The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me: Washington National Opera Open Rehearsal

Cuesheet Performance Guide

The Lion,

the Unicorn, Music by Jeanine Tesori Libretto by J.D. “Sandy” McClatchy Based on the book by Jeanette Winterson Directed by Francesca Zambello Conducted by James Lowe

and Me

A Desert Ride with an Travel back in time to the very first Christmas and join a young angel as he tries to answer a very big question: Which member of the animal kingdom should lead Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem?

What Happens in the Story ACT 1 On a dark night in a distant land, something incredible is about to happen: A baby boy destined to change history is about to be born.

But not so fast.

For this baby to arrive, his mother, Mary, has to ride across the desert to a place that’s safe and warm.

She’ll need an animal to guide her—and that animal has to be special. Luckily for Mary, an Angel has been given the task of finding her the best creature for the job. Determined to make the right decision, the Angel produces a list left over from Noah’s Ark and starts to interview all the animals that ever existed… one by one.

All the animals that ever were (or ever will be) line up to speak to the Angel.

During the interviews, the Angel meets several impressive creatures but rejects them all, saying they don’t have the right qualities to take on this very important journey. Just then the Lion and the Unicorn step forward. The Lion proudly proclaims that he, the king of beasts, should be the one to help Mary. The Unicorn also insists her magical horn and mysterious nature would actually make her the best choice.

Thinking the Lion and the Unicorn may both be a little too self-centered for this special task, the Angel is relieved to discover he’s forgotten to interview one last animal: the Donkey. Grateful to be considered, the Donkey humbly claims he can carry anything anywhere, even though he’s not beautiful, or powerful, or clever, or even important.

After a few moments, the Angel chooses the ordinary donkey to accompany Mary and her husband, Joseph.

Unlikely Animal MAIN CHARACTERS The Angel (child soprano—a high-range child’s voice) The Lion (bass—a low-range male voice) The Unicorn (soprano—a high-range female voice) The Donkey (baritone—a middle-range male voice) Mary (mezzo-soprano—a middle-range female voice) Joseph, her husband (tenor—a high-range male voice) The Innkeeper (bass) Animals and Townspeople

The Donkey timidly introduces himself to the Angel.

ACT 2 The Donkey does his best and brings Mary to the faraway village of Bethlehem. But when Mary, Joseph, and the Donkey reach the town square, they discover there’s nowhere for them to stay. Joseph pleads with an innkeeper to rent them a room, but the innkeeper can only offer a small space in his stable.

At the stable, the animals all spread rumors of a miracle that’s meant to happen that very evening. As darkness falls, Mary gives birth to a baby boy named Jesus, and the Angel, a shepherd, and three kings arrive to offer gifts and blessings. Even the Lion and the Unicorn come to pay their respects. They also discover the “ordinary” Donkey isn’t all that ordinary anymore; his nose now has a beautiful golden glow.

Sadly, though, there’s no time for rejoicing: A nasty king named Herod, who poses a dangerous threat to the newborn, is on his way. Frightened, Mary and Joseph realize they must leave quickly. But where will they go? And how will they find their way in the dark? You’ll soon find out.

First Steps: What is Opera?

An opera is a story told through music. Instead of speaking, the characters sing through their thoughts and emotions. Sometimes the characters sing by themselves (this is called an “aria,” pronounced AR-ee-yah), and sometimes they sing in groups of two or more. There’s also an orchestra that plays with the singers and uses different combinations of instruments at different times.

A Story for Everyone Based on Jeanette Winterson’s classic book of the same name, The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me began its journey to the stage when WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello first read the story and thought it would make an ideal opera for audiences of all ages. Inspired by the tale of the “unimportant” donkey who becomes an unlikely hero, Ms. Zambello asked composer Jeanine Tesori and librettist J.D. “Sandy” McClatchy to help with the project. The result is a lively opera complete with singing “animals,” unusual instruments, imaginative costumes and puppets, and a children’s choir.

All production photos by Scott Suchman.

Things to think about… n

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The Donkey’s story shows us that everyone—no matter how small, or humble, or “unimportant”—has a significant role to play in life. Can you think of any other stories that have a similar message? What about stories that happen at Christmas time? Maybe a story with a certain reindeer?

Can you identify a character in The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me whose voice makes you think of their specific traits or behaviors? (Hint: Does the Lion’s voice sound mighty or forceful? What about the voice of the mysterious Unicorn?)

What to watch and listen for… n

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Unfamiliar instruments. The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me features sounds that are somewhat rare for opera like the slightly spooky celesta or the jingling chimes. See if you can hear these “new” sounds throughout the show.

The children’s choir. This extra special part of the performance includes local students like you.

Each member of the chorus had to complete an audition and go through many hours of practice and rehearsal. Interested in joining? Check kennedycenter.org/WNO/MTO/Opportunities beginning in late spring for audition announcements, or contact akday@kennedy-center.org

The Unicorn meets the newborn baby boy.

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Mary’s lullaby for her newborn son. What’s the story or idea behind her song? Do you have a favorite lullaby?

Why do you like it? Is it the words? The music? Both?

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The colorful costumes. Do the animals’ clothes remind you of outfits you’ve seen on TV or in real life? Do the costumes for the Lion and the Unicorn resemble certain types of people or celebrities? (Hint: Think pop stars or members of the military.)

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The animal puppets. How do the puppeteers give you clues about which animals they’re supposed to be?

Which puppet do you like the most? Why?

For more info on the costumes and puppetry, check out: https://goo.gl/wK87pZ

David M. Rubenstein Chairman

Major support for WNO is provided by Jacqueline Badger Mars.

Deborah F. Rutter President

WNO acknowledges the longstanding generosity of Life Chairman Mrs. Eugene B. Casey.

Mario R. Rossero Senior Vice President Education Timothy O’Leary General Director Francesca Zambello Artistic Director

David M. Rubenstein is the Presenting Underwriter of WNO. WNO’s Presenting Sponsor This performance is made possible by the Kimsey Endowment; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education.

Major support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by David M. Rubenstein through the Rubenstein Arts Access Program.

Kennedy Center education and related artistic programming is made possible through the generosity of the National Committee for the Performing Arts.

The contents of this Cuesheet have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

© 2018 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts