Mozartian (…or almost-Mozartian) characters intermingle in a rollicking plot as Figaro and his wife, Susanna Susannadanna, become inextricably involved with others such as Pecadillo, Donald Giovanni, Schlepporello, Papa Geno, not forgetting an enchanting Corpse de Ballet.

Dur: 150'
Cast: 2 Sopranos, 2 Mezzo-Sopranos, Countertenor, Tenor, 4 Baritones, Bass-Baritone,
     2 Speaking (1 = Baritone singing range, but not a trained singer);
     Mixed Chorus: Servants to the Pasha and Harem Women (Act II);
     Woodcutters, Huntsmen and Huntswomen (Act III);
     orpse de Ballet: The Pasha's Dancers; Wood Sprites; Opera Company Manager (speaking); Narrator (voice only)
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 3 0; Timp. 2Perc. Ukelele/Pedal Steel Guitar/El.Guitar. Pno. or Hpscd. Str.

[less info]

Why Bob and Carol do not appear in this opera is only one of many inexplicable conundra; this is one of P.D.Q. Bach’s most incomprehensible operas, and the character of the Monk is one of the most incomprehensible characters in it, and the aria sung by the Monk is incomprehensible in several different languages.

Dur: 20'
Cast: Bargain Counter Tenor; 2 Female Singers, 6 Male Singers
Instr: Calliope/Beri Beritone, Hpscd. Pno. Water glasses

[less info]

Based on an actual dream that P.D.Q. Bach had on the night of December 4, 1791, the night that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died and Antonio Salieri didn’t.

Dur: 20'
Cast: Tenor, Baritone, 2 non-singing roles (1 preferably a violinist)
Instr: Strings (the music of Eine Kleine Nachtmusik; conducted by first violinist from part; no orchestral score)
Specially marked string parts on rental.
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41085

[less info]

Once again, we venture into the unchartered territory of a “heretofore deservedly unknown oratorio by the minuscule master of Wein-am-Rhein,” P.D.Q. Bach [according to Telarc]. The Oedipus complex is alive and well, and dabbling in Country & Western music.

Dur: 30'
Cast: SATB Soloists, SATB Chorus
Instr: 1 1 1 1 - 1 2 1 0; Timp. Perc. Kbd. Harmonica (or Harmonium) Str.
Sale: Vocal Score 412-41072

[less info]

With characters such as Don Octave, the Commendatoreador and Carmen Ghia, the names seem strangely familiar, yet confused ... All does fall into place, however, but we would hate to spoil the surprise by giving away the plot!

Dur: 35'
Cast: Mezzanine-Soprano, Off-Coloratura Soprano, Bargain Counter Tenor
Instr: 1 1 0 1 - 1 1 1 0; Hpscd. Str.
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41055

[less info]

A comedy of one-liners. Ba-da-boom!

Dur: 60’
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone
Instr: Piano

[less info]

The Borscht Belt staged: a dramatization of Jewish jokes.

Dur: 60’
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone
Instr: Piano

[less info]

Jimmy, a disillusioned photographer, prepares to take his life, but is interrupted by a distraught customer who threatens suicide unless he has his picture taken. Enter a third man also on the verge of suicide because of unrequited love. Jimmy’s girlfriend now has three unhinged men on her hands, and uses her wits to save the day.

Dur: 40’
Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass
Instr: Piano

[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 pompous 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]

Finally, an opera heroine who is not neurotic about sex! Machiavelli’s tale of fraud for personal gain is re-told by Mark Campbell from the woman’s point of view, and Lucrezia becomes a heroine who is very much in control of her destiny. Deceptions may abound, but it is all to everyone’s satisfaction in the end.

Dur: 45’
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, Bass
Instr: 2 Pianos

[less info]

An operatic comedy of manners. Politics, social façades and affairs provide the fuel for a hilarious and fast-moving farce, as the bride and groom attempt to survive their wedding, in spite of the antics of their relatives.

