The classical tale, adapted for opera.

Cast: Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Narrator, Stage Manager (mime)
Dur: 50’
Instr: Piano

[less info]

A rollicking — and rocking — interpretation of the famous tale, with plenty of enjoyment for older audiences!

Cast: 2 Soprano, Soprano or Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 6 Baritone
Chorus: Soldiers, Children, Royal Entourage, Skeletons, Townspeople [boys or girls], Pages
Dur: 120'
Instr: 1 1 2 1 - 2 1 1 0; Perc. Str. or Piano

[less info]

Cast: Soprano/Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 6 Baritone/Bass; 2 spoken roles; Chorus
Dur:
Instr: Piano

[less info]

Cast: Soprano, (2) Mezzo-Soprano (roles may be doubled), Baritone, Children (Rats, Children, Policeman)
Dur: 50'
Instr: Piano

[less info]

Cast: 2 Sopranos, Soprano or Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, 6 Baritones
Chorus: Soldiers, Children, Royal Entourage, Skeletons, Townspeople [Boys or Girls], Pages
Dur: 120'
Instr: Piano or 1 1 2 1 - 2 1 1 0; Perc. Str.

[less info]

How the rooster and the turkey outfoxed the fox.

Dur: 45'
Cast: 3 Sopranos, 2 Altos, Tenor, Baritone, Bass; Speaking part; Chorus
Instr: 2 1 2 1 – 2 2 2 0; Perc. Str.
or
Pno.-4Hands, Perc

[less info]

Mother Rigby, a mischievous New England witch, has brought to pomp9ous life a scarecrow, who, with a feather in his hat, passes for the Lord Feathertop. He courts pretty Polly Godkin without her suspicion until the two lovers face a drawing room mirror, which has the supernatural ability of reflecting the truth rather than superficial appearances.

Dur: 50’
Cast: Soprano, Mezz-soprano, Tenor, Barition, Bass, Small boy; Chorus
Instr: 3 2 2 2 – 2 2 2 0; Timp. Perc. Hap. Str.

[less info]

Disagreements between King Henry VIII and his sixth wife, Catherine Parr: the extent to which eggs should be boiled, the color of Alexander the Great’s horse, and the inability to understand Latin. The King and Catherine plan for the latter’s execution, but the King changes his mind when the Lord Chamberlain confirms that Alexander’s horse is indeed the color that the King had argued.

Dur: 30'
Cast: Soprano, Baritone, Boy (speaking part)
Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 0 0; Timp. Perc. Hp.(or Pno.) Str.

[less info]

Babar, escaping the animal trainer and the jungle, attends school in the city. Once returned to the jungle, he is invited to assume the throne of the deceased Elephant King, but must first marry the reluctant Elephant Princess. After the two are captured by the animal trainer and are rescued by the Old Lady, they resolve their differences and are crowned King and Queen.

Dur: 55’
Cast: 3 Sopranos, 2 Mezzo-sopranos, 5 Baritones (one of whom may be speaker), Bass-baritone
Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 3 2 1 1; 4Perc. Pno. Str.

[less info]

The night of Christ’s birth comes to life through the story of a young shepherd boy, whose adventures teach us a touching lesson of kindness, giving, and faith.

Cast: 2 Soprano (young boy & angel), Mezzo-Soprano (young adult), Tenor, 2 Baritone, Bass-Baritone, 2 silent roles (children), 1 speaking role (Angel Gabriel), off-stage Chorus SSAA (angels)
Dur: 60'
Instr: Large Orchestra:1(Picc.) 2(E.H.) 2 1 - 2 1 0 0; Timp. Perc. Cel. Hp. Str.
Reduced Orchestra: Pno. Cel. Org. Hp. Timp. Perc.

[less info]

When his family’s last money is stolen from him on his way to buy milk, Tip goes to pawn his TV. Instead, he exchanges it for a riddle. The fairy tale’s giant is, in this adaptation, the head of a mob, who, with his possessions, a mink, a counterfeiting machine, and a flute-playing sprite, lives on the 25th floor of a high-rise building

Dur: 45’
Cast: minimum of 18 singing/acting children; optional mimed parts
Instr: Kbd. Fl.
Sale: O5097 (custom print)

[less info]

A hunter shoots a teenage ostrich and takes her tail feathers as a trophy. Legend has it that the feathers must be returned or she will die. The ostrich’s friends rally to her aid, capture the hunter, and retrieve the feathers.

