Rumors Fly and Real Love Blossoms in a Georgia Town

Atlanta Opera's next production in the Cobb Energy Centre, Carlisle Floyd's Cold Sassy Tree opens Saturday

By Wanda Yang Temko

Edited and Produced by Wanda Yang Temko

Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Opera's production of Carlisle Floyd's Cold Sassy Tree opens Saturday night at the Cobb Energy Center. Based on the novel by Georgia native, Olive Ann Burns, the story is set in the fictitious town of Cold Sassy which is based on the real town that has become Commerce, Georgia. When the proprietor of the General Store announces his intention to marry Love Simpson, a “Yankee” milliner half his age, rumors fly and real love blossoms. Tenor John McVeigh created the character of Will Tweedy at its premiere in 2000 at Houston Grand Opera, and he's reprising the role here. He is in conversation with WABE's Wanda Yang Temko.