Scott Joplin and Treemonisha (Overture)

Our next project at Opera Memphis is SCOTT JOPLIN AND TREEMONISHA. We are taking Scott Joplin's original opera and doing about 80% of it, but we are also adding a framework story about Joplin's failed attempt to get a production of his opera during his lifetime.

The overture, instead of being purely instrumental, becomes a scenario new cast members and words--In 1917 New York, Joplin pitches his opera to some producers who laugh at him behind his back; distraught, he goes to his favorite pub; he goes to another meeting with producers who don't see why anyone should want a show about black folks in 1870s Arkansas; he has a nervous breakdown and ends up in a hospital; his wife comforts him but he is distraught; even from the hospial bed, he says he has more meetings about his opera; and the curtain rises as if Joplin were showing his opera to another set of producers. All that in ten minutes.

And there's more to come... I hope that this touching context and contrast--a much revered African American composer rejected in his own lifetime--will help bring the opera to life.

Here is a "demo" of the overture so you get the idea. The vocal lines are mine, but the accompaniment is Joplin's overture, with some cuts.

Scott Joplin and Treemonisha

Our Scott Joplin and Treemonisha scenic designer Kris Stone is fleshing out her ideas for the show...

New Production

Last Friday we had a meeting in New York City with the Director (Larry Marshall) and the Designer (Kris Stone) for our upcoming production of Scott Joplin and Treemonisha. Allison Merritt, our ED/Production Director also attended.

Joplin never got to see his opera performed. As a result there are some awkward parts, which we are going to try to fix. It's a real pleasure to be able to work on a project from the beginning. Most regional opera involves renting other people's scenery, and doing the music pretty much as is. This will be much more interesting.