The Mario Opera, the world’s first rock opera based on the Super Mario Bros., returns to the stage after an 8 year hiatus.
Jonathan Mann of The Everymen wrote the Mario Opera way back in 2005 in a fever dream of old school Nintendo nostalgia, in a fit of longing for a simpler time when controllers only had a D-pad and a few buttons. The opéretta, originally created at CalArts in 2005, centers on Mario, a reluctant hero in a strange world, who sets out to rescue his betrothed princess from the Koopa army. Mario, upon realizing the repetitive familiarity of his adventure, is lead to an existential crisis about being a character in a videogame.
In its original incarnation, The Mario Opera was performed at various venues around Los Angeles including California Institute of the Arts, The Smell, Key Club, Barnsdall Gallery Theatre and the Knitting Factory.
* The Everymen’s upcoming appearance follows their recent New York performances with acclaimed punk legends Death, indie stars Titus Andronicus, and farewell show at New Jersey’s legendary Maxwell’s venue, and will be followed by their upcoming appearance at this year’s Hopscotch Festival where the band will be opening for Sub Pop Records artists Pissed Jeans (full details below).
Friday August 9 Pianos New York, NY – An Everymenstravaganza featured the side bands of all the members of The Everymen
Saturday August 17 Live Performance at Mario Opera Joe’s Pub New York, NY
Saturday August 24 Summer Hummer at Rock Shop Brooklyn, NY
Sunday August 25 FirstEnergy Park Lakewood, NJ
Friday August 30 Roxy and Duke’s Dunellen, NJ
September 5, 6, 7 Hopscotch Festival Raleigh, NC
Friday September 6 Slim’s Raleigh, NC – Churchkey Records Day Party
Friday September 6 La Roux Charlotte, NC
Saturday September 7 The Pour House Raleigh, NC w/ Pissed Jeans
Saturday September 14 The Court Tavern New Brunswick, NJ
Saturday November 16 The Happy Dog Cleveland, OH