Cast: 10 solo characters (incl. 5 female), chorus of animals
Dur: 80'
Instr: Flexible instrumentation, but percussion is essential. Suggested combo: Piano, Drums, Vibes, Electric Bass, Guitar, Str. (1 each, or small complements for all but contrabass - 1 only)

[less info]

The traditional tale, teaching the benefits of sharing and the perils of deception, designed as a highly portable production, with simple costumes, easy props, and no special sets required.

Cast: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, 3 x SATB (or for chamber productions, these roles can be taken by
       the 4 principals), 4 non-singing roles (2 boys, 2 girls)
Dur: 35'
Instr: Piano accompaniment, or 1 1 1 1 – 0 1 1 0; 2Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.

See sample pages of the piano/vocal score

[less info]

Smilinda is orphaned early and left, by her parents’ will, in the care of some elderly people with whom she has spent two unhappy years as an unpaid servant. She is at an age when her foster parents should pass the inheritance to her, but instead, the guardians have kept the treasure box hidden. By the intervention of a pedlar, who arrives with his cart of goods, Smilinda is relieved of her unhappy situation and finds her dreams have come true.

Dur: 60’
Cast: Soprano, 2 Mezzo-sopranos, Tenor, Baritone, Bas-baritone
Instr: Pno.

[less info]

Cast: Smallest child (boy or girl), 2 girls, 2 boys, 1 older boy,1 speaking role (Narrator)
Dur: 30'
Instr: 1 Pno. Perc. or 2 Pno. Perc.

[less info]

Grandmother sends Griffelkin, a little devil, to the world for one day as a gift for his tenth birthday. Requesting he do on e bad deed, she provides him with a vial of potion with which he can do either good or mischief. Because he finds love and does only good, at day’s end, he is tried and sentenced to return to the world as a little boy.

Dur: 120’
Cast: 13 Sopranos, 4 Mezzo-sopranos, Alto, Tenor, 2 Baritones, 2 Basses; SATB Chorus
Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 2 2 1 1; Tmp. Perc. Pno. Cel. Str.
Sale: O5156 Vocal Score

[less info]

Cast: 11 medium voices
Dur: 30'
Instr: 1 1 2 1 - 1 1 1 0; Perc. Str. Stage Band (8 parts)

[less info]

Cast: 4 adults (2 female, 2 male), 2 adults or teenagers (1 female, 1 male)
11 children up to teenagers (5 girls, 6 boys), 1 small girl, 1 boy "youngest child"
Dur: 60'
Instr: Piano

[less info]

Cast: 17 characters (some performers can double) and chorus. Uses at least 1 boy soprano, at least 1 small girl & 1 small boy, at least 1 teenage girl & 1 teenage boy
Dur: 60'
Instr: Piano
Vocal Score for sale: 412-41017

[less info]

Cast: 30 characters, including 15 children. Rest of characters could be adults or older children playing adults
Dur: 60'
Instr: Piano
Vocal Score for sale: 411-41060

[less info]

Based on Rudyard Kipling’s beloved “Just So” story explaining how elephants got their trunks. The little opera ends with a loverly, haunting lullaby setting of Kipling’s poem “Six Honest Serving Men.”

Dur: 22’
Cast: Sorpano, Alto, Tenor, 2 Baritones, Bass, or Mixed; Chorus (AATBarBarB)

[less info]

A young black boy overcomes prejudice to become a cowboy, and earns himself a pair of new boots.

Cast: 4 Soprano, Pop Mezzo, 2 Tenor, 2 Baritone, Chorus (Young Men, Boys, Girls)
Dur: 60’
Instr: Fl.(Picc.) Cl. Vln. Vcl. Perc. Pno. (Opt. on stage Vln., Pno.)

[less info]

Narrator and performers depict the desperate plight of the Hebrews under the Egyptian Pharaoh’s rule. Moses’ mother, for protection against her son’s ordered death, devises a plan, enlisting the aid of Pharaoh’s daughter. The success of this plan brings great rejoicing in Israel.

Dur: 20’
Cast: 20 or more Acting roles and Narrator; SSA Chorus with Soprano and Alto soloists
Instr: 3Cl. Cb. Hp.(opt.) Pno. Perc.

[less info]

In the form of a reader’s theater or oratorio, the work is a study of the development of American song form. Its examples are taken from traditional and 19th century published religious and popular tunes.

