Event poster for 'Stuck Elevator' performance by Byron Au Yong and Aaron Jaffer, scheduled for May 14, 15, and 16.
A comic-style illustration of a man with short dark hair, wearing a red jacket, with his mouth open as if shouting or surprised, holding his hand to his face.

POIGNANT, CONTEMPORARY, AND FULL OF EMOTIONAL DEPTH

This stranger-than-fiction opera from Byron Au Yong and Aaron Jafferis is based on the dramatic true story of an immigrant delivery man trapped in an elevator for 81 hours.

Through a blend of music, spoken word, and multimedia, Stuck Elevator vividly portrays the psychological and emotional toll of confinement, while also addressing themes of immigration, cultural identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream. This co-production with River & Rail Theatre Company promises to deliver a unique and impactful theatrical experience at the Old City Performing Arts Center.

Tickets start at just $35.

Please note that this show contains sensitive topics and some explicit content. It is recommended for ages 14 and up.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
7:30 PM

FRIDAY, MAY 16
7:30 PM

SATURDAY, MAY 17
7:30 PM

SUNDAY, MAY 18
2:30 PM

BUY TICKETS 
This project is being supported in whole or in part by federal award number 21.027 awarded to Knox County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Arts & Culture Alliance.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP5534 awarded to the State of Tennessee by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

HELPFUL INFO

Directions to the Old City Performing Arts Center can be found here. For the easiest access to the theater, we recommend using the Jackson Avenue Parking Lot.

Questions about what to expect when attending the opera? Check out of FAQ here!

MEET THE CAST

Portrait of a middle-aged Asian woman with black hair wearing a black jacket with pink accents, standing outdoors in front of a blurred background.

Judith Yan

Conductor

A woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a beige blazer with black accents over a black top, and a necklace with a pendant, against a dark background.

Keturah Stickann

Stage Director

Portrait of a young man with a shaved head smiling and resting his chin on his hand against a dark background.

Allan Palacios Chan

Guang

A man smiling, wearing a blue t-shirt, and standing against a dark background.

Andre Chiang

Wang Yue

A woman smiling with black hair wearing a black top against a blue background.

Helen Zhibing Huang

Ming

Close-up portrait of a young man with dark hair, wearing a navy blazer, looking directly at the camera against a dark background.

Luis Alejandro Orozco

Marco

Close-up portrait of a young man with short dark hair, smiling softly, wearing a brown shirt against a brick wall background.

Paul Chwe Minchul An

Zhong Yi

Get early access to all of the information before the show.

Take a look inside our Show Program to learn more about the artists and the story behind Stuck Elevator.

VIEW DIGITAL PROGRAM

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Our sponsors help enrich Knoxville with programs like this as we continue to develop a vibrant arts community that unites people in unforgettable ways.

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