| Product Number | 7891 |
|---|---|
| Composer/Arranger | Penhorwood, Edwin |
| Text Author | Lynn, Miki |
| Voicing & Instruments | Comic Opera in Four Acts |
| Rental Dept | Full score and parts available for rental. Click here to request a quote or order. |
| Popular Opera Searches | Most Performed, Comic Opera, Duration: 60-90 min, Full Length Opera |
| Duration | 80' |
| Premier | June 2000, Commissioned by Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, Cedar Rapids, Iowa April 1997, First produced in a workshop in concert form by the Indiana University School of Music Opera Workshop in Bloomington, Indiana. |
| Notable & Recent Performances | Oberlin College Conservatory of Music Texas Christian University Syracuse University, 2013 Humboldt State University, 2013 College of Charleston, 2014 Acadia University, 2015 Butler University, 2017 William Jewell College, 2018 University of Southern Mississippi, 2019 The Catholic University of America, 2019 |
| Publisher | E. C. Schirmer Music Company |
Libretto:
Written by Miki Lynn
Synopsis:
Four Divas arrive in heaven to learn there is not enough room for all of them in the Heavenly Chorus. Because too many tenors and basses are in Hell, only one of the sopranos will be allowed into the chorus. The sopranos are appalled that they must audition, but submit. After their impressive auditions, St. Peter cannot make a decision. Gabriel therefore mentions the Redemption Clause: If the sopranos go to Hell and do a selfless deed, they can bring back to Heaven as many tenors and basses as needed. To protect them in Hell, St. Peter grants them a special disguise.
The Divas, St. Peter, and Gabriel arrive in Hell and listen to the stories of some of the tortured souls there. Just Jeanette meets Nelson Deadly and they fall in love. The Sandman arrives with the stage director, Orson and presents a task to the couple: If they don't fall asleep listening to Orson, they can take back to Heaven as many tenors and basses as they want. They fail the test, but because of a selfless act on their part, they are granted the release of the men. There is general rejoicing and all promise St. Peter they will never sing opera again.
| Roles: | |
| ST. PETER | Bass-Baritone |
| DAME DOLEFUL | Mezzo-Soprano |
| MADAME POMPOUS | Soprano |
| MISS TITMOUSE | Coloratura Soprano |
| JUST JEANETTE | Lyric Soprano |
| NELSON DEADLY | Tenor |
| ENRICO CAROUSER | Tenor |
| UNNAMED BASS | Bass-Baritone |
| GUARD (ORSON) | Bass |
| SANDMAN | Soprano |
| GABRIEL | Speaking role |