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OPERA AUDITIONS – Monday November 18th @ McCain 231

By November 11, 2024News

Monday, November 18th – McCain 231

Beginning at 3:30pm

Sign-up for a time on Dr. Pittman’s Vocal Area Board outside of his office

Prepare one song that shows your best vocal quality, vocal range, and acting abilities.

Please bring your music in the correct key.  An accompanist will be provided.

Rehearsals begin January 27 nightly, Monday thru Thursday from 7-9pm (not all called every night)

Tech and dress rehearsals begin March 2 with performances March 6-9, 2025 in Chapman Theatre.

SLOW DUSK (a tragedy)    By Carlisle Floyd

CAST

Aunt Sue        Mezzo-Soprano

Jess                 Baritone

Sadie               Soprano

Micah             Tenor

Synopsis:  Aunt Sue is shelling peas on the porch and discussing her niece Sadie with Sadie’s brother Jess. Sue worries that Sadie will marry Micah Hatfield, a young man who lives across the pond. Sue opposes the relationship because he is a member of the True Light sect, whereas their family are members of the Disciples.

While Sue is tending to chores, Sadie brings Micah to the front porch. They begin to discuss a possible future together, but Sadie is not optimistic. Micah is more hopeful, and he finally dares to ask Sadie to marry him. Despite her misgivings, she accepts his proposal.

Sadie tells her aunt she has agreed to marry Micah. Sue tries to put her foot down, saying that no Disciple would ever marry a True Light and that Sadie is much too good for Micah. Sadie is sorry her aunt doesn’t approve, but she says nothing will stop her from marrying Micah. She runs off. When Sadie returns hours later, Sue and Jess are waiting for her on the porch to give her the tragic news that Micah drowned while fishing. Sadie runs toward the pond, lamenting the loss of Micah and their dream of happiness together.

GALLANTRY (a comedy)   Music by Douglas Moore; Libretto by Arnold Sundgaard

CAST

Announcer                 Mezzo Soprano

Lola Markham          Soprano

Doctor Gregg             Baritone

Donald Hopewell       Tenor

2 non-singing roles for lite dance/movement

Synopsis:  The opera begins with the Announcer presenting a commercial for Lochinvar Soap, sponsor of the ‘soap opera’ Gallantry. In a hospital hallway, eminent surgeon Doctor Gregg declares his love for anesthetist Lola Markham. Lola is already engaged to Donald Hopewell. When Doctor Gregg tries to kiss her, she slaps him as the Announcer interrupts with a commercial for Billy Boy Wax, “the waxy wax that spells relax.”

In the operating room, Lola realizes that the patient is her fiancée, Donald who reveals that Doctor Gregg is married. After she anesthetizes Donald, Lola confronts the doctor and threatens to expose him; she prevents him from stabbing the helpless Donald with his scalpel, and he chases her out. Donald awakens alone as Lola returns and warns him about the doctor.  The Announcer comes out with a closing commercial for Lochinvar; as Lola and Donald sing of their love for each other, Doctor Gregg and the Announcer extoll the virtues of Lochinvar Soap and Billy Boy Wax.