Rufus and Rita

SKU: PR.441410300

ISBN 9781491111512. UPC: 680160667543. 9 x 12 inches. Lauren Bernofsky.

RUFUS AND RITA is an adorable, light-hearted opera about a girl and her zany dog, commissionedby Reimagining Opera for Kids for in-school performances. The libretto features several forks in theroad where the audience votes on what should happen next. The opera is scored for four singersof any voice range, plus piano; there is also an expanded version for chamber ensemble.
RUFUS AND RITA is a light-hearted opera for young audiences, scored for fouradult singers of any voice type. Singers may adjust octaves as necessary, soany part may be sung by a male or female voice.A chamber version of the accompaniment is also available from TheodorePresser Company (441-41031), scored for a flexible-instrumentation ensembleof piano with any two treble instruments and one bass instrument.* * *RUFUS AND RITA contains many improvised elements, from spoken dialogueto improvised vocal parts. Instructions are given throughout the score. Theduration is approximately 30 minutes, depending on the length of theimprovised sections.The libretto is flexible – at several points in the show, the audience votes onwhat happens next, from choices given by a narrator. Some musical numbers,as well as props and set accessories, are determined by the choice. Forinstance, if the audience votes for Rufus to have found a dog biscuit, then 2a.The Dog Treat is performed (and 2b. Fido's Lament is omitted.) The pianistmay serve as the narrator, who announces what is being voted on and talliesthe vote by observing a show of hands.* * *Thanks to Mary Alice Cox, D.V.M., for her expertise regarding the medical careof Rufus in “The Cure” and to Susan Archibald for her editorial comments.Thanks, also, to Felissa Elfenbein for permission to use her zucchini dog treatrecipe.My everlasting thanks to my editor, Daniel Dorff, for his faith in my music.Finally, my deepest gratitude to Kim Carballo and the cast of ReimaginingOpera for Kids, who helped me develop the opera into its final version.