Argento, Dominick

The Shoemakers' Holiday (1967)

Duration: 150 minutes
Ballad-Opera based on the play by Thomas Dekker

Adaptation and additional lyrics by John Olon-Scrymgeour (E)

Scoring
Major roles: 2S,M,A,T(or B),Bar,Bar(or B),2BBar,B minor roles: M,A,2T,2Bar,2B; chorus 1(=picc,afl).0.1.1-1.2.1.0-gtr(amplified)-perc(1):timp/tgl/SD/cym/ glsp/t.bells/tamb/ratchet/susp.cym/wdbl.
Abbreviations (PDF).

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

World Premiere
6/1/1967
Tyrone Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Douglas Campbell and John Olon-Scrymgeour, director
Conductor: Herbert Pilhofer
Company: Minnesota Theatre Company

Roles

SIMON EYRE	Bass-Baritone
ROLAND LACY	Baritone or Tenor
RALPH	Baritone
FIRK	Bass-Baritone
HAMMON	Bass or Baritone
HODGE	Bass
ROSE	Soprano
MARGERY	Soprano
JANE	Mezzo-Soprano
SYBIL	Contralto
Four Vendors	Tenor, Baritone, Baritone, and Bass
Three Men	Tenor, Baritone, and Bass
Two Seamstresses	Mezzo-Soprano and Contralto
Soldiers, Shoemakers, and Hunters	Tenors, Baritones, and Basses
Chorus	Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Basses

Time and Place
The Renaissance (15th Century), England

Synopsis
Set during the height of the English Renaissance, the Earl of Lincoln’s nephew, Roland Lacy, is in love with the Lord Mayor of London’s daughter, Rose. To stop the relationship from blossoming, the Earl attempts to send the young man abroad as a Colonel, to wage war.  He is given a commission by the King in the hope that Lacy will display the characteristics of a nobleman. Sir Roger, the Mayor, is also against the lovers, and he sends his daughter away from London. The young man abandons the army commission, disguises himself as Hans, a Dutch shoemaker, and settles himself into the home of the Mayor’s shoemaker, Simon Eyre.  Through a network of spies, Lacy’s uncle learns that his nephew has remained in London.  Simon Eyre returns home one day with great news: He has become Lord Mayor of London.  Lacy and Rose plan their wedding with the help of Simon and his wife. The celebration of Shrovetide begins, but it is interrupted by a visit from the King, followed by Lincoln and Sir Roger. The King sanctions Lacy and Rose’s marriage and has Lacy kneel to be knighted.  Rose’s father and Lacy’s uncle accept the King’s judgement.

Moods
Comic, Romantic

Subjects
Relationships, Society