Scenes from JSU's One-Act Operas


Scenes from the Opera "Down in the Valley"

Scenes from the Opera "Down in the Valley"

The one-act opera Down in the Valley is written by Kurt Weill, a German-born, American composer who was instrumental in melding opera and musical theater. The opera is about a young girl who is in love with a man who has been sentenced to death in a Birmingham jail for murdering a man. A series of flashbacks portray their love for each other and how the murder happened. Chrystial Hudson, a JSU senior, performed the role of Jennie in Down in the Valley. It is a classic plot with a tragedy twist of the folk song, "Down in the Valley." The opera has a chorus, some minor roles and about four main roles. The music has lyrical melodies, and is considered "easy listening."

Scenes from the Opera "Signor Deluso"

Scenes from the Opera "Signor Deluso"

The one-act opera Signor Deluso is a comedy of misconceptions and is about jumping to conclusions. It is composed by Thomas Pasatieri, the orchestrator for Finding Nemo. Celie is in love with a young man, Leon, but her father will not allow it. Deluso's wife believes he is having an affair with Celie. Deluso believes his wife is carrying on with Leon, who believes that Deluso is married to Celie. When the confusion finally reaches the boiling point, the pleasantly plump maid enters the fray to straighten everything out. Jessica Smith, a JSU freshman, performed the role of Clara in Signor Deluso. The opera is a one-act, opera buffa, meaning, a comedy, and there are seven characters. The music is contemporary with a 20th century sound. All parts were portrayed by JSU students.

Photos by Alex Stillwagon

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