Moore's "soap opera" combines a sharp parody of a soap opera, complete with commercial interruptions, with seriously good music by Moore; a highly recommended one-act from one of America's foremost twentieth-century opera composers.
Cast of Characters
Announcer,ms
Lola Markham,s
Doctor Gregg,bar
Donald Hopewell,t
Synopsis
The opera begins with the Announcer presenting a commercial for Lochinvar Soap, sponsor of the 'soap opera' Gallantry. The opera begins in a hospital hallway, where eminent surgeon Doctor Gregg declares his love for anesthetist Lola Markham. Lola, although she admires Doctor Gregg as a physician, is already engaged to Donald Hopewell. When Doctor Gregg tries to kiss her, she slaps him. As they prepare for an operation, 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 fiancee, Donald. A chance remark by Donald 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 awakes 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.
Performance History
World premiere Columbia University, New York, New York March 15, 1958
(Double bill with Dominick Argento'sThe Boor)
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