Sonoma’s most famous historical figure and literary icon, Jack London, is the subject of a newly commissioned opera “Every Man Jack,” which the Sonoma City Opera will present this month.

Inspired by London’s groundbreaking biographical work, “John Barleycorn,” the work uses a vaudeville-like format to tell the compelling story of this adventurer, writer and flawed genius’ lifelong struggle with alcohol. Written by Grammy award-winning composer Libby Larsen and celebrated librettist Philip Littell, “Every Man Jack” premieres at the Green Music Festival at Sonoma State University Nov. 11.

“Jack London is perhaps the outstanding cultural icon of Northern California, a quintessentially American figure — young, dashing, brave, heroic — who remains to this day the most widely translated writer that America has produced,” noted Hillary Costin, president of the Sonoma City Opera’s board of directors. “But we rarely focus on the fact that alcohol was an ever-present factor in his relationships, his travels and his work.”

A compelling convergence of literature, music and theater, “Every Man Jack” explores the very human side of London.

“Jack London was a rogue genius born in 1876 into the throes of the world’s birthing process of industrialization, electrification, mass transport and mass communication,” said composer Larsen. “He was self-made, born of the people, smart, industrious, brave, adventurous, rugged, acceptably outside the law, good looking and most importantly, youthful. By 1912, Jack London’s public life epitomized the American hero, the model for everyman. But while the American culture craves the everyman hero, it has a strange pattern of watching, even expecting, the hero to self-destruct. This is the tragedy of our story.”

Baritone Rod Gilfry is cast as Jack London. He is joined by an acclaimed group of singers, working in the national and international music/opera world: Jennifer Lane, John Duykers, Susan Narucki, Ilana Davidson and Brad Bradshaw. Mary Chun, talented conductor of San Francisco’s new music ensemble, Earplay, is the musical director of “Every Man Jack.” Stage director Joseph Graves, currently the artistic director of the Beijing Institute of World Theatre and Film, rounds out the assemblage of talent.

“Every Man Jack” will be performed at the Person Theatre at Sonoma State University on Nov. 11, 12, 15, 18 and 19. Tickets to “Every Man Jack” may be purchased by visiting Sonoma City Opera online at www.sonomacityopera.org or by phone at (877) 778-3378.