or “Under the Aspidistra”
Music by Jacques Offenbach,Orchestration by Vilem Tausky
Book and Adaptation by Colin Graham;Lyrics by Viola Tunnard
Solange (L) and Prosper (R)
A light hearted operetta based on the farces of Georges Feydeau with music adapted from Offenbach’s lesser-known operettas. The story starts with waiter Block preparing to receive his guests in the private room of a Paris restaurant.
Solange and Prosper enter and take a table next to an enormous aspidistra. The audience learns that they are both married,though not to each other,and out to enjoy a clandestine meeting. Moments later,Hortense and Aristide arrive at an adjoining table. They are bent on a similar amorous escapade and are indeed the wife and husband of the first couple. It is not long before all is discovered;the young ladies humorously exaggerating astonishment then indignity and a quarrel ensues.
Bloch intervenes to reveal that from a strawberry mark on the ladies’shoulders,he recognises them as the daughters he shamelessly abandoned in childhood. The four listen with incredulity,then the ladies rejoice in having each found a father,a sister and also a brother-in-law. Reconciliation abounds,and all join in a song in praise of family trees.
Cast
Prosper –Julian Ochwat (Tenor)
Solange –Zoe Turner (Soprano)
Hortense –Anne (Soprano)
Aristide –Tim Clarke (Baritone)
Bloch,The Waiter - Tom Whelan (Bass)
Performed
July 2009,Opera in the Orchard,Bouncers Farm,Wickham Bishops