Dur: full evening
Cast: 5 Sopranos, Soprano or Mezzo, 2 Mezzo-Sopranos, 3 Tenors, 4 Baritones, Bass
Instr: 3 3 3 3 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 3Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.
     Onstage Band: Ten.Sax. Elec.Kbd. Elec.Gtr. Elec.Bass Trap Set (can be also in orchestra pit or offstage)
Reduced version:
2(d.Picc.) 2(d.E.H.) 2(1d.E(, 2d.B.Cl.) 2 – 2(1d.Picc. & Ct.) 2 2(B.Tbn.) 0; 2Perc. Kbd, Str.
     Onstage Band: Ten.Sax. Elec.Kbd. Elec.Gtr. Elec.Bass Trap Set (can be also in orchestra pit or offstage)

[less info]

Dur: 30'
Cast: 2 Sopranos, Contralto, Tenor, Bass
Instr: 1 0 1 1 - 0 1 1 0; Perc. Pno. Vln. Cb.

[less info]

The frog, Dan’l Webster, is defeated in a jumping contest because the gambling Strager has filled the amphibian with buckshot. When the deceit is discovered, the Stranger is cast out, and the town again hails Dan’l’s prowess.

Dur: 45'
Cast: Mezzo-soprano, 2 Tenors, 2 Baritones, 2 Basses; Chorus
Instr: 1 1 2 1 – 1 2 1 1; Perc. Pno. Str.

[less info]

When Evaristo tries to present a new fan to Giannina (whom he admires), intrigue, misunderstanding and all the elements of farce, whirl around the object.

Dur: 120'
Cast: 2 Sopranos, 2 Mezzo-Sopranos, 3 Tenors, 2 Baritones, 2 Basses
Instr: 1(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 1 1 - 1 0 0 0; Perc. Pno. Str.

[less info]

The story of Dick Whittington. Country boy Dick arrives in London with his cat, makes his fortune thanks to the cat, woos Alice Fitzwarren, daughter of the Lord Mayor of London, and eventually rises to become Lord Mayor himself.

Dur: 120'
Cast: 2 Sopranos, 2 Mezzo-Sopranos, Contralto, 4 Tenors, 3 Baritones, 2 Basses, 1 Mimed role; SATB chorus
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 4 3 3 1; Timp. 2Perc. Hp. Str.

[less info]

A comedy about Mélisande and her supposed Pelléas, who, being French but singing in English, express themselves in a delightful Franglais.

Dur: 7'
Cast: Soprano, Alto
Instr: Cl. Pno. Vln.
Sale: Performance materials 441-41008

[less info]

Gasparina is wooed by two men, but even when it is apparent that jewels and riches are even more attractive to her, both men are more than willing to indulge her in the hopes of winning her affections. Human folly revealed!

Dur: Partial evening
Cast: 2 Sopranos, Soprano or Tenor, Tenor
Instr: 2Fl. 2Ob. 2E.H. 2Hn. Str.
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41079

[less info]

The young man, a candy butcher, serves as the guide to this poor man’s opera. He introduces a young woman and her lover, a boy, then a gorilla, who, with a pistol, shoots the boy. The gorilla, playing the young woman’s brother, is instructed to feel remorse. The boy’s sister prepares to knife the murderer, but as the gorilla loves the boy’s sister, it is the gorilla’s sister who Is murdered. The two remaining, the gorilla and the boy’s sister, embrace as concessionaires hustle their wares, ending the farce.

Dur: 30'
Cast: Soprano, 2 Mezzo-sopranos (optionally sung by one performer), Tenor, Baritone, Bass,
     2 or more Medium voices (sung or shouted)
Instr: Pno.

[less info]

In a pleas for liberation from second-class citizenship, the women, at the instigation of Praxagora, disguise themselves as men, vote themselves into Congress, then proceed to pass laws whereby all property, including husbands, is relegated to the state for general distribution. When her own husband becomes the center of attention for several other women (who, with the blessing of “the new law,” have claimed him as their own), Praxagora changes her mind, and in a sorrowful lament, reneges on all her previously passed proclamations, returning the government to the hands of the men.

Dur: 52'
Cast: Soprano, Baritone, Bass-baritone; Chorus, 6 soloists; dance troupe
Instr: 3 1 2 0 – 1 2 1 0; Perc. Cel. Str.

[less info]

Dur: full evening
Cast:
Instr: 3 2 2 2 - 4 2 3 0; Timp. 2Perc. Hp. Str.
On stage: 2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb. 2Tambourizza, B.Tambourizza

[less info]

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 ad her nobleman kidnapper.

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

[less info]

Coco Orinoco, an interpreter, reveals the Oracle’s command for the King’s and Chamberlain’s sacrifice to the sacred crocodiles. The salvation of these two doomed captives lies with visiting Americans whose frightened porter, Hopalong Simpson, hides in the Oracle’s shrine where he makes a few pronouncements of his own.

Dur: full evening
Cast: 2 Sopranos, Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, Second Tenor, 2 Baritones, 2 Men’s medium voices; 3 acting parts; Chorus
Instr: 1 0 1 0 A.Sax. – 0 2 1 0; Perc. Str.
or
1 1 3 1 A.Sax. CMelodySax. – 2 2 1 0; Perc. Str.

[less info]

Comedy and drama ensue when a creditor comes to collect a debt left by a woman’s dead husband, with unexpected results.

Dur: 20'
Cast: Soprano, Tenor, Bass
Instr: Fl. Cl. Bsn. Vib. Perc. Pno. Str.

[less info]

The libretto is a 20th century re-make by Dory Previn of the original story. Two sopranos engage in a diva duel of words about their art and who is the prima donna, then a tenor joins the fray, while the world-weary impresario offers his commentary, but dreams of escaping it all.

Dur: 40'
Cast: 2 Sopranos, Tenor, Baritone, Speaking Role
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 0 0; Timp. Str.
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41033

[less info]

A comedy loosely base on a scene from Voltaire’s Candide, which was recognized by contemporaries as a thinly-disguised satire on the exploits of King Gustavus III of Sweden during a visit to Italy.

Dur:
Cast: 2 Sopranos, 2 Tenors, 2 Baritones, 2 Basses; Chorus
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 0 0; Str.

[less info]

Now with revised voices and instrumentation. A stellar, but aging, coloratura diva faces her farewell performance with fear for a future without fame and glamour. The relief felt by her maid and manager that the prima donna’s temperament and “star complex” will now be at an end is short lived when the diva announces she will sing yet another “farewell” concert next week.

Dur: 30'
Cast: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Baritone, Tenor or Soprano
Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 0 0; Pno. 2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb.
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41025

[less info]

Set to an original libretto by Mr. Pasatieri, the comedy, set in 1948, tells the story of a wealthy Texas couple who want to "toughen up" their 25-year-old nephew from New York. The action takes place at the Double-T Ranch and a seedy hotel, where assorted eccentric guests add to the mayhem of the stay.

Dur: 100'
Cast: 2 Sopranos, 2 Mezzo-sopranos, Tenor, 2 Baritones, 2 Bass-Baritones
Instr: 1 1 1 1 – 1 1 1 0; Perc. Pno. Hp. Str.7tet
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41114

[less info]

A comedy of layer upon layer of misunderstanding … not for nothing does the title character make us think of “delusion”! Just when everything appears to be hopelessly embroiled, the maid enters in the nick of time and clears up the whole mess.

Dur: 30'
Cast: 2 Sopranos, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, 1 or 2 Bass-Baritones
Instr: 1 1 1 0 - 1 0 0 0; Pno. Vln. Vla. Vcl.
Sale: Vocal Score 411-41092

[less info]

Dur: Full evening
Cast: 2 Sopranos, Tenor, 2 Baritones, Bass; Chorus
Instr: 2 2 2 2 - 2 2 1 0; Timp. Str.

[less info]

A moment of comic insecurity in the usually happy marriage of TV comedy writer Rob Petrie and his wife Laura. When Rob learns that the tall, good-looking man named Joe Coogan that he has just met on a public golf course was once in love with Laura, courting her by writing love sonnets, he becomes uncharacteristically jealous and insecure. When Laura invites Joe to dinner, Rob counters by inviting co-writer Sally Rogers to flirt with Joe. Unbeknownst to Rob, Joe is now a priest! The mix-up leads to a zany dinner party and a surprise ending.

Dur: 60’
Cast: 2 Sopranos, Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, 2 Baritones, Bass-baritone, Speaking role
Instr: A.Sax. Tpt. Tbn. 1Perc.(incl. trap set) Pno. 2Vln. Vla. Vcl. Cb.

