TOO MANY SOPRANOS

A Comic Opera in Two Acts

Edwin Penhorwood’s comedic two-act opera Too Many Sopranos offers a delightful and satirical look into the often-tempestuous world of operatic casting. Premiering in 2000, this one-act gem quickly gained recognition for its witty libretto and engaging score with its clever take on the age-old problem of an abundance of sopranos, vying for a single role. Penhorwood masterfully blends humor with musicality, creating a work that is both genuinely funny and musically sophisticated. Too Many Sopranos has received over 125 productions so far.

Synopsis

Time: The Present 

ACT I: The Parlor of Heaven Four Divas arrive in heaven to learn there is not enough room for all of them in the Heavenly Chorus. Because too many tenors and basses are in Hell, only one of the sopranos will be allowed into the chorus. The sopranos are appalled that they must audition, but submit. After their impressive auditions, St. Peter can make no decision. Gabriel therefore mentions the Redemptions Clause: If the sopranos go to Hell and do a selfless deed, they can take back to Heaven as many tenors and basses as needed. To protect them in Hell, St. Peter grants them a special disguise. 

ACT II: The Caverns of Hades The Divas, St. Peter, and Gabriel arrive in Hell and listen to the stories of some of the tortured souls there. Just Jeanette meets Nelson Deadly and they fall in love. The Sandman arrives with the stage director, Orson and presents a task to the couple: If they don’t fall asleep listening to Orson, they can take back to Heaven as many tenors and basses as they want. They fail the test, but because of a selfless act on their part, they are granted the release of the men. There is general rejoicing and all promise St. Peter they will never sing opera again. 
Too Many Sopranos by Edwin Penhorwood
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Characters

St. Peter – Bass-Baritone
Dame Doleful – Mezzo-Soprano (or Soprano with a good low voice)
Madame Pompous – Soprano
Miss Titmouse – Coloratura Soprano
Just Jeanette – Lyric Soprano (Cleverly uses her innocence to get her own way)
Nelson Deadly – Tenor
Enrico Carouser – Tenor
Unnamed Bass – Bass-Baritone
Guard (Orson) – Bass
Sandman – Soprano
Gabriel – Speaking role (Constantly involved in everything)

Full Orchestration

2 Flutes (2. Flute alt. Piccolo) 
2 Oboes 
2 Clarinets in B-flat 
2 Bassoons
 2 Horns in F 
1 Trumpet in B-flat 
1 Bass Trombone 
3 Timpani (28″, 25″, 23″) 
3 Percussion Triangle, Snare Drum, Cymbals, Bass Drum, Claves, Tam Tam*, Bongos 
Celeste 
Piano 
Harp 
Strings 
*If possible, Tam Tam is used onstage

Reduced Orchestration

1 Oboe
1 Clarinet 
Trumpet
Trombone
2 Percussion
1 Keyboard I (strings, chimes, harp, piano)
1 Keyboard II (harp, chimes, piano, strings)
1 Violin I
1 Violin II
1 Cello
1 Double bass