Setting Sail in Pursuit of Moby-Dick at The Met Opera
On March 3rd, 2025, The Metropolitan Opera presented its debut production of Jake Heggie’s Moby-Dick. Directed by Leonard Foglia, the opera transported audiences aboard the whaling ship Pequod, plunging into the depths of the human psyche and the quest for the unattainable.
Simon Catillon: Embodying the Sailor’s Spirit
Portraying a sailor, Simon fully embraced the physical demands of his role. For nearly two hours, he not only engaged in stage combat but also performed daring stunts—grappling with fellow crew members, climbing high masts, and hanging suspended in mid-air—a vivid reminder of marine hazards.
In one pivotal scene, his confrontation with another sailor escalated into a group altercation. Simon’s silent yet expressive acting heightened the tension, adding emotional weight to the drama.
All stage combats were meticulously coordinated by Rick Sordelet, one of the industry’s most respected fight directors. His expertise ensured the action was spectacular, faithful to Melville’s world, and realistic.
Backstage moments with the crew during rehearsals.
Musical and Visual Poetry
Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s powerful opera intertwines themes of obsession, quest, and internal struggle. Robert Brill’s set design transformed the stage into a vast seascape, while Gavan Swift’s lighting and Elaine J. McCarthy’s projections, evoking the restless ocean, created a hauntingly hypnotic atmosphere.
During the premiere, the entire cast spellbound audiences with unforgettable performances. Brandon Jovanovich’s Captain Ahab burned with fervor, while Thomas Glass, joining the crew that evening as First Mate Starbuck, delivered passionate arias. Stephen Costello was luminous as Greenhorn, his voice guiding the narrative with depth and sensitivity.
An Evening of Celebration
Following the show, a reception was held at The Met’s Grand Tier restaurant to celebrate the production’s success—a moment of shared joy and true camaraderie.
From left to right : Simon Catillon, tenor Brandon Jovanovich, stunt performers Vighnesh Dheenadhayalan and Cordell Ijoma.
Experience This Bold Adaptation of Moby-Dick at The Met Opera
Moby-Dick runs through March 29th, 2025.
Don’t miss this iconic tale of man versus nature—a work full of tragedy and splendor, paying tribute to one of literature’s greatest classics.
Tickets are available through The Metropolitan Opera’s official website:
Buy tickets here
Learn more about the show
To dive deeper into the making of Moby-Dick, visit Spectrum News NY1’s website, where interviews with composer Jake Heggie, librettist Gene Scheer, and director Leonard Foglia offer exclusive insights into the production. The coverage also features footage of Simon Catillon, performing on stage alongside fellow cast members.