Matthew Recio's The Puppy Episode

Friday, November 20, 2026 at 7:30pm

Ryan Opera Theater

Joachim Schamberger, director; Yelisey (Eli) Zelman, conductor; members of the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra 

With music by Matthew Recio and a libretto by Royce Vavrek (Dog Days, Proving Up), The Puppy Episode follows three characters’ coming out journeys during a time when media didn’t portray the queer experience. High schooler Gil realizes he has feelings for his best friend Clay. Louise, a married woman, regrets not having explored her queer identity more fully. Phyllis, a widow and grandmother living with dementia, wonders what might have been if she had been more honest with herself. When a popular series airs television’s first coming out story, this new public representation leads each character to soul-searching revelations.  

Following each performance, audience members are invited to remain in the Ryan Opera Theater for a post-show discussion with composer Matthew Recio, director Joachim Schamberger, and members of the cast. 

Tickets are $18 for the general public and $8 for students with valid ID.

Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 7:30pm

Ryan Opera Theater

Joachim Schamberger, director; Yelisey (Eli) Zelman, conductor; members of the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra 

With music by Matthew Recio and a libretto by Royce Vavrek (Dog Days, Proving Up), The Puppy Episode follows three characters’ coming out journeys during a time when media didn’t portray the queer experience. High schooler Gil realizes he has feelings for his best friend Clay. Louise, a married woman, regrets not having explored her queer identity more fully. Phyllis, a widow and grandmother living with dementia, wonders what might have been if she had been more honest with herself. When a popular series airs television’s first coming out story, this new public representation leads each character to soul-searching revelations.  

Following each performance, audience members are invited to remain in the Ryan Opera Theater for a post-show discussion with composer Matthew Recio, director Joachim Schamberger, and members of the cast. 

Tickets are $18 for the general public and $8 for students with valid ID.

Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 3:00pm

Ryan Opera Theater

Joachim Schamberger, director; Yelisey (Eli) Zelman, conductor; members of the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra 

Join director Joachim Schamberger and Northwestern PhD candidate John Pollard for a lecture and Q&A at 2 p.m. in the Jean Gimbel Lane Reception Room.

With music by Matthew Recio and a libretto by Royce Vavrek (Dog Days, Proving Up), The Puppy Episode follows three characters’ coming out journeys during a time when media didn’t portray the queer experience. High schooler Gil realizes he has feelings for his best friend Clay. Louise, a married woman, regrets not having explored her queer identity more fully. Phyllis, a widow and grandmother living with dementia, wonders what might have been if she had been more honest with herself. When a popular series airs television’s first coming out story, this new public representation leads each character to soul-searching revelations.  

Following each performance, audience members are invited to remain in the Ryan Opera Theater for a post-show discussion with composer Matthew Recio, director Joachim Schamberger, and members of the cast. 

Tickets are $18 for the general public and $8 for students with valid ID.