The Summer Place is a new opera exploring the history, current state, and legacy of Chautauqua Institution. Co-commissioned by Chautauqua Opera Company and Opera Memphis, our reading of The Summer Place will be a complete reading of the entire libretto, written by Jerre Dye. Thanks to the generous support of the Chautauqua Opera Guild, two of the works in The Summer Place, A.E Reverie and Love Loss and the Century Upon Us, just received their world premieres on the Athenaeum Lawn at Chautauqua Institution.
Kwame Alexander
Perri di Christina
Alexander Granito
Arlene Hajinlian
Michael Hill
Jade King Carroll
Nancy Langston
Colleen Law
Lynn Moschel
Dave Munch
Danielle Nebres
Steve Peters
Linda Radtke
Martha Reitman
Makayla Santiago-Froebel
Lorraine Saulino
Melissa Spas
Deborah Sunya Moore
Sara Toth
Kelsey Watts
Present day. A group of visitors/friends/family gather at the beginning of the season. The group is about to take a photograph commemorating the moment. Perhaps they are on a staircase in the Amp.
PHOTOGRAPHER- (perhaps spoken)- Okay, great.
Now, let’s get closer… closer… even closer, now.
A NEWCOMER (FIVE) wanders into the frame.
The PHOTOGRAPER acknowledges the NEWCOMER and encourages her to join in on the group photo.
PHOTOGRAPHER- You, there in the back. Yes. You. Jump in.
The GROUP pulls the NEWCOMER in. She joins reluctantly.
PHOTOGRAPHER- Okay. That’s it. And smile!
Everybody say, Chautauqua!
The GROUP poses and repeats in scattered unison:
ALL- Chautauqua.
PHOTOGRAPHER- You can do better than that. All together…
The GROUP repeats.
ALL- CHAUTAUQUA!
As the photo is snapped, the group freezes as if the moment has been permanently captured inside a frame. The photo gives way to interior voices, all singing their inner thoughts:
GROUP ONE- this place
GROUP TWO- this place
All- this summer place
NEWCOMER- this summer place
All- where we return
ONE- to feel some sunlight on my skin
TWO- to lose myself inside a book
ONE AND TWO- our morning coffee conversations
THREE AND FOUR- face to face
FOUR- a state of grace
NEWCOMER- retracing steps that led me here
SIX- I just return. I always have…
SEVEN- I come back because I must…
SIX AND SEVEN- to this place that gives me life
THREE AND FOUR- this place, it saves my life a little
THREE- just a little
FOUR- just a little
THREE AND FOUR- just a little… every year
EIGHT- It gives me strength. It gives me breath…
NEWCOMER- maybe find myself again
EIGHT AND NEWCOMER- the strength I thought I lost somehow
NEWCOMER- uncertainty ALL- some time for time
undoing me some time for time
I need some time to heal some time for time
some time for time
GROUP ONE- this place
GROUP TWO- this place
ALL - this summer place
FIVE- for solitude
ONE AND TWO- for family
THREE- to step into some deeper self
FOUR- release some prayers into the air
without quite knowing where they’ll go
SIX- waves returning
SEVEN- waves returning
ALL- waves returning to the shore
SIX AND SEVEN- for years and years
EIGHT- so many years
All- My heart’s connected to this place
GROUP ONE- where history
NEWCOMER- and mystery
GROUP TWO- community abides
GROUP ONE- endures
SEVEN AND EIGHT-
ONE AND TWO- so many souls for years and years
have gathered here so many years
THREE AND FOUR- so many hopeful, shining lives
NEWCOMER AND SIX- pilgrims searching for some truth
SEVEN- for years and years
ALL- inside these walls EIGHT- so many years
inside these walls
NEWCOMER- you can feel it–
really feel them, All (but Newcomer)-
all those strangers here before, years and years
gentle traces left behind, years and years
impressions of their hopes and dreams, years and years
It gives this place identity. and years and years
I’m stepping through a door.
A stranger stepping through a door.
ONE- this well-worn path
TWO- this thundering bridge
THREE- the carillon that marks the time
FOUR- this lingering dream
NEWCOMER- this gentle breeze
SIX- this work
SEVEN- this call
EIGHT- the conversation
ALL- a canopy of trees
NEWCOMER- this breeze
ALL- a canopy of trees
(all look up into the branches for a deep breath)
GROUP ONE- this summer place
GROUP TWO- this summer place
ALL- This summer place that leads me…
PHOTOGRAPHER- (speaking) – Okay, people … one last shot. Make it count.
ALL- CHAUTAUQUA!
