Beeson, Jack

Hello Out There (1953)

Duration: 40 minutes
Chamber opera in one act

Libretto by the composer, adapted from the play by William Saroyan (E)

Scoring
Major roles: S,Bar; minor roles: T,2speakers,mime 1(=picc).1.1.1-1.1.0.0-timp.perc(1):susp.cym/tamb/BD/SD- pft(=harm)-strings(1.1.1.1.1 or larger forces).
Abbreviations (PDF).

Territory
This work is available from Boosey & Hawkes for the world.

World Premiere
5/27/1954
Columbia University, New York, NY
Felix Brentano, director
Conductor: William Rhodes
Company: Columbia University Opera Workshop

Roles

THE YOUNG MAN, a gambler down on his luck	Baritone
THE GIRL	Soprano
THE HUSBAND	Tenor
Another Man	speaking role
Third Man	walk-on role
The Wife	speaking Role

Time and Place
Now, a small town jail in Texas

Synopsis
A vagrant young man, imprisoned in a Matador, Texas jail for raping another man’s wife, strikes up a conversation with the jail’s cook, a local girl in her teens, and attracts her strongly. Afraid that he will be attacked in the deserted jail by the offended husband, the young man sends the girl home to get her father’s gun. While she is away the husband and a group of his friends appear. The young man reveals that the wife is a loose woman, and the incredulous husband shoots him. The girl returns as the angry mob carries off the young man’s body.

Moods
Dramatic, Romantic, Tragic

Subjects
Relationships, Society, Literary

Recommended Recording
Columbia University Opera Workshop / Frederic Waldman
Bay Cities Music BCD 1034
(not currently available on sale)

Items on Sale

Hello Out There!

(Vocal Score)

> Details