Mayes once again sings the title role in this gripping true story with music & libretto by Tom Cipullo, based on the book by Tom Philpott. America’s longest-held prisoner of war dreams of coming home. But home is a place he will not recognize. Tom Cipullo’s Glory Denied explores the gut-wrenching saga of Col. Jim Thompson as he transitions from the jungles of Southeast Asia to the tree-lined streets of suburban America. Based on interviews collected for the 2001 chronicle by Tom Philpott, the opera Glory Denied pays witness to one solider’s journey, and to the war raging within the hearts and minds of countless returning veterans.

Mayes has previously sung the role with Nashville Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Memphis Opera and Fort Worth opera, which also produced the critically acclaimed recording.