(overlapping)
ONE- home
TWO- home
NEWCOMER- THREE- home
Open up FOUR- home
this pilgrim’s heart. SIX- home
Please open up my heart. SEVEN- home
EIGHT- home
ALL- home
As the last photo is taken, Lewis Miller and John Heyl Vincent step through the group. We notice that Lewis and Miller stand in sharp contrast to all the modern day dress.
The photo dissolves.
All exit leaving MILLER and VINCENT.
1874. Lewis Miller and John Heyl Vincent meet to discuss the formation of what will later become Chautauqua.
Characters: Lewis Miller and John Heyl Vincent
When: 1874
Where: an office
Miller- My friend.
Vincent- My friend.
Miller and Vincent- We meet again
(They shake hands.)
Miller- to move along these strategies
we’ve tossed about in conversation.
Vincent- A pleasure, sir, to come together.
A meeting of the heart and mind.
Miller- Hearts and minds well met, indeed…
Miller and Vincent- our hearts and minds well met.
(smiles, a breath)
Vincent- You and I, we both agree.
We share a commonality.
Miller and Vincent- Education is the key
to lift the soul from poverty–
Miller- both spiritual and monetary
Miller and Vincent- the two so closely intertwined
Miller- intertwined Vincent- so intertwined
Vincent- There is a yearning in the church.
Miller- A hunger in the land.
Vincent- A lack of education is a crisis of the soul …
Miller and Vincent- a natural, inalienable right
Vincent- My ministry has shown me this.
This “lack” creates such suffering.
And I believe we’re called to ease it.
Miller- Lighten up the heavy load.
Miller and Vincent- Together we might find a way
of lifting up our fellow man
Miller- and give back what was given us.
Miller- intertwined Vincent- so intertwined
Vincent- “For unto whomsoever much is given…”
Miller and Vincent- “…of him much will be required.”
Vincent- Kindred spirits, you and I.
Miller and Vincent- A brotherhood steadfast and true!
(a moment)
Miller- (with humor) It seems we have some work to do.
Miller and Vincent- a summer place
Vincent- a bible school
Miller- for education, recreation,
Vincent- family and community
Miller- Though perhaps, it’s quite ambitious,
I see opportunity.
Vincent- Through Christ, all things are possible.
Miller and Vincent- Through Christ, all things are possible.
Vincent- We are pilgrims, you and I.
This earth is just our inn.
Miller- Amen.
I’ve heard tell,
there is a place.
Bucolic spot along a Lake-
Chautauqua Lake, in rural New York.
A place that’s called Fair Point.
Vincent- Fair Point.
Miller- Perhaps we see it for ourselves?
Survey the landscape… take it in.
Explore a plan for our retreat?
What do say, my friend?
(offering hand)
Vincent- (taking hand) My friend.
Miller- the threshold of experiment
Vincent- the threshold of experiment
Miller and Vincent- And so the work begins.
MILLER and VINCENT’S handshake gives way to the NEWCOMER.
She reenters with a bag from the Chautauqua Bookstore. She walks unseen among them.
NEWCOMER- you can feel it–
really feel them,
all those strangers here before,
gentle traces left behind,
impressions of their hopes and dreams.
It gives this place identity.
But does this place belong to me?
Is there space for me?
I’m stepping through a door…
Miller and Vincent- Together we might find a way
NEWCOMER- a stranger
stepping through some door.
Miller and Vincent- and so the work begins
NEWCOMER- Open up this pilgrim’s heart
NEWCOMER and Miller and VINCENT-
Please open up my heart.
A WOMAN’s CHORUS dressed in white crosses the stage. They carry banners and garlands of flowers. The vision of MILLER and VINCENT is absorbed by the glorious procession. Their song is ethereal. Are they angels or are they women of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle moving towards the “Golden Gate”?
Meanwhile, the NEWCOMER walks among them reading her book on Chautauqua history.
NEWCOMER- (spoken/reading aloud from book) Every year, graduating members hold a procession through the tiny summer town. Dressed in white, garlands of flowers, the graduates move toward the Hall of Philosophy and the golden gates. The tradition is more than 140 years old.
GROUP ONE- past and present
GROUP TWO- distant future
All- sheltered by a summer sky
GROUP ONE- this place
GROUP TWO- this place
All- this summer place
where clouds and angels wander by
NEWCOMER (FIVE)- where clouds and angels wander by
ONE- another year
TWO- another song
THREE- something in me yearns for this
FOUR- this place, it pulls me back again
NEWCOMER (FIVE)- it’s beckoning
SIX- it’s whispering…
ALL- you’re home
you’re home
you’re home
ONE- where days are kind
TWO- and nights are sweet
ONE AND TWO- Where time slows down and cradles you
NEWCOMER (FIVE) AND SIX- it cradles me
ONE AND TWO- time cradles you
ALL- and we receive our life
NEWCOMER (FIVE)- my life
ALL- and we receive our life
The CHORUS exits, fully revealing NEWCOMER.
