Reston: An Opera-Worthy Place

 Damian Sinclair says when he learned of a performance group that creates custom productions for communities,  he "couldn't resist" hiring them to produce one about Reston.

"The idea fit in to what we are trying to accomplish, comunity-wise," said Sinclair, Reston Comunity Center's director of arts and events.  "I think Reston is certainly dramatic and has a story to tell. To encapsualte that into a musical is a neat way to do it."

Reston: The Opera, written and performed by Pittsburgh's Squonk Opera, debuts at 8 p.m. Wednesday at Reston Community Center Hunter Wood's CentreStage.

It is just about sold out, says Sinclair. It is also likely to be a one-time thing.

"This is one-shot only," says Sinclair. "We'll be looking at different ways to engage the community after this."

Reston: The Opera is not an opera in the strict sense, says Sinclair. What it will be is a multimedia performance based on what makes the community entertaining and different.

The opera company did more than 30 videotaped interviews with local names such as Reston Association president Kathleen Driscoll McKee, Reston founder Robert E. Simon, Virginia Del. Ken Plum and former South Lakes High School basketball coach Wendell Byrd, along with regular residents young and old. The interviews will be incorporated into the show.

Sinclair says he also helped the production by giving them a tour of Reston places. Those spots were also taped for use in the show.

"The show is really humorous," saus Sinclair. "But it is also very positive about Reston."

The performance also features numbers from three local dance thoupes: South Lakes High School's Essence; Groundworks Dance Ensemble and a group from Hunters Woods Elementary.

The music - written just for Reston: The Opera - will be performed live by the Squonkers. CDs of the score, along with Reston: The Opera T-shirts, will be for sale at the performance.