OPERA SEARCH
Polly
(1729)Text by John Gay (E)
Major roles: S,3M,T,Bar; 24 minor roles; chorus;
1.1.1.1-tpt-perc:TD/SD-clavicembalo(hpd)-strings
Abbreviations (PDF)
Boosey & Hawkes
Haymarket Theatre, London
Company: unknown
Kingsway Theatre, London
Nigel Playfair, director
Conductor: Eugene Goossens
| POLLY PEACHUM | Soprano |
| MORANO (CAPTAIN MACHEATH) | Baritone |
| JENNY DIVER | Mezzo Soprano |
| MRS TRAPES | Mezzo Soprano |
| MR DUCAT | Tenor |
| MRS DUCAT | Mezzo Soprano |
| VANDERBLUFF, pirate | Bass |
| LAGUERRE, pirate | speaking role |
| CULVERIN, pirate | speaking role |
| HACKER, pirate | speaking role |
| CAPSTAN, pirate | speaking role |
| CUTLACE, pirate | speaking role |
| OTHER PIRATES | Chorus (tenors and basses) |
| POHETOHEE | speaking role |
| CAWWAWKEE | speaking role |
| FIRST FOOTMAN | Tenor |
| SECOND FOOTMAN | Bass |
| WOMEN OF THE TOWN | Chorus (sopranos and altos) |
| TWO SLAVES | speaking roles |
On an island in the West Indies, early eighteenth century
The coffee planter Ducat is persuaded by Mrs Trapes to acquire one of her young ladies as a servant for his wife. Mrs Ducat, however, suspects her husband may have other employment in mind for the girl – who turns out to be Polly Peachum – and provides her with men's clothing in which to make her escape. Meanwhile Ducat and the island's native inhabitants join forces to repel the lawless pirates, led by Morano – who turns out to be Macheath in disguise. The pirates prove to be no match for the noble Indians, however, and Polly's disguise as a young gallant is eventually seen through. Finally she and Macheath are reunited, while Mrs Trapes and her girls are partnered off with the remaining pirates.
Comic