A NEWCOMER speaks to someone she’s met in Bestor Plaza. She’s a bit awkward.
NEWCOMER-
I’m new here.
Can you tell?
A woman stopped me at the gate,
said, ONE-
“Your first time?”
“It is.” I said.
I guess it’s pretty obvious.
“You’ll either love it or you won’t.” “You’ll either love it or you won’t.
They say there’s just no in between.”
“I have heard that.” I replied.
Then she smiled the biggest smile, said
“I really hope you love it here.
That’s my hope for you.”
“Hope”
‘Hope”… she really sort of sang the word.
“Hope” Hope.
The word, it sounds so generous.
“Hope” Hope.
(a moment. She is compelled to overshare.)
This is my first vacation by myself.
(a response)
Thank you! It feels... hopeful.
See, my husband died here recently and…
(a response)
That’s very kind. You’re very sweet.
I’m fairing well. I’m soldiering.
Navigating all the change.
Aren’t we all? So much change.
I just want to move Me forward.
For once it is just Me.
I never wanted to remarry.
Once was just enough.
(nervous correction)
I don’t mean it wasn’t lovely.
Twenty-seven lovely years.
But that part’s over. Chapter closed.
Now it’s me.
Only me.
Thrilling. Also terrifying.
My life’s become my own
and that’s a little overwhelming.
These days I’m asking,
“Who are you?”
“Do you really even know?”
Did you know before?
Husband gone, children grown
“Who are you now… all alone?”
The simple answer?
I don’t know.
(a breath)
Wife and mother, I fell in
happily and eagerly.
“wife” and “mother”
“wife” and “mother”
I disappeared inside those words.
Now here I am… come up for air,
learning how to breathe again.
I must admit the air is thin.
Hard to know where to begin
to shape a future from the past.
Which leads me to THIS place.
Catch my breath,
find myself
and fill that self with…
fill myself with… words? Other words, I guess.
Yes, I think that’s what I’m looking for.
Some brand new words to come to me
and sing to me
and dance with me
wear me like a silly hat
and tell just which to go.
‘Cause I am new here.
I am new.
Who knows who I’m meant to be?
As her story comes to a close, she is happily interrupted by a raucous choir of kids.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR-
Onward Boys Club, Onward Girls Club Full of life, and pep, and vigor Cheers forever, Solemn never That's our Boys Club (Girls Club) rap Rah! Rah! Rah! Onward Boys Club, Onward Girls Club If you're red or blue, We'll win our CBC's (CGC's) As we all hail to you......Hey!
All exit leaving MILLER and VINCENT.
MILLER and VINCENT have arrived on the shores of Chautauqua together for the first time. They begin to set up camp. Both men begin revealing more intimate details if their life as they work.
Miller- Safe and sound.
Here we are.
First impressions?
(They look around- contemplate.)
Vincent- As a wise man told me once…
Miller- Yes?
Vincent- “It seems we have some work to do.”
(They laugh together.)
Miller- As rustic as it gets.
(They look at the landscape)
Vincent- You must admit, it’s picturesque.
Miller- Just feel that sunlight on your skin.
Vincent- It really is quite beautiful.
Miller- Calls to mind my childhood home.
Strikes a chord so deep inside.
Vincent- For me as well… a deeper song.
Miller- Nature brings us safely home
Vincent- and opens up an eager heart.
NEWCOMER exits as they sing…
Miller- eager heart a pilgrim’s heart pilgrim’s heart a state of grace state of grace the breath of life breath of life the soul refreshed the soul renewed Miller- in preparation for…
Vincent- hard work. Campgrounds do not build themselves.
(they laugh again)
Vincent- I’ve been told you are a man who never shies from work.
Lewis Miller… “self-made man”. well-respected educator, inventor and philanthropist
(Miller chuckles)
Miller- I am not “self-made”.
No man alive is built of “self”. All I am
Vincent- all I am
Miller- and everything that’s come to pass,
Miller and Vincent- has come through grace and grace alone.
Miller- I joined the church when I was twelve. My stepmother, she willed it so. And through the church, subscription school, my horizons opened up. Read everything that I could read, language, science, botany… Ohio fields, and hills and streams, the laboratory of my dreams. The heart and mind awakened there
Miller and Vincent- hearts and minds awakened
Miller- And suddenly, I could see a life of curiosity.
Before all these awakenings, I think I lived inside the dark, Vincent- searching for the light, my friend.
Miller and Vincent- searching for the light.
Miller- So, no.
I am no… “self-made man”.
No man alive is built of “self”
Miller and Vincent- but by the Grace of God.
Vincent- It’s true.
Miller and Vincent- by the Grace of God.
Vincent- Unmerited, divine assistance, water springing from the rock mercy, pardon, clemency, benevolence, spontaneous,
Miller- unexpected, undeserved,
Vincent- but free IN all and free FOR all
who come to God on bended knee.
That was me.
Miller and Vincent- Yes, that was me.
Vincent- Brought up in a Godly home,
prayer the backbone our lives.
In scripture, doctrine, and in song,
as family, we all tarried there,
purpose, stillness, contemplation.
And yes, the words!
Miller and Vincent- Those blessed words!
Vincent- Shakespeare, Plutarch and the Psalms,
were shaping me into a man.
I shudder to imagine life
devoid of these essential gifts
history, theology,
Chaucer and geography
piano playing in our parlor,
breathing life into my soul.
Miller and Vincent- some life into the soul
Vincent- I believe, with all my heart that we’ve been called, both you and I, to create a better world,
Miller- to love our neighbors as ourselves,
Vincent- to gather blessings we’ve been given, Miller and Vincent- and share them in community, Miller- to feed this hunger of the mind. Vincent- “To whom much is given, much is required.”
Miller- “To whom much is given, much is required.”
Vincent- “Where two are gathered…
Miller- “Where two are gathered…
Miller and Vincent- God is in the midst of them.” (they look around, taking in the beauty of the landscape)
Miller and Vincent- God is in our midst. . Vincent- Horizons widen as we climb
Miller- and so we climb
Vincent- we climb
Miller and Vincent- we climb
(a breath)
Vincent- Can you sense it?
Miller- Yes. I can.
Vincent- a dream
Miller- a mission
Vincent and Miller- manifesting
Miller- And so…
Vincent and Miller- the work begins.
The image of MILLER and VINCENT is replaced by 19th century Chautauquans on a stroll at dusk.
The CHORUS strolls the grounds at sunset in full summer regalia: linen, lace, parasols, hats, etc. It’s a beautiful sight.
The visual is somewhat interrupted by the incongruity of our NEWCOMER. She sit on a bench in tennis shoes and a sun dress. She eats ice cream and stares out at the water in quiet contemplation.
ONE- losing time
TWO- and finding it
ALL- summer spills along the shore
ONE AND TWO- we found the life we all hoped for
ALL- the eloquence of August
THREE- quiet streets
NEWCOMER- and ice cream cones
FOUR- cottages like valentines
SIX- children weary from the heat
THREE AND FOUR- the afternoon begins retreat
ALL- the eloquence of August
SIX- dishes washed
SEVEN- our bellies full
EIGHT- shining, sun kissed, summer’s wake
SIX AND SEVEN– a steamboat pulls across the lake
NEWCOMER- and we all stop…
(a moment as they all watch the boat pass)
(a steam whistle)
EIGHT- to watch the vision gliding past
ALL- the eloquence of August
the eloquence of August
ONE- a fine sunset
TWO- a pleasant breeze
THREE AND FOUR- music blowing through the trees
SIX- My goodness, what a century!
SEVEN- My goodness, what a century!
EIGHT- My goodness, what a century!
ALL- My goodness, what a century!
NEWCOMER- I wonder what the future brings.
ALL- the eloquence of August
Characters: a love-drunk couple Where: the lawn just below the Athenaeum When: just before the turn of the century
Just before dusk. A young couple strolls across the grounds, near the shore, below The Athenaeum Hotel in Chautauqua, NY. A chaperone follows behind a few yards behind. Thomas Edison visits Chautauqua to oversee the first use of electric light inside the magnificent hotel.
Guy- Thank you for accompanying me this evening for our little stroll.
I thought it might be nice to watch the Athenaeum come to life.
Electric light! A miracle!
With Thomas Edison HIMSELF
somewhere in there… just inside!
Right inside one of those rooms!
Lucky us! Lucky day! Quite a lucky Century!
Edison has changed the world!
Girl- Perhaps we’ll catch a glimpse of Thomas
patting himself upon his back.
(She reluctantly catches herself.)
That was terse. Pardon me.
Guy- Not at all. Not at all.
Girl- I’m grateful for your invitation.
A stroll at dusk is just the thing to finish off a thoughtful day.
Chautauqua Lake is beautiful.
