A summer evening by the river. A Montana classic. A first look at a major new work before its world premiere.A Montana classic. A story that still resonates fifty years later.
Opera Montana will present the World Premiere of A River Runs Through It in September 2026, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Norman Maclean’s now-classic novella. The story follows two brothers in early 20th century Montana as they grow up—and grow apart—against a backdrop of family, faith, and fishing.
Set at the Riverhouse, a popular family barbecue restaurant on the banks of the Gallatin River, where the movie adaptation was filmed, this intimate evening offers a rare opportunity to experience selections from the new opera before its official world premiere this fall.
Guests are invited to arrive at 7:00 PM to enjoy the setting, socialize, and grab a drink before the performance begins. Following the presentation, performers will participate in a short audience Q&A.
“The reward is a fresh perspective from a talented cast and writers who explore themes of love, loss, and fly fishing, of course, to bring the familiar characters to new life. My father would have been delighted to see his story on stage and his words, often only a heartbeat away from poetry, turned to song.”
— John N. Maclean
John N. Maclean is the author of Home Waters and the son of Norman Maclean, whose novella A River Runs Through It remains one of Montana’s most beloved literary works.