Dur: 55’
Cast: SSA Version:
Dramatic Soprano, Lyric Soprano, Alto; Narrators: Mature female, Youthful female; SSA Chorus
SATB Version:
Dramatic Soprano, Lyric Soprano, alto, Tenor, Baritone; Narrators: Mature female, youthful female, Older male, Mature male, Youthful male; SATB Chorus
Instr: Reed Organ, Dulcimer, Flute

[less info]

This work is based on the medieval French fairy tale of a handsome young herdboy who falls in love with the youngest of the well-known twelve dancing princesses whose dancing slippers wear out every night. With the aid of a Dream Lady and two magic laurel trees, our hero solves the mystery of the slippers and wins the love of his chosen princess.

Dur: 75’
Cast: 3 Sopranos, Soprano or Tenor, 2 Baritones or Altos, Baritone; Chorus: 20-30 Children, 30-40 Young Adults or Teenagers
Instr: Fl. Cl. Perc. Pno. Cel.

[less info]

The cat has caused panic among the mice. He who suggested the idea becomes obligated to place a warning bell around the cat’s neck.

Dur: 35’
Cast: Coloratura Soprano, 2 Tenors, Baritone, 4 Speaking parts; SATB Chorus
Instr: 2Tpt. Snare Drum Pno.

[less info]

The cat has caused panic among the mice. He who suggested the idea becomes obligated to place a warning bell around the cat’s neck.

Dur: 16’
Cast: 2 Tenors, 2 Basses; TTBB Chorus
Instr: Pno.

[less info]

The chief’s daughter, Maniian, loves one of the younger braves of the tribe. The brave volunteers to go on a scouting party and departs with the other warriors. Later that night, the brave, mortally wounded, returns to die in the arms of his despairing beloved. The final scene shows the death of Maniian and her spirit reunion with Wabejic, the brave. The voices of the two lovers are heard in the call of the spirit owl.

Dur: 100’
Cast: 2 Sopranos, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass; SATB Chorus; Dancers
Instr: 2 2 3 2 – 2 2 2 1; TImp. Perc. Cb.

[less info]

Abraham Lincoln and his sister, Sarah, wait in their rustic cabin for the return of their father, Thomas, who three weeks previously had journeyed to Kentucky in search of a wife to replace the deceased Nancy. Cousin Dennis’ teasing is interrupted by the arrival of Thomas, his new wife, Sally, and her children. Later, at Sarah’s wedding, Abe’s concern with his studies is briefly set aside as he attends Katie, his sweetheart.

Dur: 40’
Cast: 3 Sopranos, 2 Altos, 2 Tenors, 2 Baritones, Bass, Speaking part; SATB Chorus (opt.)
Instr: 2 1 2 2 – 2 2 1 0; Timp. Perc. Str.

[less info]

Abraham Lincoln and Allan Gantry, their flatboat, Broadhorn, secured for the evening, sing along with the dockworkers and slaves, and later entertain a blind slave. The two travelers escape harm when looters, under the veil of night’s darkness, board the boat. Arriving in New Orleans, Abe is awakened to the reality of the slave market. (The plot binds together a collage of humn tunes and spirituals).

Dur: 50’
Cast: Soprano, 4 Mezzo-sopranos, Alto, 3 Tenors, 3 Baritones, Bas-baritone; SATB Chorus, Children’s SA Chorus
Instr: Pno.

[less info]

Cast: 7 males, 2 pre-teens (1 boy, 1 girl) 2 very small children (1 boy, 1 girl), 3 solo parts (m or f), chorus of Christmas Shoppers, Postmen, Pupils, Seals
Dur:
Instr: Orchestra or band: 1 1 2 1 - 2 2 1 0; Perc. Str.
-or-
Fl. 3Cl. B.Cl. Alto Sax. Ten.Sax. Bar.Sax. Hn. 3Tpt. Tu. 2Perc.

[less info]

During the giant’s seven year absence, children play in his garden. When he returns, he angrily casts them out and erects a wall to prevent their trespass. The snow of winter does not leave the garden until the children reappear. As he dies, the giant repents and promises to follow the Christ-like child to paradise.

Dur: 30’
Cast: 5 Sopranos (2 boys, 2 Girls, Child), Bass-Baritone
Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 2 1 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Cel. Str.

[less info]

Cast: 17 individual parts, groups of butterflies/charioteers, 12 v. small children (3-5yrs.)
Dur: 60’
Instr: Piano

[less info]

Two con-men tailors provide fabric which is visible purportedly only to persons of worth. As the Emperor parades past wearing garments made of this cloth, a child sees the truth: “New clothes? He hasn’t any clothes on!”

