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Overview

Synopsis

The opera takes place in a basement cafe near the intersection of 135th Street and Lennox Avenue in Harlem, New York City. The gambler, Joe, and his girlfriend, Vi, are happily in love. Trouble ensues when the arrogant singer, Tom, sets his eyes on Vi. Even though Vi rejects Tom's passes, he convinces her that a telegram Joe just received is from another woman. Vi accuses Joe of infidelity and demands to see the telegram. When he refuses to give it to her, Vi shoots and kills him. However, when she reads the telegram, it turns out it was simply a letter to Joe informing him that his mother had passed away.

Show Information

Music
George Gershwin
Libretto
George Gard "Buddy" DeSylva
Category
Opera
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
1
Genres
Cast Size
small
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Late Teen, Mature Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Joe

Lead

Male

Tenor

Vi

Lead

Female

Soprano

Tom

Lead

Male

Baritone

Mike

Supporting

Male

Bass

Sam

Supporting

Male

Baritone

Sweetpea

Supporting

Female

Guests

Ensemble

Either Gender

Songs

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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

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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