Overview
Synopsis
Set in 1980s Louisiana, Dead Man Walking concerns the relationship between a death row inmate, Joseph De Rocher, and the nun, Sister Helen, who gives him love and support. Even though Joseph has committed a horrible crime and the public has condemned him, Sister Helen agrees to be his spiritual advisor. The unlikely pair end up forming a close friendship. Finally, right before Joseph is put to death, Sister Helen convinces him to confess his sins, beg for forgiveness and give peace to his troubled soul.
Show Information
- Music
- Jake Heggie
- Libretto
- Terrence McNally
- Category
- Opera
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- Genres
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult, Mature Adult, Late Teen, Early Teen Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Bass |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Bass |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Silent |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Silent |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Silent |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
|
|
|
Featured |
Male |
|
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
|
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
|
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
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Quizzes
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Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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