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HOME OPERA COMPOSERS NEWS PREMIERES REVIEWS RECORDINGS PHOTOS
Composers A - Z
*works which may involve young performers
[open index]
Barab, Seymour ANDROCLES AND THE LION Jason, Daniel *KRIS KRINGLE RIDES AGAIN
  *CINDERELLA Kalmanoff, Martin OPERA, OPERA
  THE CODE OF THE WEST Kay, Ulysses *FREDERICK DOUGLASS
  *THE PIED PIPER   *JUBILEE
  *SLEEPING BEAUTY   *THE JUGGLER OF OUR LADY
Barthelson, Joyce CHANTICLEER Krane, Sherman *THE GIANT’S GARDEN
  *FEATHERTOP Kreisler, Fritz *SISSY
  *THE KING’S BREAKFAST Laukandt, Renata *THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG
Berezowsky, Nicolai BABAR, THE ELEPHANT Lehrman, Leonard *SIMA
Bernofsky, Lauren *MOOCH THE MAGNIFICENT    
Caldwell, Mary Elizabeth *THE NIGHT OF THE STAR Moore, Douglas *THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES
Colgrass, Michael *SOMETHING’S GONNA HAPPEN   *GIANTS IN THE EARTH
  VIRGILS DREAM   PUSS IN BOOTS
Cunningham, Arthur OSTRICH FEATHERS Moore, Winifred THE BAMBOO BOX
Dorff, Daniel *STONE SOUP Parker, Alice *THE FAMILY REUNION
Duke, John THE YANKEE PEDLAR Penn, Arthur A. *PAINTS AND PATCHES
Fitelberg, Jerzy *HENNY PENNY Richter, Ada *MERRY CHRISTMAS, MISTER SNOWMAN!
Foss, Lukas GRIFFELKIN Sandow, Gregory A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Gorney, Jay GEOGRAFOOF Scarmolin, A. Louis THE MAGIC DREAM
Hagemann, Virginia *THE BIRD'S CHRISTMAS CAROL Siegmeister, Elie MIRANDA AND THE DARK YOUNG MAN
  *A CHRISTMAS CAROL   *NIGHT OF THE MOONSPELL
  *THE PIED PIPER   A TOOTH FOR PAUL REVERE
Hagen, Daron THE ELEPHANT’S CHILD Sullivan, Arthur THE MIKADO
Hailstork, Adolphus *JOSHUA’S BOOTS Treharne, Bryceson PRINCE OF THE PEDDLERS
Hunkins, Eusebia CHILD OF PROMISE Wallace, Maude Orita *AT THE COURT OF SANTA CLAUS
  DEATH OF WABEJIC Webb, Alliene Brandon *LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD
  *HAPPY LAND Wilson, Don *TUNE IN!
  *THE MAGIC LAUREL TREES Yeamans, L.E. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD
  MICE IN COUNCIL
  THE RELUCTANT HERO
  SPIRIT OWL
  *YOUNG LINCOLN I
  YOUNG LINCOLN II
[close index]
Operas A - Z
*works which may involve young performers
[open index]
ANDROCLES AND THE LION Barab, Seymour THE MAGIC DREAM Scarmolin, A. Louis
*AT THE COURT OF SANTA CLAUS Wallace, Maude Orita *THE MAGIC LAUREL TREES Hunkins, Eusebia
BABAR, THE ELEPHANT Berezowsky, Nicolai *MERRY CHRISTMAS, MISTER SNOWMAN! Richter, Ada
THE BAMBOO BOX Moore, Winifred MICE IN COUNCIL Hunkins, Eusebia
*THE BIRD'S CHRISTMAS CAROL Hagemann, Virginia THE MIKADO Sullivan, Arthur
CHANTICLEER Barthelson, Joyce MIRANDA AND THE DARK YOUNG MAN Siegmeister, Elie
CHILD OF PROMISE Hunkins, Eusebia *MOOCH THE MAGNIFICENT Bernofsky, Lauren
*CINDERELLA Barab, Seymour *NIGHT OF THE MOONSPELL Siegmeister, Elie
    *THE NIGHT OF THE STAR Caldwell, Mary Elizabeth
*A CHRISTMAS CAROL Hagemann, Virginia OPERA, OPERA Kalmanoff, Martin
A CHRISTMAS CAROL Sandow, Gregory OSTRICH FEATHERS Cunningham, Arthur
THE CODE OF THE WEST Barab, Seymour *PAINTS AND PATCHES Penn, Arthur A.
DEATH OF WABEJIC Hunkins, Eusebia *THE PIED PIPER Barab, Seymour
THE ELEPHANT’S CHILD Hagen, Daron *THE PIED PIPER Hagemann, Virginia
*THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES Moore, Douglas PRINCE OF THE PEDDLERS Treharne, Bryceson
*THE FAMILY REUNION Parker, Alice PUSS IN BOOTS Moore, Douglas
*FEATHERTOP Barthelson, Joyce THE RELUCTANT HERO Hunkins, Eusebia
*FREDERICK DOUGLASS Kay, Ulysses *SIMA Lehrman, Leonard
GEOGRAFOOF Gorney, Jay *SISSY Kreisler, Fritz
*THE GIANT’S GARDEN Krane, Sherman SLEEPING BEAUTY Barab, Seymour
*GIANTS IN THE EARTH Moore, Douglas *SOMETHING’S GONNA HAPPEN Colgrass, Michael
GRIFFELKIN Foss, Lukas SPIRIT OWL Hunkins, Eusebia
*HAPPY LAND Hunkins, Eusebia *THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG Laukandt, Renata
*HENNY PENNY Fitelberg, Jerzy *STONE SOUP Dorff, Daniel
*JOSHUA’S BOOTS Hailstork, Adolphus A TOOTH FOR PAUL REVERE Siegmeister, Elie
*JUBILEE Kay, Ulysses *TUNE IN! Wilson, Don
*THE JUGGLER OF OUR LADY Kay, Ulysses VIRGILS DREAM Colgrass, Michael
*THE KING’S BREAKFAST Barthelson, Joyce THE YANKEE PEDLAR Duke, John
*KRIS KRINGLE RIDES AGAIN Jason, Daniel *YOUNG LINCOLN I Hunkins, Eusebia
*LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD Webb, Alliene Brandon YOUNG LINCOLN II Hunkins, Eusebia
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Yeamans, L.E.    
[close index]
Children’s Operas

