SEASON 35 | March-April 2023

The dragonfly princess
MARCH 25 - april 15, 2023

Original Music and Libretto by Chad Salvata
Directed by Bonnie Cullum.

The VORTEX proudly presents a sweeping musical tale of magic, power, and transformation with an all-new production of The Dragonfly Princess.

Long, long ago and far away, the Ovo ruled the magical faery realm of Ovona. We journey with Princess Mala as she rides Xéphyra the dragonfly into the wilds in search of Vyn, the renegade sorceress. The magic of the pearls, the mysteries of the temples, and the secrets of the ages are revealed as Mala is transformed from the Green Princess into the Red Queen.

ethos first created this faery world on-stage at The VORTEX fifteen years ago. Inspired by Joseph Conrad’s novella, Heart of Darkness, Chad Salvata created the story, music, and aesthetics of the epic The Dragonfly Princess. Salvata won the 2007 B. Iden Payne Award for this Original Score and has now revised this production with eight additional scenes and songs. All new designs and choreography.

Listen to music by Chad Salvata on Facebook and SoundCloud.

Here’s what audiences are saying about The Dragonfly Princess:

“Beautiful, dramatic, clear voices, gorgeous costumes, creative set, and simply impressive acting.” - C. Brandon

“The lights, costumes, and set were magical!” - S. Rundown

”I LOVE the costumes! The music was something different that you hardly hear in an opera, which was a nice change, and the voices of Mala and the Oracle are absolutely beautiful. Vyn really sold it as a villain!”
- L. Kraak

TEAM

Melissa McKnight stars as Princess Mala, joined by VORTEX veterans Hayley Armstrong as Vyn, Eryn Gettys as Quain, Gina Houston as Qlye, and Michelé Crowder as Eshi. 

Introducing CB Feller as Joji, John Rodgers as Roko, and Olyivia Rose Mccain as Eja. Featuring Lilly Percifield, Campbell Duffy, Cameron La Brie, Oskar Brian, and Johnny Veal Jr.

We are pleased to welcome home members of the original Dragonfly Princess design team as guest artists from around the country to manifest an entirely new production! Scenic Design by Ann Marie Gordon (Michigan). Lighting Design by Jason Amato (Norfolk, VA). Sound Design by Roy Taylor (Louisville, KY).

Costume Design by Pam Friday. Hair and Makeup Design by Mary Fletcher. Assistant Costume Designer, Madison Murrah. Costume Assistants, Maddy Lamb, Jana Steen, Price Foster, Isabel Guzman. Assistant Lighting Designer, Patrick Anthony. Choreography by Blaise Ricin. Assistant Director, Kristie Schuh. Stage Manager, Tamara L. Farley. Assistant Stage Manager, Nine Correll. Assistant Scenic Designers, Lilly Percifield and Daniel Hernandez. Assistant Sound Designer, Emily Taylor.

Production Manager, Katie Hamilton. Butterfly Bar Manager, Emma Robertson. Box Office Manager/Keeper of the Butterfly Garden, Alex Cogburn. Financial Director, Krystle Cline. Managing Director, Melissa McKnight. Producing Artistic Director, Bonnie Cullum.

The Dragonfly Princess is funded and supported by VORTEX Repertory Company, Six Square Austin’s Black Cultural District, the Texas Commission on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts.