“Charming, funny [The] Bug Opera
appeals to audiences of all ages”
–San Antonio Express News
10/8/2007
“Hudson’s music was clever and well-crafted, reminiscent of
Bernstein or perhaps a light-hearted, avuncular Stravinsky. He
understands the kinds of melodies singers like to sing, and within
the boundaries of a carefully conceived formal harmonic plan,
gives them those melodies…leading to blooming high notes that
are the meat and potatoes of opera singing...there are plenty of
catchy Latin rhythms and repetitive figures to hold the attention of
the young ...full of word-play for all ages.”
–The Republican 11/30/2006
Performances
More than 7,500 people have seen The Bug Opera since its premiere
on November 17th, 2006. It was performed 30 times in the fall of 2007
as a co-production between San Antonio opera and Magik Theater San
Antonio, and had seven perfomances in four different venues in
Massachusetts and Rhode Island, USA in November 2006.
The Story
A feisty mosquito who doesn’t want to drink blood meets a caterpillar who loves his life and is reluctant to change. As they look for answers they
encounter a number of colorful characters: jovial Dung Beetle; bookish, sinister Paper Wasp; Luna Moth, a damsel-in-distress; and dangerous,
glamorous Spider. In this coming-of-age story, the heroes’ journey ultimately leads them back to themselves.
Ensemble
A minimum of six singers (coloratura soprano, lyric soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone, and bass-baritone) and an orchestra with a minimum of 10
players (flute, oboe/english horn, clarinet/bass-clarinet, trumpet, trombone, percussion, violin, viola, cello, double bass). A larger orchestra can be
achieved by increasing the string section.
Involving Children
While the major roles are written for adult performers, children can be incorporated as performers in The Bug Opera. The collage of crepuscular sounds
underlying the end of Act I is well-suited to an ensemble (8-32 voices) of children. Similarly, children may be used as dancers, floating through the hall
dressed as moths, in the moments just before the emotional highpoint of the opera, where Caterpillar decides to embrace his fate.
Duration: Act I : 45 minutes; Act II : 30 minutes; Total: 75 minutes
Photo by Paul Mange Johansen / Iguana Photo (of Nikolas Nackley, baritone, as Caterpillar)
For any further information or to request scores please contact authors@bugopera.com
Bug Opera Character Illustrations by Fred Zinn