Seymour BarabBarab, Seymour
Androcles and the Lion
Opera in one act
Libretto by the composer
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company

The classical tale, adapted for opera.
Dur: 50’
Cast: Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Narrator, Stage Manager (mime)
Instr: Piano

Cinderella
A Fairy Tale Opera in one act
Libretto by the composer, after the Brothers Grimm
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company

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

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

The Code of the West
Opera in one act
Libretto by the composer
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company

Dur:
Cast: Soprano/Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, 6 Baritones/Basses; 2 spoken roles; Chorus
Instr: Piano

The Pied Piper
Opera in one act
Libretto by the composer
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company

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

Sleeping Beauty
Opera in two acts
Libretto by the composer
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company

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

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Barthelson, Joyce
Chanticleer
A contemporary comic opera
Libretto by Joyce Barthelson, adapted from The Nun Priest’s Tale from The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
Publisher: Carl Fischer

How the rooster and the turkey outfoxed the fox.

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

Feathertop
A comic opera in two acts
Libretto by Joyce Barthelson, based on Feathertop by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Publisher: Carl Fischer

A mischievous New England witch brings to pompous life a scarecrow, who then passes for a Lord. He courts a pretty girl, until they see themselves in a mirror, which has the supernatural quality of reflecting the truth rather than appearances.

Dur: 50’
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Small boy, SATB Chorus
Instr: 3 2 2 2 – 2 2 2 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.

The King’s Breakfast
A diminutive opera buffa with prologue and one scene
Libretto by Joyce Barthelson, adapted from Catherine Parr by Maurice Baring
Publisher: Carl Fischer

King Henry VIII and his sixth wife, Catherine Parr, argue over breakfast about such things as how to boil an egg and the color of Alexander the Great’s horse. Henry talks about execution: will Catherine suffer the fate of some of his previous wives?