Guy- Chautauqua Lake was nothing much
until you stepped upon its shore.
(She stares at him with look of “Really? Don’t push your luck.”)
Guy- (changing the subject and pointing)
Over there. Beyond that oak.
How ‘bout we find a resting spot?
Ideal vista for the light show.
Girl- Ideal if you like those things.
Guy- I take it you are not impressed
by Edison’s great masterpiece.
Girl- Electricity a “masterpiece”?
How does that square with Mozart, sir?
Beethoven? Perhaps Chopin?
Guy- I’d say quite well, to tell the truth.
I never met a body yet that didn’t like electricity?
(He spreads out a blanket on the grass. He offers to help her sit.)
Girl- Like it? Yes.
Dazzled? No.
I shall miss the candlelight.
Modernity is masterful,
but I fear, (forgive the pun)
we’re blinded by the light sometimes.
Guy- (another subject change)
A bit balmy out tonight.
Girl- Your subject change is apropos.
Guy- I hate to be indelicate, but my suit coat is drenched clean through.
Would it be rude if I removed it?
Girl- Other men have shed their coats. (indicating)
It makes no difference to me.
Would that us ladies had the choice.
My Aunt, please note, might disagree.
(They both discretely look behind them at the chaperone following a stone’s throw away.)
Guy- Would your Aunt think me a brute?
(Her Aunt looks on admonishingly.)
Girl- That grizzled look’s an attribute.
Take it with a grain of salt.
Her face, I fear, was made that way…. perpetual, complete distain.
Guy- She’s watched me like a hawk all night.
Girl- Be afraid. Be quite afraid.
Ruthless with its prey, that hawk.
When Father sends in Aunt Bernice,
he’s sending in the cavalry.
Nothing gets past, Bernie dear.
Guy- A terrifying chaperone.
Girl- You should see her at canasta.
(They snicker.)
I wouldn’t fret. Not overly.
Your fate, I think, is not quite sealed.
You’ve several yards to stroll, just yet, to prove yourself gentleman.
Guy- Perhaps I’ll keep my jacket on.
Girl- A gentlemen that takes advice!
Your virtues vast and varied, sir.
Guy- You’re awful smart…and awful… bright.
Girl- And quite immune to flattery.
Which sometimes makes for awful dates
with awfully rude, presumptuous men.
(amending the statement.)
Present company excluded.
Guy- Thanks.
(a brief, but awkward silence)
Girl- I’m often seen as difficult.
My wit falls on deaf ears, sometimes.
Most men prefer I hold my tongue.
(She looks at him.)
But you seem to me, quite… different.
(He tips his hat.)
I find that when I hold my tongue
(which I do with frequency)
it makes me feel quite… counterfeit.
Guy- Well, I’m not fond of counterfeit.
Girl- Except, of course, electric light.
Counterfeit right to the core.
(They laugh.)
(They recover)
Your optimism is appealing.
But I wonder, “What of the night?”
And candlelight? The moon? And stars?
Will Thomas Alva Edison make ALL the magic disappear?
I think that it would break my heart.
Guy- And I THINK we are fortunate
to live in such a time as this.
Girl- Though progress can be dizzying.
Guy- But what a thing to see it unfold!
Terrifying, puzzling, magnificent and beautiful!
So very much like you.
(Suddenly, the lights come on inside The Athenaeum!
The lawn is a glow with electric light!)
Guy- Just look at that! Case in point!
The future takes my breath away!
Girl- Sweet darkness traded for the light.
Guy- What of the future do you fear?
Girl- Progress has a price, good sir.
I fear we will not know the cost
‘til what is lost… is lost forever.
Darkness is a memory.
Imagine that? Contrast lost.
It rather makes me melancholy.
(A sudden cascade of music interrupts the moment. The distant sound of music tumbles from The Amphitheatre towards the lovers by The Lake.)
But, listen there!
(She waits for the sound to set a bit.)
My favorite thing!
The music tumbling towards the shore!
The violins get caught somehow inside the trees and linger there.
Guy- Not unlike electric light!
Girl- Touché’
Guy- Music and electricity.
Electricity and ancient strings!
Girl- Past and present!
Guy- Old and new!
Both- The Century collides for us!
The Century collides.
Limbs are listening.
Leaves are trembling.
Music, holy in itself,
calls to holy…like to like.
And light will bridge the dusk ‘til night
and carry us ‘til dawn, my love
Carry us all ‘til dawn.
(They kiss.)
Both- Carry us ‘til dawn, my love.
Carry us ‘till dawn.
The NEWCOMER walks home after an evening concert. among them.
