Myrtle Bush by Lukas Sayko
Adelaide had it with teaching whiney rich kids. Lydia was tired of airports and opera houses. They made a change. They met a few new friends along the way. And now they are the Melomaniacs of Myrtle Bush.
LIBRETTO
CHARACTERS
Adelaide Goldsworthy: President of Myrtle Bush Registered Music Teachers’ Association (MBRMTA)
Lydia: Successful Opera Singer
Maria: Devoted Chorister
Steve Pena: Brazilian-American Folksinger
Opening Titles:
Adelaide Goldsworthy
Just try and cross me—I’ll play you like million-dollar Steinway
Lydia
If you think opera’s dull, this soprano’s about to rock your world
Maria
I never talk about money, but I’ll talk about St. Matthew’s Passion until I’m blue in the face
Steve Pena
I’ve got three passports: one to Brazil, one to the US, and one to your heart!
We are the Real Melomaniacs of Myrtle Bush
EPISODE 1: A LITTLE BAR IN RECIFE
Steve Pena sings “Corcovado” by Jobim
Steve Pena:
It’s time to go. Feels like I just got here. I love you all. Muito amor. Beijos.
This is a new one. It’s for you.
Sings “Adeus, Recife”
EPISODE 2: THE MBRMTA GALA
Adelaide Goldsworthy is being acknowledged for 40 years of service with the Myrtle Beach Registered Music Teachers Association. All her friends and colleagues are in attendance. She delivers her speech from the piano, tying in excerpts from her most cherished pieces.
Adelaide Goldsworthy:
It’s an honour to see all of you here.
I would not be here if not for your constant support for this organization.
Many of you were previously my students—and some were even students of my students.
I thank you.
I had not early mentors to speak of.
It was a wilderness, a slog.
Plays Bach
I got married young. I got divorced a decade later. I was broke.
Plays Pentland
Forced to run myself ragged,
Driving around the neighborhood to teach spoiled little brats.
Plays Gershwin
I dreamed of something better for myself.
I got my piano teaching diploma.
I became the teacher I never had.
A great teacher.
Plays Mozart
And my studio grew.
I couldn’t keep up with demand.
I learned to how run a successful home business.
I became rich and happy.
Plays Kinder Study
I joined this organization.
I served on the executive.
I became president.
I watched the power of music transform Myrtle Bush into a bastion of health and joy.
Plays Liszt
EPISODE 3: VERDI’S “AIDA” AT THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
Lydia plays the role of “Aida”, a role which she is internationally known for. Her wife Maria and children are in the crowd. The opera is near its end. Aida and Radames bid the earth goodbye, soon to be sealed in their tomb.
EPISODE 4: MARIA AND LYDIA’S VILLA IN TORQUAY
Lydia:
I started with pop and music theatre.
Under the tutelage of Senhora Salifinati I discovered I had a world-class opera voice.
I completed my formal studies at Southern Secular University.
I won every competition.
I was offered contracts by a dozen German opera houses.
I had the life of a globe-trotting opera star for a time.
But something was missing!
Asked God to rekindle my spark, that original love for music!
And I discovered the Elton John/Tim Rice reworking of Aida!
What a dream to be rehearsing here in Torquay.
Thank you for joining us as the accompanist Adelaide.
I wanted to get a head start before the company began their rehearsal period.
It’s been a long time since I’ve sung musical theatre!
I’ll be starring opposite a Brazilian Folksinger.
It’s marvelous!
Maria:
Oh, my darling, before we begin, can we sing the No72 Chorale from St. Matthew’s Passion.
There’s something enchanting about singing it here, in Torquay, the property we bought to commemorate our high school choir trip, when we were so in love, but so closeted.
It was many years later at a performance of St. Matthew’s Passion, where you were the Soprano soloist and I was in the choir, that our love was consummated.
No one in the 90s could have imagined a couple lesbians would have such a beautiful family and a legitimate place in society!
Of course it helped that I became hilariously wealthy when my husband passed away.
Adelaide, can you manage the Alto? I think I can cover the tenor.
They sing No72 from St. Matthew’s Passion: “Wenn ich einmal soll scheiden”
EPISODE 5: JOHN/RICE’S “AIDA” AT BROADWAY SAN FRANCISCO
Lydia plays the role of “Aida” Steve Pena plays the role of “Radames”. Maria and Adelaide are in the front row, beaming. The opera is near its end. Aida and Radames bid the earth goodbye, soon to be sealed in their tomb.