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

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Berezowsky, Nicolai
Babar, the Elephant
A children’s opera in one act and five scenes)
Libretto by Dorothy Heyward, based on the Babar the Elephant stories by Jean de Brunhoff; lyrics by Judith Randall
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Babar, escaping the animal trainer and the jungle, attends school in the city. Once returned to the jungle, he is invited to asume the throune of the deceased Elephant King, but must first marry the reluctant Elephant Princess...

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

Lauren BernofskyBernofsky, Lauren
Mooch the Magnificent
a children’s opera in one act
Libretto by Scott Russell Sanders, based on his novel, “The Engineer of Beasts”
Publisher: Merion Music, Inc.

In a late twenty-first century zoo, populated not by animals but by robots in animal form, Mooch, an orphan girl, convinces the zookeeper to hire her to fix the robots when they break down, but she is actually reprogramming them to be increasingly wild. Human beings, afraid of the wilds, have moved indoors, but Mooch plans to break free.

Dur: 40' (also 30’ version)
Cast: Narrator (may be pianist); Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Child (optional spoken role),
     3 silent roles (older students or adults)
Instr: Cl. Vcl. Pno. Perc.
or
Pno. (n.b. solo piano is different from piano in ensemble)

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Caldwell, Mary Elizabeth
The Night of the Star
Opera in one act for the Christmas Season
Libretto by the composer
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company

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.

Dur: 60'
Cast: 2 Sopranos (young boy & angel), Mezzo-soprano (young adult), Tenor, 2 Baritones, Bass-baritone,
     2 silent roles (children), 1 speaking role (Angel Gabriel), off-stage Chorus SSAA (angels)
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.

Michael ColgrassColgrass, Michael
Something’s Gonna Happen
Libretto by Michael Colgrass, based on Jack and the Beanstalk
Publisher: Carl Fischer

When his family’s last money is stolen, Tip goes to pawn his TV. Instead, he exchanges it for a riddle. The fairy tale’s giant in this story is the head of a mob, who lives on the 25th floor of a high—rise building.

Dur: 45’
Cast: minimum of 18 singing/acting children; optional mimed parts
Instr: Keyboard, Flute

Virgil’s Dream
A satiric fantasy for musical chamber theatre in one act
Libretto by Michael Colgrass
Publisher: Carl Fischer

A child prodigy is offered an insurance policy to protect his dream of a concert career against damge, loss or theft.

Dur: 35’
Cast: Mezzo-soprano, 2 Tenors, Baritone
Instr: 4 instrumentalists: Clarinet, Jazz Bass, Elec.Pno.(opt. Acoustic Pno.),
     Perc.(Glock., Vib., Chimes, Drum set, Congas, Maracas)

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Arthur CunninghamCunningham, Arthur
Ostrich Feathers
A Musical Play in Two Acts for Children and their Parents
Libretto by Barbara Brenner
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company

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.

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

Daniel DorffDorff, Daniel
Stone Soup
Operatic fable in one delicious act
Libretto by Frank McQuilkin
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company

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.

Dur: 35'
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)
Instr: Piano accompaniment, or 1 1 1 1 – 0 1 1 0; 2Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.

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Duke, John
The Yankee Pedlar
An operetta in one act
Libretto by Dorothy Duke
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Smilinda, an orphan, has spent 2 unhappy years with foster parents, who have hidden the treasure box which is supposed to be her inheritance. A pedlar intervenes, and to Smilinda’s material benefit.

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

Fitelberg, Jerzy
Henny Penny
Children's opera in one act
Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.

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

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Lukas FossFoss, Lukas
Griffelkin
An opera in three acts
Libretto by Alastair Reid
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Grandmother sends Griffelkin, a little devil, to the world for one day as a gift for his tenth birthday, and requests that he do one bad deed. Because he finds love and does only good, 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; Timp. Perc. Pno. Cel. Str.

