Glory Denied

Glory Denied is the story of an American family during the turbulent Vietnam War era. America’s longest-held prisoner of war returns home to a country he no longer recognizes. This intimate chamber opera chronicles Colonel Jim Thompson’s suffering in the jungles of southeast Asia through the personal struggles of his family following his liberation and repatriation.

Opera Birmingham favorite Corey McKern returns to portray Older Thompson, his rich baritone and powerful stage presence giving weight to the challenge of this veteran facing a world that has completely changed while he was at war. Soprano Caroline Worra makes her Opera Birmingham debut as Older Alyce, bringing her critically-acclaimed interpretation of the character to the stage. Joining them will be tenor John Riesen as Younger Thompson, with soprano and Alabama native Kathleen Bucchleugh as Younger Alyce. John Hoomes, who directed the company’s 2015 La Boheme, will bring this poignant and direct production to life on the stage.