Dur: 14'
Cast: 3 Tenors, Baritone, 4 speaking parts; SATB Chorus
Instr: 2 1 2 1 – 3 3 0 0; Timp. Perc. Str.
Sale: O3756 Vocal Score (custom print)

[less info]

Puss, the talking cat, wins his master a noble title, the hand of the princess, and a fine silk suit.

Dur: 15’
Cast: Mezzo-soprano, 3 Medium voices, Bas, 2 Speaking parts; SATB Chorus
Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 0 0; Perc. Hp. Str.

[less info]

A family’s reunions through the years.

Dur: 60’
Cast: 4 Sopranos, Mezzo-soprano, 3 Altos, 2 Tenors, Baritone, Bass, 6 Chlldren
Instr: 1 0 0 1 – 1 1 1 1; Perc. Gtr. Banjo Vln.

[less info]

Among the finishing school art class and its visitors, rings, coins, and purses mysteriously vanish.

Dur: full evening
Cast: 14 Medium young voices, 2 Speaking parts; 2-part Chorus
Instr: 1 0 1 0 A.Sax. – 0 2 1 0; Perc. Str.
or
2 1 2 1 A.Sax. T.Sax. – 2 2 1 0; Perc. Str.

[less info]

Cast: 8 adults (4 female, 4 male), girls' dancing and singing class (snowflake fairies), boys and girls (carol singers), small boys and girls (toys), small boys (Sandman's Helpers)
Dur: 75'
Instr: Piano
Vocal Score for sale: 412-41003

[less info]

A small boy is apt to be rather forgetful of his toys and inclined to overlook his homework. In his dream, toys come to life and he promises not to neglect his studies in the future. When he awakes, he goes, with his sister, to do his homework.

Dur: 40’
Cast: 6 Sopranos, 5 Altos
Instr: Pno.

[less info]

Adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” set in early 20th century Louisiana.

Dur: full evening
Cast: Lyric coloratura, Lyric Soprano, girl Soprano, 2 Boy Sopranos, Girl Alto, 2 Mezzo-sopranos, 4 Tenors, 3 Baritones, 2 Bass-baritones, 3 Basses, 3 Acting parts
Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 4 3 3 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Pno. Cel. Str.

[less info]

A Vermont farmer travels to Boston to seek relief from the pain of an abscessed tooth. In search of Paul Revere, who can make a silver replacement, the farmer sees the growing British/American conflict. Revere mistakenly takes a box of liniment on his midnight ride, leaving the farmer with the box of gunpowder. When the two men again meet the next day, the farmer discharges the gunpowder, starting the Revolutionary War.

Dur: 23’
Cast: Soprano, High Baritone, Baritone, Bass-baritone, Narrator (Baritone); SATB Chorus
Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 1 0; Perc. Pno. Str.

[less info]

The princess, blasé about an ordinary birthday celebration, wishes for more excitement. By magic, an arrogant prince appears, and immediately proceeds to disrupt the kingdom. It is with more magic that the peddler resolves the story.

Dur: full evening
Cast: 2 Sopranos, 2 Contraltos, 3 Baritones, 2 Bases, 3 Speaking roles; SATB Chorus
Instr: 2 0 2 0 A.Sax. – 0 2 1 0; Perc. Str.
or
1 1 2 1 A.Sax. T. Sax. – 2 2 1 0; Perc. Str.

[less info]

A rich girl shares her abundance with a poor family. All share in the revelry of Santa’s Christmas Eve frolics.

Dur: 45’
Cast: 10 Children’s voices, 7 Spoken parts, 14 Non-spoken parts, Unison Chorus
Instr: Toy instruments, Piano

[less info]

Little Red Ridinghood wears her new cloak as she takes an ill-advised route to deliver her basket of treats to Grandmother. Whereupon, she meets the Wolf. The Wolf arrives first at the cottage, devours Grandmother, and assumes her identity in anticipation of his meal of Little Red Ridinghood. The huntsman saves the young girl, and with a pair of scissors, opens the Wolf’s belly to free Grandmother.

Dur: full evening
Cast: 7 Children’s voices; Unison Children’s Chorus
Instr: Pno.

[less info]

Cast: 2 Soprano, Tenor, Baritone
Dur: 60'
Instr: Piano

[less info]