Gorney, Jay
Geografoof
A musical parable in one act
Libretto by James Austen
Publisher: Piedmont

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

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Hagemann, Virginia
The Bird's Christmas Carol
Opera in three acts
Libretto by Eleanor Jones on a story by Kate Douglas Wiggins
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company

Dur: 60'
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"
Instr: Piano

A Christmas Carol
Operetta in two acts
Lyrics by Virginia Hagemann, dialogue by Eleanor Jones, on a story by Charles Dickens
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company

Dur: 60'
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
Instr: Piano
Sale: 412-41017 (Vocal Score)

The Pied Piper
Libretto by the composer
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company

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

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Daron HagenHagen, Daron
The Elephant’s Child
An a cappella opera for children in one act
Libretto by Daron Hagen, after Just So by Rudyard Kipling
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Grandmother sends Griffelkin, a little devil, to the world for one day as a gift for his tenth birthday, and requests that he do one bad deed. Because he finds love and does only good, he is tried and sentenced to return to the world as a little boy.

Dur: 22’
Cast: 13 Sopranos, 4 Mezzo-sopranos, Alto, Tenor, 2 Baritones, 2 Basses; Chorus (2A T 2Bar. B)
Instr: (a cappella)

Adolphus HailstorkHailstork, Adolphus
Joshua’s Boots
Opera in one act
Libretto by Susan Kander
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company

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

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

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Hunkins, Eusebia
Child of Promise
A Biblical choral-drama on the infancy of Moses
Libretto by Eusebia Hunkins
Publisher: Carl Fischer

The desperate plight of the Hebrews under the Egyptian Pharaoh’s rule. Moses’ mother, with the help of Pharaoh’s daughter, devises a successful plan to save the life of her son.

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

Death of Wabejic
From the American Indian opera “Spirit Owl” (see below)
Libretto by Eusebia Hunkins
Publisher: Carl Fischer

A happy reunion becomes tragic when Maniian discovers that Wabejic is mortally wounded. She later joins her parents in mourning the loss.

Dur: 10’
Cast: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone or Bass
Instr: Piano

Happy Land
Our American heritage in song and story
Libretto by Emily Hammood
Publisher: Carl Fischer

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; SSA or SATB Chorus;Narrators: Mature female, Youthful female
SATB Version:
     Dramatic Soprano, Lyric Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone; SSA or SATB Chorus; Narrators: Mature female,
          Youthful female, Older male, Mature male, Youthful male
Instr: Reed Organ, Dulcimer, Flute

The Magic Laurel Trees
A dance-opera in two acts, seven scenes
Libretto by Emily Hammood
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Based on the medieval French fairy tale of a handsome young herdboy who falls in love with the youngest of 12 dancing princesses whose dancing slippers wear out every night.

Dur: 75’
Cast: 3 Sopranos, Soprano or Tenor, 2 Baritones or Altos, Baritone; Chorus of 20-30 Children,
     30-40 Young Adults or Teenagers
Instr: Flute, Clarinet, Percussion, Piano, Celeste

Mice in Council
A modern satire in one act
Libretto by Eusebia Hunkins, based on an old fable
Publisher: Carl Fischer

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: 2 Trumpets, Snare Drum, Piano

The Reluctant Hero
A modern satire in one act
Libretto by Eusebia Hunkins, based on the composer’s opera Mice in Council
Publisher: Carl Fischer

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: Piano

Spirit Owl
An American Indian opera in two acts
Libretto by Eusebia Hunkins
Publisher: Carl Fischer

The chief’s daughter, Maniian, loves Wabejic, one of the younger braves, who volunteers to go on a scouting party. Mortally wounded, he returns to die in the arms of his beloved. Maniian is reunited with Wabejic in death, and their voices are heard in the ccall 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.
(An excerpt, Death of Wabejic, may be performed separately: see above)

Young Lincoln I
American folk opera in one act, two scenes
Libretto by Eusebia Hunkins, based on Carl Sandburg’s account of the teenaged Abraham Lincoln
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Abe and his sister, Sarah, wait in their cabin for the return of their widowed father, who had journeyed to Kentucky in search of a new wife. Father returns home with his new wife and her children. Later, at Sarah’s wedding, Abe directs his attentions to 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.
(may be performed with Young Lincoln II: see below)

