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SYNOPSIS |
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With
one foot in popular culture, the other firmly planted in tradition –
based on a true story, SUCKER is an exciting, original hybrid of established
operatic form. The opera was conceived from a songwriter’s point
of view. That is, to tell a simple story in my own words set to my own
music. An accessible, tuneful, immediate sound world draws from an attractive
mixture of serious and popular music. The libretto and dramatic structure
were greatly influenced by soap opera – obvious, a little kitsch,
with lots of cliff hangers.
Albert Prestridge, an aging, trusting, depressed, lonely divorcee, employed as a record store manager and night time paper delivery driver is a very unhappy man. The dark, overly dramatic, and slightly comical story begins at an engagement party for Bert’s ex-wife and best friend. As events unfold through the introduction of a colorful cast of characters, we come to find out Mr. Prestridge’s best friend had an affair with his wife, whom he is now marrying. An acquaintance bravely comes forward and confess this horrific betrayal hidden by his friends. Struck down by the terrible news, Bert begins a slow downward spiral, falling deeper and deeper into depression until he is no longer able to cope. |
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THE
CHARACTERS |
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Albert
Prestridge (Bert): Main Character, recently divorced. Jessica: Berts’s ex-wife, now married to Ron. Ron: Bert’s best friend, now married to Jessica. Heather : Bert’s friend from the record store. Al: Friend of Bert, John and Jessica. |
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INSTRUMENTATION |
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Soloists Albert Prestridge, lyric tenor Jessica, coloratura soprano Ron, baritone Heather, soprano Al, bass Narrator Piano |
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| LISTEN (mp3) | LOOK
(pdf) |
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| (midi realization) | score sample |
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SUCKER
COPYRIGHT © 2008 BY JAMES BARRY (ASCAP) |
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