In Series World Premiere Opera “The Delta King’s Blues” Shines a Blazing Light on the Life of Robert Johnson, Father of American Blues
The Delta King’s Blues
IN Series
Jordan Wright
December 13, 2025
Albert R. Lee (Robert), Marvin Wayne (Willy), Anthony Ballard (Son), and Christian Simmons (Devil) in The Delta King Blues. (Photo/Bayou Elom)
Robert Johnson, the acknowledged American “Father of the Blues”, came to a crossroads in his life. Growing up in the Mississippi Delta, he was a shy child with a burning desire to pick up a steel-string acoustic guitar. As the legend goes, he lacked the skills necessary to make a career out of his passion. One night the Devil appeared offering to teach him how to write, sing and play the blues like no other man before him. But there was a Faustian catch. You already guessed it. Johnson had to sell his soul to the slick trickster. In his desperation, he makes the bargain and the legend was born. “Now you’re cookin’ with fire,” the Devil tells him.
Noted composer Damien Geter’s and much-commissioned librettist Jarrod Lee’s fascinating world premiere opera recently premiered at IN Series new theater space here in DC before it heads off to Baltimore for three additional engagements. Introduced with a short but powerful set by Tennessee Blues guitar singer and performer, “Memphis Gold”, who has played with such legends as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, James Brown, Mavis Staple, Taj Mahal, John Hammond and dozens more, the veteran Blues man set the mood with songs of the period including Johnson’s signature number, “Crossroad”.
Albert R. Lee (Robert), Melissa Wimbish (Virginia), Marvin Wayne (Willy), and Anthony Ballard (Son). (Photo/Bayou Elom)
Set in the 1930’s this modern opera combines history, fantasy and musicality in a most appealing way – exposing audiences to a man who defined the Blues and provided with a backstory – whether fact or fiction – at the same time introducing newcomers to the roots of American musical culture. Three years to come to fruition, this opera has a very bright future.
A ten-piece orchestra led by multi-genre conductor, Darren Lin & Timothy Nelson, accompany the cast featuring Albert Lee as Robert, Christian Simmons as Devil, Melissa Wimbish as Virginia (Robert’s love interest), Marvin Wayne as Willy and Anthony Ballard as Son. Costumes by Rakell Foye; Set Design by Joshua Sticklin; Lighting Design by Paul Callahan; Commissioned by IN Series.
Through December 14th at Pop-Up Theater, 340 Maple Drive, SW, Washington, DC 20024. In Baltimore, MD December 19-21 at 2460 SPACE at 2460 St. Paul Street. For tickets call the box office at 410.752.8558 or visit www.ci.ovationtix.com