Young Lincoln II
American folk opera
Libretto by Eusebia Hunkins
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Abraham Lincoln and Allen Gantry moor their boat, and spend the evening singing with dockworkers and slaves. The travelers escape harm when looters 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, Bass-baritone; SATB Chorus, Children’s (SA) Chorus
Instr: 2 1 2 2 – 2 2 1 0; Timp. Perc. Str.
(may be performed with Young Lincoln I: see above)

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Jason, Daniel
Kris Kringle Rides Again
Libretto by James Austen
Publisher: E.B. Marks Music Co.

Dur:
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
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.

Kalmanoff, Martin
Opera, Opera
One act opera goofo
Libretto by William Saroyan
Publisher: Carl Fischer

A young man, and candy butcher, werves as the guide to this poor man’s opera. The farce makes fun of convoluted opera plots, and involves lovers, murder, and a gorilla.

Dur: 30’
Cast: Soprano, 2 Mezzo-sopranos (opt.: sung by 1 performer), Tenor, Baritone, Bass,
     2 or more Medium voices (sung or shouted)
Instr: Piano

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Ulysses KayKay, Ulysses
Frederick Douglass
Opera in three acts
Libretto by Donald Dorr
Publisher: Carl Fischer

In post-Civil War days, a secret cabinet seeks to destroy the power of Frederick Douglass, Marhsal of Washington, D.C. During Douglass’ absence on a mission to Haiti, his political and financial records are manipulated to his disadvantage. Douglass returns home to face his enemies and restore his reputation.

Dur: full evening
Cast: 4 Sopranos, Mezzo-soprano, 4 Tenors, 2 Baritones, Bass-baritone, Bass;
     SATB double mixed Chorus, Children’s (SA) Chorus
Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 4 3 3 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Mandolin Str.
     Opt. off-stage band: Picc. EbCl. 2Tpt. 2Tbn.

Jubilee
Opera in three acts
Libretto by Donald Dorr, based on Jubilee by Margaret Walker
Publisher: Carl Fischer

The comparative histories of John Dutton’s two daughters: Lillian and her half-sister, Vyry, born of Dutton’s slave mistress.

Dur: full evening
Cast: 3 Sopranos, Boy soprano, Mezzo-soprano, 3 Tenors, 3 Baritones, 5 Basses; SATB Chorus
Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 4 2 3 0; Timp. Perc. Str.

The Juggler of Our Lady
Opera in one act
Libretto by Alexander King, based on the French medieval legend, Le jongleur de Notre Dame
Publisher: Carl Fischer

The street juggler, giving his bed for the night to his accompanying musician’s cousin, seeks refuge in a monastery. Monks, fearing him a thief, keep a careful watch on the juggler. A thankful orphan, he offers his unique prayer and the icon miraculously comes alive.

Dur: 50’
Cast: Soprano, Boy soprano, 2 Mezzo-sopranos, Alto, 3 Tenors, 4 Baritones, 3 Basses; SATB Chorus
Instr: 1 1 2 1 – 1 1 1 0; Timp. Perc. Hp. Str.

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Krane, Sherman
The Giant’s Garden
Opera in two acts
Libretto by June Krane, based on The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde
Publisher: Carl Fischer

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 th e 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.

Fritz KreislerKreisler, Fritz
Sissy
Opera in three acts
Libretto by Ernst and Hubert Marischka, based on the play by Ernst Decsey and Gustav Holm
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Louise schemes to arrange the marriage of her demure daughter, Helene, and her nephew, Austrian Emperor Francis Joseph. Alas, Helene and the Prince of Thurn-Taxis are in love and hope to marry. Helene’s irreverant father, duke Max, and tomboy sister, Sissy, covertly undermine Louise’s plan. Consequently, Sissy and Francis Joseph fall in love, and Helene and her Prince are free to marry.

