On January 16, 2026, Works & Process will present a preview performance of Michael R. Jackson’s ‘Complications in Sue.’
Held at the Guggenheim, this performance comes ahead of the work’s world premiere at Opera Philadelphia in February. The work itself follows the life of a woman across a century, featuring one actor joined by four singers to music from ten composers such as Missy Mazzoli, Rene Orth, Nico Muhly, and Cecile McLorin Salvant. The work is co-directed by Zack Winokur and Raja Feather Kelly, with conductor Caren Levine making her company debut.
“I feel like I have been trying to innovate in musical theater for several years now,” says Jackson in a press release, “and with ‘Complications in Sue’ I am challenging myself by stretching into this new form that I have long admired as an audience member. The scope and scale of opera really speak to me, so when Anthony invited me to dip my toe in the waters of the form, I saw it as an exciting opportunity to leave my comfort zone. Examining a woman’s life from birth to death began as a very collaborative storytelling idea that I am now running with, and I look forward to embracing the next stage of collaboration with this group of amazing composers, who will bring a new scale of sound to the drama.”
The preview event will include a moderated discussion with Michael R. Jackson, Zack Winokur, Raja Feather Kelly, and Anthony Roth Costanzo.