OPERA SEARCH
The Three Kings
(1937)Play by Mordaunt Currie (E)
2S,child singer,11speakers; chorus
pft(org)-strings(basses optional)
also available for two pianos
Abbreviations (PDF)
Boosey & Hawkes
| MELCHIOR, a king | speaking role |
| BALTHAZAR, a king | speaking role |
| GASPAR, a king | speaking role |
| HEROD, king of Judaea | speaking role |
| MARIAMNE | Soprano |
| LUCIUS, a captain of Herod's guard | speaking role |
| CLAUDIUS, a captain of Herod's guard | speaking role |
| A SCRIBE | speaking role |
| THREE SHEPHERDS (may also sing) | speaking roles (or male voices) |
| MARY: the Virgin | Soprano |
| A SERVANT of King Melchior | speaking role |
| THREE COURTIERS of King Herod | speaking roles |
| AN ANGEL (seen first as a Child) | Child singer |
| Chorus of Angels, Attendants etc | Chorus |
1st Century AD,The Holy Land
At Melchior's palace, the wise old king is visited by a child who describes a dream of a star hanging over a stable. As Melchior goes out to look at the stars, the child sits on his throne. King Balthazar comes to visit, and is sent up to join Melchior. Lastly King Gaspar arrives, and he too is moved by the child's words. The child sends all three kings to Jerusalem to ask Herod where they will find a newborn king. In Jerusalem, the arrival of the kings with their news causes Herod to consult the old prophecies. They learn of a stable in Bethlehem they must seek out. Herod has them followed as they leave. On the hills overlooking Bethlehem, three shepherds are visited by the child and told to seek the saviour born in the town below. In the stable at Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph watch over their newborn child. The kings arrive with presents, and are joined by the shepherds with their homage. Claudius, the captain of Herod's guard, bows his head before Jesus. Mary sings the Magnificat, in which all join.
Poetic