Dur: full evening
Cast: 3 Sopranos Mezzo-soprano, 2 Altos, 8 Baritones, 2 Female speaking parts, 3 Male speaking parts,
     2 Girls, 2 Boys; SATB Chorus
Instr: 2 1 2 1 – 3 3 2 1; Perc. Hp. Pno. Cel. Accordion Str.

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Laukandt, Renata
The Stockings Were Hung
Christmas Operetta in One Act for Elementary Grades
Lyrics by L. Marguerite House
Publisher: Theodore Presser

’Twas the Night Before Christmas, and one of Santa’s elves is checking that everything is in place, including the stockings.

Dur: 45’
Cast: approx. 25-35 children and possibly 1 adult
Instr: Piano
Sale: 412-41020 (Vocal Score)

Lehrman, Leonard
Sima
Opera in three acts
Libretto by David Iakolevich Aizman, based on The Krasovitsky Couple by David Aizman
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Ivan, a factory director, is placed in a peculiar situation when his college friend leads a strike of the factory employees. Ivan’s wife, a status seeker, feels a social compassion towards Sima, orphaned during the pogroms, and plans for the child’s adoption. When the responsibility becomes too great, the child’s care is passed to the household servant, whose own child has died.

Dur: 90’
Cast: Soprano (spinto), Soprano (high lyric), Mezzo-soprano, Girl soprano, Bass-baritone;
     Treble Chorus (children and young adults)
Instr: Fl. Cl. Vln. Vla. Vcl. Perc. Pno.
or
2 Pno.

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Moore, Douglas
The Emperor’s New Clothes
A short opera for oung audiences in one act, four scenes
Libretto by Raymond Abrashkin, based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Two con-men tailors provide fabric which is purportedly visible 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.

Giants in the Earth
An opera in three acts, four scenes
Libretto by Arnold Simdgaard, based on Giants in the Earth by O.E. Rolvaag
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Norwegian settlers struggle for survival in a new land. The savagery of the country, territorial disputes, a battle with a locust swarm, and a child born in this winderness lead to the mental collapse of Beret, who sends her husband to a certain death in a cruel blizzard.

Dur: 140’
Cast: 3 Sopranos, Mezzo-soprano, 2 Tenors, 2 Baritones, Bass-baritone, Bass,
     2 Children (performed by dancers); SATB Chorus
Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 2 2 2 0; Timp. Perc. Pno. Str.

Puss in Boots
A children’s opera in one act
Libretto by Raymond Abrashkin, based on the story by Charles Perrault
Publisher: Carl Fischer

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, Bass, 2 Speaking parts; SATB Chorus
Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 0 0; Perc. Hp. Str.

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Moore, Winifred
The Bamboo Box
A musical comedy in two acts and three scenes
Libretto by Sarah Grames Clark
Publisher: Carl Fischer

The sheltered beautiful daughter of a wealthy Chinese merchant is ecstatic to hear the promise of adventure told to her by her nurse. A rich nobleman, seeking a wife, masquerades as a blind soothsayer, enters the women’s quarters, kidnaps the daughter, and whisks her away to a bandits’ hideout. When all is explained to the frantic father, he bestows his blessings on his daughter and her noble kidnapper.

Dur: full evening
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Alto, Tenor, 2 Baritones, Bass, 4 Speaking parts, Comedy character; SSATB Chorus
Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 0 0; Perc. Hp. Str.

Parker, Alice
The Family Reunion
A back-yard opera in one act
Libretto by Alice Parker, based on folksongs, marches, hymns, and dances of mid-19th century America
Publisher: Carl Fischer

A family’s reunions through the years.

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

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Penn, Arthur
Paints and Patches
A musical drama in two acts
Libretto by Sarah Graves Clark
Publisher: Carl Fischer

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.

