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The world premiere of The Sparks Fly Upward played to a sold out crowd and a long and boisterous standing ovation on November 8th, 2008 at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines, Iowa.  The Production was critically acclaimed.

The Sparks Fly Upward
Selected Reviews and Comments about the World Premiere on November 8, 2008

Audience members, production participants, and critics had the following things to say about The Sparks Fly Upward world premiere:

“Seventy years ago in Germany, when Nazi officers incited the overnight riots that became known as Kristallnacht, the event was marked by violence and ugly ignorance.  On Saturday here in Des Moines, the world premiere of an opera about the Holocaust had just the opposite effect. “The Sparks Fly Upward,” by Drake University law professor Cathy Lesser Mansfield, is a moving testament to the power of peace and understanding.”

“But to Mansfield’s credit, she strikes a fine balance between left-brained history and right-brained art. She distills decades of research into a compelling story with authentic shivers of fear and surprising grace.”

Opera Review: Holocaust story sings with eloquent power by Michael Morain, The Des Moines Register On Line, November 12, 2008

“It is hard to put into words all the gratitude we have for you and for what you have given to the community through the production of The Sparks Fly Upward. To the community you have given a sense of hope amidst the evils in our world. To tie together the horrors of the Holocaust with the beauty of what people of conscience have done and continue to do is a true gift. May we all take your sense of hope and call to action into our world today and make a difference whenever we can. “
~Gabrielle Callistein~

“The entire evening reminded us of the wonderful words that it did, indeed, “inch forward this fragile thing we call Civilization.” And, in the words of Sir Winston Churchill, “When Civilization reigns, a chance for a good life is enjoyed by all.” The Sparks Fly Upward had such an important message – that if people reach out to one another in a loving and caring way, they truly touch the face of God.”
~Bob and Jo Lee Scarborough~

“The Sparks Fly Upwards was magnificent! It was beautiful, it was compelling, it was inspiring and it was unforgettable. You did an incredible job of writing the lyrics, composing the music, involving the community. A masterful production! It is my hope that this will be done again not only here but other places because of the message and the awesome beauty of the work.”
~Carol Brown~

“Having visited Auschwitz 22 years ago, I didn’t think it was possible for anything Holocaust-related to touch me, but I can still hear some of your melodies in my mind.”
~David L. Moskowitz~

“Wow! Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am stunned by and in admiration of the scope and ambitiousness of your entire project. I can only imagine the scope of the undertaking in just composing the music. And then considering you did that in connection with and as a way of communicating something about the inherent goodness of people in the midst of an atrocity, the enormity of which language fails us in trying to explain it, other than to refer to it as HaShoa or the Shoa, really is amazing. You and it have and will continue to make a real difference.”
~David Goldman~

“Brava – “The Sparks Fly Upward” was well-done and inspirational on a number of levels. Last night’s performance was a gift of education and creative imagination.”
~Aimee Beckman-Collier~

“Last night I attended the world premiere of The Sparks Fly Upward. I cannot express how powerful and moving this performance was.”
~Post on the Bleeding Heartland Blog~

“All I can say is WOW! [We] were so impressed with the production. The Des Moines talent was amazing, the music was beautiful and the stage direction was absolutely top notch. It all came together in a beautiful evening. I love that you made this happen for you and the world.”
~Leisha Barcus~

“It was such a treat to sit in the audience and see this awesome performance. Your vision [of the Holocaust] brings a fresh approach that will hopefully move many to action to prevent further genocide, or even just to teach people to respect life of all ages.”
~Janet Bradford~

“While I had seen [Sparks] in patchwork several times, this [the premiere] was the first time I actually sat down to watch and listen. Tears of joy or sorrow or appreciation? I think all three. I found [Sparks] profound and deeply moving. The connection to faith was very clear.”
~Michael Libbie~

“I know it took years of work/research and I hope you enjoyed your premiere as much as your audience so obviously did!”
~LuAnn Julstrom~

“I just wanted to write you to tell you how much I enjoyed your opera last night. It was so powerful and very extraordinary – The combination of the pictures, the chorus and the live performances were wonderful.”
~Nancy Lynch~

“My how the Sparks flew. It was such an honor to watch in awe while your dream not only came to life, but touched so many others. You’ve really started something. You’ve written a piece that’s so much more than words and music, so much more than art and form. Thanks for leaving this composition to the world.”
~Sue Rzepka~

“Bravo! The performance was amazing. Very well done. The music was thrilling.”
~Sarah Hastings~

“I heard great compliments about The Sparks Fly Upward that night and numerous times since. I hope that you have the opportunity to present it in other cities. The message is so important and obviously so relevant to our times.”
~Sandi Yoder, Iowa Jewish Historical Society~

“The performance Saturday was amazing, and you should be very proud of what you brought to the stage. Don’t stop writing music!”
~Beth Ann Edwards~

“Thank you for creating, writing, composing, and producing such a fabulous opera. I hope it goes far.”
~Liz Tigges~

“It was so moving and the music was beautiful.”
~Sheila Tipton~

“I was moved by the performance. What an amazing work!”
~Jon Duvick~

“[Sparks is] quite moving and a real aural feast.”
~Sandra Tatge~

“I still cannot believe that I know somebody who can write such fantastic music.”
~Scott Hartsook~

Attending "The Sparks Fly Upward" was a memorable experience...beautiful music and voices!
~Tim and Rosemary Rahm~

From the Artists . . .

“Congratulations to you on your vision, your research and planning, your grant writing, and your efforts to bring a heightened awareness in our community. And last, but not least, congratulations on the music. I predict this won’t be the last time we hear from ‘Sparks.’ ”
~James Rodde, Artistic Director of the Des Moines Choral Society
and Director of Choral Activities at Iowa State University~


“We want to thank you again for allowing Meredith the opportunity to be part of this experience. She was so lucky to be in the company of this incredibly talented group of people. It has also caused her to read as many books as she can get her hands on about the Holocaust and to encourage her friends to read them too.”
~Alice Robertson, parent of 11- year old cast member Meredith Toebben~


“Thanks for letting me participate in the Sparks event. Congratulations on a spectacular piece and all around presentation. If you do a repeat performance please let me know.”
~Alice Bodnar, Violinist~

“Thank you for giving us such beautiful and heartfelt music.”
~Kat Beane, Des Moines Choral Society Singer~

“The production was very moving for my friends and family who attended.”
~Chris Wilde, cast member~

Newspaper and Magazine Articles

“Holocaust Notes: Drake professor’s musical drama combines years of research, real-life photos, haunting story” by Michael Morain, Des Moines Register, Sunday, November 2, 2008, pages 1E and 2E.

“Creating ‘Sparks’: World premiere opera tells Holocaust tale” by Susan Rzepka Orion, Cleveland Jewish News, October 10, 2008, page 48.

“World on Fire: Cathy Lesser Mansfield’s Musical Drama Portrays the Heartache and Heroism of a Tragic Time” by Christine Riccelli, dsm Magazine, November/December/January 08/09, pages 192-193.

“In Profile: Cathy Lesser Mansfield, Composer of ‘The Sparks Fly Upward’”, The Greater Des Moines Jewish Press, November/December 2008, pages 6 and 16.

“Professor’s Opera to Premiere Saturday, honor Holocaust victims” by Alex Roth, The Times Delphic, November 6, 2008.

The World Premiere Staff and Cast included:

Director – Timothy X. Troy
Conductor – Joseph Giunta
Musical Director – Cathy Lesser Mansfield
Lighting Designer – Cory Pattak
Assistant Director – Jeffrey S. Lesser
Stage Manager – Kim Grimaldi
Production Manager – Janet Albanese
Concert Master – Jonathan Sturm

Cast

Citizens of Berlin – Des Moines Choral Society under the direction of Dr. James Rodde.


Venue

Hoyt Sherman Place