NEWCOMER- Chautauqua late at night.
Concert’s over. Bones so tired.
People saunter silently down narrow streets
and silent trees and little houses, side by side.
You catch a quiet conversation floating on the air.
You can feel the dream begin before you reach your bed.
The past and present seem to touch.
My past and present touch.
My past and present touch.
Early 1920s. A CHORUS OF CHAUTAUQUANS closes out a nighttime worship service with a kind of hymn. They light candles as they sing.
ALL-
We bless the moonlight, bless this nigh–
all souls who linger here.
Protect us till the morning comes.
In faith, please draw us near.
The night is kind, it gathers me.
It binds me to my life.
Your guiding hand, invisible,
arrests me from my strife.
The day is but a memory.
It barely leaves a trace.
My heart finds comfort in the stars
and wraps my soul in grace.
And so goodnight, yea gentle ones,
who sleep ‘neath dark’ning sky.
Together we shall dream new dreams
and meet ‘gain by and by.
Together we shall dream new dreams
and meet ‘gain by and by.
The CHORUS blows out their candles one by one.
The NEWCOMER is crawling into her bed as she closes with:
NEWCOMER-
The music ends. I’m not alone.
The night becomes the song.
Please sing me to a milder place...
a sense that I belong.
I’m stepping through a door…
I’m stepping through a door…
NEWCOMER falls asleep, giving way to a YOUNG WOMAN. She is alone in her bedroom.
Character: A young woman
When: 1929
Where: Chautauqua. Night. A moonlit bedroom.
Amelia Earhart has arrived in Chautauqua. After a full day of speaking, meeting, greeting, Amelia has retired to her room at the Athenaeum Hotel for a night’s sleep. Though Amelia rests, the YOUNG WOMAN across the way cannot. Instead, she stares longingly out the second story window, a short distance from the Athenaeum Hotel. She looks, in particular, toward what she imagines to be Amelia’s window. As dawn approaches, has an imagined conversation with her hero.
YOUNG WOMAN- When you touched down along the lake
I thought my heart might leap right out
and flop awhile upon the shore.
Afternoon…the Amphitheatre… baited breath upon your words,
tales of Trans-Atlantic flight have sent me in a tailspin since
and I can’t think of anything
or anyone
but you.
Day has passed.
Night recedes.
Soon morning spills across the lake.
“the sound of wings” inside my head-
just will not stop.
They will not stop.
How could a body sleep at all when you are near, Amelia…Amelia.
Over there. Across the lawn.
“Just for a day or two”, they say,
before you’re off into the sky
to fly again to God knows where.
Meanwhile, I imagine you
fast asleep inside your dreams,
an Athenaeum upper room.
If only I could wake you now-
underhand… a tiny stone…a “click” upon your windowpane
to let you know that I’m below there,
looking up.
I’m looking up.
Some girls say their prayers at night
and sit up straight
and bat their eyes
like Kewpie dolls
for all to see.
But that’s not me.
That’s just not me.
Some girls, they sew and knit and fuss
and fit inside the world just so,
and rest their hands upon their lap
their futures mapped without consent
meant simply to be well behaved
enslaved for life by circumstance,
a game of chance,
the great expanse alluding them,
evading them.
But that’s not me.
And that’s not you, Amelia…Amelia.
When I was just a little girl,
knees all skinned and tangled hair
I’d hide inside the summer grass
to watch the grand parade of clouds…
a show up there,
framed out in blue
with gentle fingers tracing shapes
of all the clouds that stayed awhile…
an elephant, a circus clown,
a host of angels staring down.
I’d lie there sometimes all day long
until the winds dispersed the white,
erased the visions from my sight
to leave me dreaming all alone.
“Head in the clouds!” my Father says,
as if it were a sin to dream…
to set the mind towards reverie.
Pull from the azure something true!
From mystery… veracity!
A rendezvous with destiny!
We look for answers in the sky!
Just like the scripture tells us too.
And you do too!
You do too!
You crack the firmament in two
with engine roar and dauntlessness!
Audacity, totality!
My Lady Lindy majesty, Amelia…Amelia
If only I could go with you.
If only we could fly away.
For dinner with some dignitaries,
ticker tapes and tea and talks
with kings and queens on foreign shores,
for aviatrix altitude,
our solemn séance with the blue!
Please take me with you!
Take me with you!
Take me far away from this!
And lift me towards the sky!
Such courage stirs inside me now,
though sleepless staring at the night.
For I know what I’m looking for…
to climb to where the fearless go,
where all discord subsides below,
where hosts of angels looking down
are not above, but all around, Amelia…Amelia.