Richter, Ada
Merry Christmas, Mister Snowman!
Operetta for children in one act
Book by Nancy K. Hoskins
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company

Dur: 75'
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)
Instr: Piano
Sale: 412-41003 (Vocal Score)

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Scarmolin, A. Louis
The Magic Dream
Operetta for children in one act
Libretto by C.S. Montayne
Publisher: Carl Fischer

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: Piano

Elie SiegmeisterSiegmeister, Elie
Miranda and the Dark Young Man
Opera in one act
Libretto by Edward Eager
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Father is overly protective of his teen daughter Miranda, who wishes to go to the dance. Her aunt and she devise a plan to change his attitude, implicating the innocent passer-by, the Dark Young Man, in their scheme.

Dur: 60’
Cast: Soprano (lyric), Mezzo-soprano, Baritone or Tenor (lyric), Bass-baritone, 2 Speaking parts
Instr: 1 1 2 1 – 2 2 2 0; Perc. Pno. Str.

Night of the Moonspell
Opera in three acts
Libretto by Edward Mabley, based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Adaptation of 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, 2Bass-baritones, 3 Basses, 3 Acting Parts
Instr: 2 2 2 2 – 4 3 3 1; Timp. Perc. Hp. Pno. Cel. Str.

A Tooth for Paul Revere
A choral play of the American Revolution
Libretto by Hy Zaret, based on a story by Stephen Vincent Benet
Publisher: Carl Fischer

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 meet again the next day, the farmer discharges the gunpowder, starting the Revolutionary War.

Dur: 23’
Cast: Soprano, High Baritone, Baritone; SATB Chorus
Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 1 0; Perc. Pno. Str.

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Sullivan, Arthur
The Mikado
Operetta in two acts
Libretto by W.S. Gilbert
Publisher: Carl Fischer

The Mikado’s son is disguised as a minstrel to avoid a pre-arranged marriage to Katisha. But Nanki-Poo loves Yum-Yum, the betrothed of condemned-and-then-pardoned Ko-Ko. To justify the office of executioner and to be free of his personal trouble, Nanki-Poo volunteers to be executed if he might first be wed to Yum-Yum. Enter the Mikado, and surprise revelations bring the opera’s happy resolution.

Dur: 150’
Cast: Soprano, 2 Mezzo-sopranos, Alto, 2 Tenors, 2 Baritones, Bass; SATB Chorus
Instr: 1 0 1 0 – 1 2 1 0; Timp. Perc. Str.
(performance material includes the original Pond Edition stage guide)

Treharne, Bryceson
Prince of the Peddlers
Operetta in two acts, four scenes
Libretto by Sarah Grames Clark
Publisher: Carl Fischer

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 Basses, 3 Speaking parts; SATB Chorus
Instr: 1 0 1 0 A.Sax. – 2 2 1 0; Perc. Str.
or
1 1 2 1 A.Sax. T.Sax. – 2 2 1 0; Perc. Str.

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Wallace, Maude Orita
At the Court of Santa Claus
musical play in one act (prologue and two scenes)
Libretto by Maude Orita Wallace
Publisher: Carl Fischer

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

Webb, Alliene Brandon
Little Red Riding Hood
A children’s operetta in three scenes
Libretto by Grace Noll Crowell and Alliene Brandon Webb
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Based on the famous folk tale.

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

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Wilson, Don
Tune In!
A musical comedy in two acts
Libretto by Edward Bradley and Don Wilson
Publisher: Carl Fischer

Advertising revenues will help keep up payments, thus preventing the radio station from falling to the previous owner. A scheme develops that allows the advertiser’s unmusical wife to sing into a dummy microphone while airing another’s voice. The plan is discovered, and with other plot twists, failure seems imminent until the new owner discovers an inheritance that solves his fiscal problems.

Dur: full evening
Cast: Pseudo coloratura, 3 Sopranos, Mezzo-soprano, Alto, 2 Medium men’s voices, Tenor-baritone, 2 Baritones,
     any Man’s voice, 2 Speaking parts; SATB Chorus
Instr: 1 0 1 0 A.Sax. – 0 2 1 0; Perc. Str.
or
1 1 2 1 A.Sax. T.Sax. – 2 2 1 0; Perc. Str.

Yeamans, L.E.
Little Red Riding Hood
Operetta for Children in four scenes
Words and Music by L.E. Yeamans
Publisher: Theodore Presser Company

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

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