believe that art is a vital tool for justice and community healing. The Tear Jar reflects our mission to eliminate racism and empower women through shared storytelling, artistic expression, and cultural connection.

This performance is supported in part by Tear Jar LLC, YWCA Lancaster, the Lancaster County Community Foundation, and the Ware Center’s Arts in Education.