DIGITAL PROGRAM
Promise of the Heart
Jazz Soul Chamber Opera™
by Arlington Jones & Hope N. Jones
Set in the 1930s at the height of the jazz age, Promise of the Heart is a story of Abe who follows his heart and leads his family on a journey to find global success in the music business but his dreams and destiny are almost derailed by despair, deceit, death and doubt.
The new style of opera, developed by Arlington & Hope Jones, combines classical, jazz, and soul music to create an avant-garde sound and an enduring experience.
WORLD PREMIERE
Performance Date:
December 20, 2023
7:30 pm
Arlington ISD Center for Visual and Performing Arts
900 E Sanford St
Arlington TX
Language: English
Suitable for all ages
Performed in 3 acts (approximately 1.5 hours length) with no intermission.
SYNOPSIS
Abe dreams of being successful and loves music. He listens to his heart, personified by Jazz (the voice of promise). Jazz gives Abe news of his promising future as an international music businessman of affluence and influence. Led by the encounter with Jazz, Abe and his loving wife Sula leaves his hometown to make a name for himself. His protective brother Lee and Lee’s sassy wife Lauren go with them.
On the journey, they become weary and in need as they approach a nearby hot spot for entertainment and danger. Out of fear, Abe comes up with a plan for the wives to pretend to be their sisters. He believes downplaying their status will help them avoid conflict with notorious, greedy swindlers who will steal anything and even kill for beautiful women. He hopes they can also distract the locals and make business deals selling the latest music goods. They desperately need the money to live and establish his music business. Once they get to the town, they enter an entertainment venue and separate as planned. They rest a while and enjoy performers. As Abe and Lee make business deals, Sula and Lauren attract charming suitors who shower them with attention and gifts. Abe’s pretentious plan backfires when the suitors advances escalate. The wives find themselves in an uncomfortable position where Abe and Lee must fight to rescue them. A struggle leads to an accidental death. The family take time to lament. They reconcile differences with the locals. Despite opposition, they journey on. Along the way, Abe has more promising encounters with Jazz. He finds inspiration, peace, and joy from the revelations. Eventually, the promise is fulfilled when Abe establishes roots with his family and starts a successful music business.
CREATIVES
Arlington Jones
Libretto, Music, Producer, Director, Conductor & Pianist
Hope N. Jones
Libretto, Music, Producer, Director, Graphic Design, Digital Backdrop Scenics Curator, Wardrobe Curator
MEET THE CAST
Lwazi Hlati – Abe
Dr. Erica Vernice Simmons – Sula
Kevin Whalum – Lee
Candace “Mahogany” Warren – Lauren
Nathan Young – Jazz
Jerwinn Land – Suitor
Gabe Meadows – Suitor
Carolyn Lee Jones – Ensemble / Townspeople
Talyah Thomas – Ensemble / Townspeople
Kolby Carpenter – Ensemble / Townspeople
Fiona Feil – Spirit of Dance
Ursula Hicks & PV – Lindy Hop Dancers
featuring Arlington Jones & The Soul Chamber Band
Arlington Jones – piano
Arlington “Ollie” Jones III – drums
James Driscoll – bass
Jorge Ginorio – percussion
Quamon Fowler – saxophone
Dr. Meg Griffith – flute
Read about the cast here
WARDROBE
Curated and styled by Hope N. Jones in collaboration with the Cast, who provided garments from their personal collection. Assisted by Carolyn Lee Jones. Makeup, hair, and grooming by the Cast.
THANK YOU
Thank you to this incredible cast who blessed us with their gifts & talents, unwavering support, and dedication to make this vision come to life!
Thanks to the great staff at Arlington ISD Center for Visual and Performing Arts.
Thanks to our daughter Christian Joelle Jones, our logistics consultant.
Thanks to Steinway Hall Dallas and Arlington Music Hall for partnering with us for our pre-production schedule.
Thank you to Chanti Sprauve of Personal Vision Photography for capturing special moments through her creative eye. Follow Chanti on Instagram