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Life is a Dream 2010

Life is a Dream 2010

July 24 - August 19, 2010

A world premiere…

…based on a towering masterpiece from “The Golden Age of Spanish Drama” – explores provocative questions about the nature and perceptions of reality.

Music By
Lewis Spratlan
Libretto By
James Maraniss

Synopsis

Act I

When his son Segismundo was born, King Basilio interpreted the horoscopes to mean that the boy would become a violent ruler, perhaps even killing his own father. Basilio therefore exiled the prince to a remote tower in the wilderness co be raised in isolation and educated by Clotaldo, a nobleman. Rosaura and Clarin stumble upon the tower and, for the first time in his life, Segismundo sees human beings from the outside world. Clotaldo captures Rosaura and Clarin, since their discovery threatens Basilio’s secret, and takes them before the King. Basilio, however, has already begun to have second thoughts. Maybe the stars were wrong. Perhaps free will is stronger than fate. Basilio orders that the prince be drugged and brought to court. When he awakens, he will be told he is the prince. If his behavior is good, he will remain and inherit the throne; if not, he will be sent back to the tower.

Act II

Clotaldo and the entourage welcome the dazed Segismundo to court and begin to entertain him. Clotaldo tries to explain how all this came about, but is immediately set upon by Segismundo for his past treatment. Astolfo, Segismundo’s cousin and pretender to the throne, introduces himself and is greeted coolly. Estrella, another ambitious cousin, appears; Segismundo ardently kisses her hand. A servant scolds Segismundo, who grabs him and hurls him off the balcony to his death. Basilio arrives and, for the first time, father and son meet face to face. Basilio admonishes, “Be humble, for perhaps you’re dreaming even while awake.” Segismundo ponders his situation and recognizes that he is a “man who is also a beast.” Clotaldo’s daughter Rosaura enters and Segismundo is immediately attracted co her. A fight ensues, first with Clotaldo, then with Astolfo. After Segismundo is subdued, Basilio appears once again. This climactic encounter between father and son leaves Segismundo spent and confused. The King orders Segismundo be returned to exile.

Act III

As Segismundo awakens he begins to doubt his ability to discern reality. His memories of the splendor of the court are vivid – but perhaps, as he is repeatedly told, it was all a dream. A rebel army forms and seeks out Segismundo at his tower, where they urge him to lead a revolt which will overthrow his father and give him the throne, in preference to rule by the foreigners Astolfo and Estrella. Segismundo eventually agrees to take on the fight. At the moment of his triumph, again unsure of his very existence, he relents. Basilio, interpreting Segismundo’s collapse as humility, declares him fit to rule. Segismundo renounces his love for Rosaura, who will wed Astolfo and proclaims his plan to marry Estrella for the sake of the social order – which may be only a dream.

Artists

Roger Honeywell headshot

Roger Honeywell

Tenor

Segismundo

John Cheek headshot

John Cheek

Bass-baritone

King Basilio

James Maddalena headshot

James Maddalena

Baritone

Clotaldo

Ellie Dehn headshot

Ellie Dehn

Soprano

Rosaura

Carin Gilfry headshot

Carin Gilfry

Mezzo-soprano

Estrella

Keith Jameson headshot

Keith Jameson

Tenor

Clarin

Craig Verm headshot

Craig Verm

Baritone

Astolfo

Darik Knutsen headshot

Darik Knutsen

Baritone

First Servant

Thomas Forde headshot

Thomas Forde

Bass-baritone

Second Servant/First Soldier

Heath Huberg headshot

Heath Huberg

Tenor

Second Soldier

Leonard Slatkin headshot

Leonard Slatkin

Conductor

Kevin Newbury headshot

Kevin Newbury

Director

David Korins headshot

David Korins

Scenic Designer

Jessica Jahn headshot

Jessica Jahn

Costume Designer

Japhy Weideman

Japhy Weideman

Lighting Designer

Susanne Sheston headshot

Susanne Sheston

Chorus Master