Community News

A River Runs Through It Makes Its World Premiere in Bozeman

One of Montana’s most treasured stories will take on a new life this September when Opera Montana presents the world premiere of A River Runs Through It at The Ellen Theatre in downtown Bozeman.

The production celebrates the 50th anniversary of Norman Maclean’s beloved 1976 novella, bringing its unforgettable themes of family, faith, love, loss and fly-fishing to the operatic stage. Performances are scheduled for September 18–20 and September 24–27, 2026.

A Montana Story Reimagined

Set in early 20th-century Montana, A River Runs Through It follows brothers Norman and Paul Maclean as they grow up—and grow apart—in a family where faith and fly-fishing are deeply intertwined.

Although the story is distinctly rooted in Montana, its exploration of family relationships is universal. Norman wants to help his troubled younger brother, but he struggles to reach him. A final family fishing trip becomes a powerful reflection on their shared history, changing roles and enduring love for one another.

Many people know the story through Robert Redford’s acclaimed 1992 film starring Brad Pitt, Craig Sheffer and Tom Skerritt. The movie also has strong ties to Southwest Montana, with scenes filmed in and around Bozeman, Livingston and nearby rivers. Opera Montana’s production offers audiences an entirely new way to experience this familiar story.

Opera Montana’s First Commissioned Opera

A River Runs Through It is the first opera commissioned by Opera Montana, making its Bozeman premiere an especially significant moment for the local arts community.

The production features music by award-winning composer Zach Redler and a libretto by Matt Foss and Kelley Rourke. Foss also serves as the production’s stage director, while Opera Montana Artistic Director Michael Sakir conducts.

Redler drew inspiration from bluegrass, country, jazz, honky-tonk and classical music to capture both the grandeur of Montana’s rivers and landscapes and the deeply personal emotions at the center of the story. The production features seven principal singers accompanied by an ensemble of 24 musicians.

The cast includes Schyler Vargas as Norman, Michael Kuhn as Paul, Christine Taylor Price as Jessie, Ryan Bryce Johnson as Neal, Megan Marino as Heidi, Phyllis Pancella as Clara and David Pittsinger as John Maclean.

A World Premiere in Downtown Bozeman

There is something particularly meaningful about seeing this story premiere in Montana—and in the historic Ellen Theatre in the heart of downtown Bozeman. From the work’s local setting to the landscapes that inspired its music, the production is closely connected to the place many of us call home.

Montana PBS will film the world-premiere performances for a future broadcast, preserving this milestone in Montana’s artistic history and sharing it with audiences beyond the theater.

Whether you are a longtime opera fan, love Norman Maclean’s original story or simply want to experience an important local arts event, A River Runs Through It promises to be one of Bozeman’s most memorable cultural events of the year.

Performance Details

What: Opera Montana’s world premiere of A River Runs Through It
When: September 18–20 and September 24–27, 2026
Where: The Ellen Theatre, 17 West Main Street, Bozeman, Montana
Running time: Approximately 90 minutes with no intermission

Learn more about the production and purchase tickets through Opera Montana.