Too Many Sopranos
by Edwin Penhorwood
Choir - Sheet Music

Comic opera in 4 Acts for mixed voices (2(1.2/Pic) 2 2 2 - 2 1 1 0 - T(3 drums) - P(3) - H - Pf/Cel - Str)

SKU: EC.7891

Composed by Edwin Penhorwood. Full Length Opera. Secular. Vocal score. E.C. Schirmer Publishing #7891. Published by E.C. Schirmer Publishing (EC.7891).

UPC: 600313478918. Text: Miki Lynn.

Libretto:
Written by Miki Lynn

Synopsis:
Four Divas arrive in heaven to learn there is not enough room for all of them in the Heavenly Chorus. Because too many tenors and basses are in Hell, only one of the sopranos will be allowed into the chorus. The sopranos are appalled that they must audition, but submit. After their impressive auditions, St. Peter cannot make a decision. Gabriel therefore mentions the Redemption Clause: If the sopranos go to Hell and do a selfless deed, they can bring back to Heaven as many tenors and basses as needed. To protect them in Hell, St. Peter grants them a special disguise.

The Divas, St. Peter, and Gabriel arrive in Hell and listen to the stories of some of the tortured souls there. Just Jeanette meets Nelson Deadly and they fall in love. The Sandman arrives with the stage director, Orson and presents a task to the couple: If they don't fall asleep listening to Orson, they can take back to Heaven as many tenors and basses as they want. They fail the test, but because of a selfless act on their part, they are granted the release of the men. There is general rejoicing and all promise St. Peter they will never sing opera again.

Roles:
ST. PETER	Bass-Baritone
DAME DOLEFUL	Mezzo-Soprano
MADAME POMPOUS	Soprano
MISS TITMOUSE	Coloratura Soprano
JUST JEANETTE	Lyric Soprano
NELSON DEADLY	Tenor
ENRICO CAROUSER	Tenor
UNNAMED BASS	Bass-Baritone
GUARD (ORSON)	Bass
SANDMAN	Soprano
GABRIEL	Speaking role