'Coffee Man': The comic that spawned an opera

By Valerie Scher
UNION-TRIBUNE CLASSICAL MUSIC CRITIC

July 22, 2007

When “Too Much Coffee Man Opera” received its world première last year in Portland, Ore., cartoonist Shannon Wheeler sat in terror at the back of the theater, watching for any sign that the audience didn't like the opera inspired by his comics.

“I had deliberately kept the opera short in case it sucked,” Wheeler said. “I didn't want to waste anybody's time.”

He needn't have worried. The title character – an over-caffeinated antihero with a large coffee mug on his head – was an instant hit.

“People were laughing and applauding,” Wheeler said of opening night at the Portland Center for Performing Arts' Brunish Hall, where the show had a sold-out three-week run. “I was so happy I just about passed out with relief.”

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