The aria gives way to another room, another time. The NEWCOMER remains sleeping as the scene happens around her.
Characters:
IDA TARBELL teacher, author, investigative journalist, self-proclaimed “foremost muckraker”, suffragist, managing editor of The Chautauquan.
KATE KIMBALL ‘Mother Superior” of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. She was responsible for advancing it nationwide.
MRS TALBOT and MRS. McNEIL letter writers and CLSC home students
JOHN HEYL VINCENT- presents fragments of a speech
When: 1886
Where: Chautauquan office, late at night.
As the editor of The Chautauquan it’s IDA’s duty to take on the arduous and time-consuming job of correspondence with the reading circles and the over 25,000 individual Chautauquan readers across the U.S. She was passionate about the nature of her personal correspondence with each individual. IDA sits at her desk in the wee hours painstakingly answering letters. Her associate catches her still working.
KATE- Heavens woman, you’re still here?
I feared you were a pilferer.
(IDA puts aside the letter she was reading.)
IDA- I’ve kept my lamplight trimmed and burning
as long as I could nearly bear.
KATE- To bed with you! I insist.
Office hours are long since done!
IDA- I know, but look.
Look at these!
(holds up letters)
Dozens of them, every day.
Letters, hundreds piling up.
And I’ve been charged with correspondence.
So here am I…
I’m… corresponding.
KATE- There are limitations, Ida
IDA- I know. I know. I know. I know.
But every letter is…
KATE- compelling…
yes, I am well aware.
And what they lack in scholarship, they make up with…
IDA AND KATE- heart.
(IDA picks up letters, looking at addresses)
IDA- Pennsylvania, Oregon, Mississippi, Illinois…
Men and women, sparks ignited, all across the nation.
KATE- They’re flocking to the reading courses.
Many barely literate.
IDA- Caught between the work of life
and all the things they long to be.
KATE- Chautauqua offers them some hope.
IDA- More than that… salvation.
Here’s one woman,
Mrs…
(grabs letter, finds the name)
Talbot. TALBOT-
(reading the letter) Dear Chautauquan,
Greetings, friend.
Your courses are a blessing to me.
“Reading means the world. Reading means the world.
But no one ever learned me how.” But no one ever learned me how.
So, I teach myself.
I go slow. But work real hard.
I learn my words at night, alone,
my family falling fast asleep.
With your help I am improving
“I am improving every day.” I am improving every day.
Bless you, friend.
(hands KATE the letter)
God, bless.
KATE- Her hand so awkward…
IDA- tentative.
But earnest to the bone.
And here’s another
a Mrs. McNeil: McNEIL-
My husband, he DOES NOT approve. My husband, he DOES NOT approve.
And yet she still persists And yet I still persist.
Perhaps I am a Philistine,
Your home courses give me hope. But your home courses give me hope.
My husband needs me for the farm.
We have no children of our own.
I do my course work when I can.
In fact, today I read a book In fact, today I read my book
while pushing right behind the plow. while pushing right behind the plow.
Where there’s a will, there is a way.
IDA- Thousands writing every day!
KATE- Circulation 20,000.
IDA- And so the ripples spread.
KATE-They do.
IDA and KATE- And so the ripples spread.
IDA- I so understand this zeal.
Women, burning, on a mission.
Passion, courage, strength and action,
intellect, authority.
I am built of all these things,
a force that’s to be reckoned with.
KATE- Yes. You are.
IDA AND KATE- Without a doubt.
IDA- But do you know what’s driving me?
KATE- What?
IDA- The future has to serve us all, Kate.
The future,
it must serve us all
or the future’s not worth having.
That’s the mission.
That’s my fight.
Optimism with some teeth.
These letters, they ignite.
(a slight cool down)
And yet.
KATE- And yet.
IDA- A fear in me persists.
Even though I see this progress,
feel momentum every day.
I also know that it could change.
Change before we even know it, Kate,
if we are not vigilant.
We could lose it,
just… like… that.
(she snaps her fingers)
Can you sense that too?
KATE- I do.
IDA- That is why I cannot sleep.
Even without all these letters,
I’d be tossing in my bed.
KATE- Lamplight trimmed and burning.
IDA- Yes.
IDA AND KATE- Lamplight trimmed and burning.
(KATE gathers up stacks of letters)
KATE- All this need. Who would have guessed it?
IDA- Me.
I did.
I remember.
I was there when it was proposed.
I was just a little girl.
August in the Amphitheatre,
wooden benches, aching backs,
and John Heyl Vincent standing there.
His speech was inspirational.