[less info]

A comedy (in pop-Broadway style). The big Star comes to propose to the Richest Girl in the World. She now has everything: beauty, health, and the love of a man. She declares that her wealth doesn’t matter, and wants to give all to the poor … but wait: the poor want to give the riches back as a wedding present! The moral: the richest girl is the one who finds true happiness.

Dur: 25'
Cast: 2 Sopranos (or Soprano & Mezzo-Soprano), 2 Tenors
Instr: Piano

[less info]

Engaged to one, attracted to another; this tangled, rollicking tale of the professed and secret loves of its eight characters leads everyone to the brink of disaster before true love brings everyone back to their senses, and the four couples are united in forgiveness, love, and honor.

Dur:
Cast: 2 Sopranos, 2 Mezzo-Sopranos, 2 Tenors, 2 Baritones
Instr: Ob. Pno. 2Vln. 1Vla. 1Vcl. 1Cb.

[less info]

An evening of delightfully droll comedy: two one-act operas peppered with unexpected – and hilarious – twists.

Dur: full evening when performed together

[less info]

A Russian couple employ the services of a miracle worker to bring about a child for their married daughter. When it is her unmarried sister who becomes pregnant, the situation threatens to careen out of control until true love douses the situation with a blast of reality and wins the day in a very Russian way.

Dur: 60'
Cast: Main roles: Lyric Soprano, Soprano or Light Mezzo-Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Lyric Tenor,
     2 Comic Baritones, Baritone Bit Parts: 3 Sopranos (can be doubled by main characters)
Instr: 1(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 1(EbCl./BbCl./A) 1(Cbsn.) - 2 0 0 0; Perc. Kbd. Str.

[less info]

Poor Molette: successful businessman and good husband, he is at the “dangerous age,” unaware that he desperately craves romantic adventure. A clumsy misunderstanding leads to his being branded “that pig of a Molette,” even though his cousin, Rivet, is the real cad. Years later, the characters settle scores, in an oh-so-French way.

Dur: 60'
Cast: Lyric Soprano, Tenor or High Baritone, Comic Baritone,
     Vocal Quartet doubling various roles: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, (Bass-)Baritone
Instr: 1(Picc.) 1(E.H.) 1 1 - 2 0 0 0; Perc. Kbd. Str.

[less info]

The Mikado’s son is disguised as Nanki-Poo 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. The Mikado enters and brings the opera’s happy resolution.

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

[less info]

Dur: 40'
Cast: 2 Sopranos, 3 Tenors, Bass
Instr: 2Ob. Hpscd. String Quartet

[less info]

The Faust story weaves in and out of an absurdist plot (the text is by Gertrude Stein, after all). To be enjoyed “in the moment,” an evening of great theatrical entertainment.

Dur: 95'
Cast: Soprano, Dancer/Soprano, 2 pop Mezzo-sopranos, Tenor (rapper), pop High Baritone, 2 Baritones, Bass;
     Chorus (made up of anyone not featured at the moment)
Instr: Reeds (1 or more players): Sop.Sax./AltoSax./Ten.Sax./Fl./AltoFl./B(Cl./B.Cl. Pno. Cbs. Perc.

[less info]

The president of a large film production company supports the development of a new color film process until the inventor’s sabotaged first presentation fails. The inventor prepares his own demonstration, discovers his enemies, secures his future, and wins the leading lady.

Dur: full evening
Cast: 2 Sopranos, Mezzo-soprano/Contralto, Medium women’s voice, Medium man’s voice, 2 Baritones,
     Bass-baritone, Bass, Any type of voice; 10 speaking roles
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.

[less info]

The loss of the ear from a jade voodoo idol brings apparent bad fortune. When the lucky jade is returned, all prophecies are favorably resolved.

Dur: full evening
Cast: 2 Sopranos, Mezzo-soprano, Contralto, 2 Medium women’s voices, 2 Tenors or Baritones,
     Medium man’s voice, Baritone or Bass, 2 Baritiones, Speaking part, 2 Acting parts
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.

[less info]

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; 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.

[less info]