OPERA SEARCH
The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me
(2012)J.D. McClatchy, on the book by Jeanette Winterson
3S,colS,2M,2T,2Trebels,2Bar,3B; children's chorus; SATB chorus;
3(III=picc).0.1(=bcl,asax).0-2.1.0.0-perc(2)-synth-harp-1.0.1.1.1
Abbreviations (PDF)
Boosey & Hawkes
The Kennedy Center Terrace Theater, Washington, D.C.
Francesca Zambello, director
Conductor: Kimberly Grigsby
Company: Washington National Opera
| Angel | Boy Soprano or Soprano |
| Lion, Butcher 2 | Bass |
| Unicorn, Weaver | Coloratura Soprano |
| Donkey | Baritone |
| Snake | Children's Choir |
| Flamingo, Brother 2, Horse, Silk Merchant 1 | Soprano |
| Cat, Brother 1, Silk Merchant 2 | Mezzo-Soprano |
| Hippopotamus, Holy Man, Dog, Water Seller | Tenor |
| Elk, Camel Soloist, Butcher 1 | Baritone |
| Mary, Carmen | Mezzo-Soprano |
| Joseph, Stagehand | Tenor |
| Innkeeper, Ox, Shepherd | Bass |
| Sheep | Soprano |
| Two Boys | Trebles |
| Stagehands, Usher, Three Camels | Silent |
| SATB Chorus |
Act I
An extraordinary child will soon enter the world, and his mother, Mary, needs an animal to carry her to Bethlehem. An ordinary young Angel is charged with choosing a creature from every animal that ever was, is, or will be. The Angel interviews a number of applicants, including the Flamingo, the Cat, the Hippo, and the Elk, but none of them prove suitable. The mighty Lion seems a likely choice, or perhaps the mysterious Unicorn. Then, the Donkey steps forward. “I may look small, and I know the task is great,” he tells the Angel. “I may look odd, I agree, but I’m part of something bigger than me.” The Angel makes a choice: the Donkey.
Intermission
Act II
The Donkey carries Mary into the bustling village square. Joseph asks the Innkeeper about a bed for his pregnant wife, but there is no room for her at the inn or anyplace else. Even clay pots are occupied! The Innkeeper suggests they try the stable. Meanwhile, the animals in the manger—the Camel, the Ox, the Horse, the Dog, and the Cat—gossip; they have all heard that something special is to happen this night. The rumors are confirmed when the Angel plays a fanfare to announce the birth of Jesus. Mary sings of her newborn son, a small child with a great task ahead of him; the Donkey joins her song. A Shepherd arrives to greet the child, followed by Three Kings, the Lion, the Unicorn, and the Donkey. When Joseph learns that jealous King Herod is also coming to town, he knows they will have to leave, and quickly. Once again, the dependable Donkey comes to the rescue. As the Angel reminds us, “the smallest creatures can make the biggest difference.”
Broadway World
"Two-time Tony Award winner, Jeanine Tesori’s music fuses traditional operatic elements with musical theater to create a wonderful introduction for kids to the world of opera."
"The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me is a top-notch introduction to opera for kids"
DC Theatre Scene
"Tesori’s music is tuneful and pulls on several traditions in a beautiful blend."