VINCENT-
All denominations come.
young and old,
Jew and Gentile,
bond and free,
black and white
work or trade
and all opinions
all God’s children welcome here
ALL-
All God’s children welcome.
IDA and KATE- And so the ripples spread.
IDA- That day hope was set in motion.
I so recall those upturned faces.
I can almost see them now.
ALL-
Women’s faces in the sunlight.
The sky, it seems to open up.
The sense of hope is palpable.
“all are welcome”
IDA- was the message.
Is the message, still.
ALL-
All denominations, come.
young and old,
Jew and Gentile,
bond and free,
black and white
work and trade
and all opinions
All God’s children welcome here.
IDA- An idea with vitality.
Visionary,
KATE- bold,
IDA- assertive–
especially for Methodists,
(a chuckle)
ALL-
all are welcome
all are welcome
women’s faces in the light
sense of hope is palpable
so the ripples spread
all the ripples spread
IDA- But will this vision last, dear Kate?
(a breath)
This is what I ask myself.
Can the vision hold?
Not for me, for everyone.
ALL-
all are welcome
all are welcome
IDA- Can the vision hold?
That’s what keeps me up at night.
KATE AND IDA- That’s what keeps the lamplight burning.
KATE- Shall I join you?
IDA- Yes, you may.
(KATE pulls up a chair. The two ladies sit down together and work.
Morning comes.)
Newspaper kid- (spoken)
GET YOUR CHATAUQUA DAILY!
GET YOUR CHAUTAUQUA DAILY!
GET YOUR CHAUTAUQUA DAILY!
Our NEWCOMER is leaving Chautauqua. Her bag is packed. She grabs one last Chautauqua Daily from the seller. She connects one last time with the acquaintance she met upon arrival.
NEWCOMER-
Good morning.
(a little wave)
I thought I saw you sitting there.
I’m afraid this is goodbye.
I’m leaving here at noon.
I know. I’m sad.
Don’t get up! No, really. Don’t.
I just thought I’d wish you well
and thank you so for listening.
You were very generous
when I spoke to you last week.
I think I was a bit off balance.
I hope I didn’t seem too crazy.
(a breath, a laugh)
This week has been a balm for me.
All the lectures, all the classes,
the play, ballet, the symphony!
My goodness, that was something else.
An embarrassment of riches.
And speaking of embarrassment
I’m embarrassed to admit it…
(sotto voce)
I saw my first opera!
Can you believe that?
YES, it’s true!
And, oh, that singer? At the end?
My goodness, she was devastating!
Her voice was just so powerful.
Like something from another world!
And you know… it made me wonder,
“What… must… that… be… like?
What is it like to make that sound?
How must that feel inside of you?
And then to feel the sound escape…
come falling out into the air,
and filling up the night like that.
I mean, my God,
can you imagine?
How must that feel?
How must it feel?
How must it feel to be so free!
(collects herself)
Yes. This place is… something else.
I really think I’m breathing now.
I also think I found my words.
So many washing over me.
Now, I’m not sure I “found myself”
or know exactly who I am,
but I know I’m closer now.
So much closer.
So much closer.
And filled with curiosity.
I am new here.
I am new.
My husband would be proud.
God willing, I’ll be back.
I’ll come back some other year.
Until then, friend, goodbye.
Miller and Vincent-
I’ve heard tell, there is a place.
ALL-
some time for time…some time for time
Miller and Vincent-
bucolic spot along a Lake-
ALL-
some time for time…some time for time
35
Miller and Vincent-
Chautauqua Lake, in rural New York.
All-
this place
this place
this summer place
Miller-
Perhaps we see it for ourselves?
Survey the landscape…
All-
take it in.
Miller and Vincent-
Explore a plan for our retreat?
All-
this place where I have found a home
Miller-
What do say, my friend?
(offering hand)
Vincent-
(taking hand)
My friend.
Miller and Vincent-
the threshold of experiment
the threshold of experiment
NEWCOMER-
I am new here.
I am new.
ALL-
You’re home.
NEWCOMER-
I’m home
ALL-
YOU’RE HOME
Leadership and Staff:
General & Artistic Director: Steven Osgood
Arts Marketing Specialist: Makayla Santiago-Froebel
Music Administrator/Chorus Master: Carol Rausch
Director of Production: Michael Baumgarten
Manager: Helen Hassinger
Office Manager: Vivian Hunt
Company Scheduler: Rick Hoffenberg
Marketing Associate: Julia Gorske
Opera Guild Intern: Michael Burns
PAVA Intern: Elliot Borden
Music Staff:
Coach/Pianists: Carol Rausch, Allison Voth, Rick Hoffenberg