In Mayhem and Majesty, the sonic hooligans of Squonk Opera push the boundaries of musical athleticism and visual wizardry, while asking the question…“What does music look like?”

Each song evokes different atmospheres and dynamics, which are made vivid through mesmerizing projections and constantly transforming scenery. One moment you are alone in a swarm of stars with a gently swaying keyboard and a sparse lullaby your only guide. The next, you see how romance is just a series of cell mutations set to post-punk beats.

The Squonkers journey from the depths of moody minimalism to the heights of gypsy rock raucous delight. And our award-winning multimedia canvas takes your eyes to those wondrous places your ears have long kept secret.

Visit our Store to purchase or download a CD of the music from this production.

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

Photos by John Altdorfer

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

”Mayhem and Majesty is a tsunami of sound and light…a hypnotic celebration of musical sound and what that sound does to the soul.” – Pittsburgh Magazine

"a score that ranges from haunting lullaby to overwhelming cacophony" - City Paper

"a musical experience that's colorful, chaotic, spiky, elegant, sensuous and surreal" - Tribune-Review

"the band embraces live music and video, movement, film, props and lighting to 'show' what music looks like" - Post-Gazette

Go to Media for full articles.

March 30, 2011
Mayhem and Majesty Preview Party
New Hazlett Theater
Pittsburgh, PA

March 31-April 3, 2011
New Hazlett Theater
Pittsburgh, PA

March 24, 2012
RVCC Arts
Branchburg, NJ

March 27, 2012
Rose Lerhman Arts Center
Harrisburg, PA

March 29, 2012
Kutztown University
Kutztown, PA

The Artistic Directors
Steve O’Hearn & Jackie Dempsey


The Band

Vocals & Acoustic Guitar
Autumn Ayers

Piano, Keys & Accordion
Jackie Dempsey

Drums, Zen Drum, Octapad, Djembe
Kevin Kornicki

Flute, Sax, Wind Synth, Manybell Trumpet
Steve O’Hearn

Electric Guitar
David Wallace


The Team

Music
Jackie Dempsey

Design & Staging
Steve O’Hearn

Lead Video Design
Buzz Miller with Steve O’Hearn & David Wallace

Lighting Design
Bob Steineck

Costume Design
Paula Ries

Additional Music & Assistant Musical Direction
Kevin Kornicki

Stage Direction
Rick Kemp

Lyrics
Autumn Ayers

Movement Consultation
Beth Corning

Project Management
Michelle Carello

Stage Management
Heidi Nagle

Sound Engineering
George Powell

Kinetic Set Works
Bradley N. Litwin

Video Operation
Jessi Sedon-Essad

Contributing Video Design
Jessi Sedon-Essad, Bonnie Bogovich, Michael Epstein, Dean Mougianis, Caroline Savage, Keith Tassick

Set & Prop Artists
Chris & Robin Letzelter, Michelle Carello, John Teacher, Dave English

Steve and Jackie would like to acknowledge everyone involved in this production for their creative contributions, especially the Squonk musicians for adding their own individual flavor to the music, and the designers, builders and technicians who added detail and richness to the production.

Mayhem and Majesty is a proscenium show that requires a stage at least 32' wide and 22' deep and 15' high. It can be loaded in the same day as the show, with focus happening the evening before.

For full tech requirements, refer to our Media page.

School show versions have been developed for grades 4-12; please refer to the Study Guide – a full guide can be downloaded from our Media page.

Bumbershoot Festival … Seattle, WA
Stuart’s Opera House … Nelsonville, OH
College of St. Benedict … St. Joseph, MN
First Night Pittsburgh … Pittsburgh, PA
Tri-C Presents … Cleveland, OH
Community Arts Center … Williamsport, PA
Kelly-Strayhorn Theater … Pittsburgh, PA