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Home , Daniel Belcher, Du Yun, Heidi Stober, Opera Colorado, Royce Vavrek

WORLD PREMIERE The House without a Christmas Tree MUSIC BY LIBRETTO BY

HOUSTON GRAND BRADLEY MOORE Live Recording The Wortham Theater Center Contents

Track Information 8 Houston Grand Opera 9 Cast 10 ’s Biography 14 Librettist’s Biography 16 Conductor’s Biography 18 A Note from Gail Rock 20 Synopsis 21 Libretto 24 Acknowledgments 66 HGO Company Credits 67 American Series 68 Premium Sound and Outstanding Artists 70

Addie’s Dad (Daniel Belcher) relives his last Christmas with his wife, Helen (). 4 5 The House without a Christmas Tree A Chamber Opera in One Act Based on The House without a Christmas Tree, a book by Gail Rock

Music by Ricky Ian Gordon | Libretto by Royce Vavrek

Commissioned by Houston Grand Opera Premiered by Houston Grand Opera, December 2017

The Houston Grand Opera and Juvenile Chorus Bradley Moore, Conductor James Robinson, Director Allen Moyer, Set Designer James Schuette, Costume Designer Christopher Akerlind, Lighting Designer Karen Reeves, Juvenile Chorus Director Kirill Kuzmin, Music Preparation Jonathan Gmeinder, Music Preparation

Addie (Lauren Snouffer) sits in bewildered silence as her father, James (Daniel Belcher) demands that she get rid of the Christmas tree she won at school. 7 The House without a Christmas Tree Houston Grand Opera A Chamber Opera in One Act With its first season in 1955–56, without a Christmas Tree was HGO’s 1 Prologue 4.51 Houston Grand Opera (HGO) set 64th world premiere. 2 Scene 1 7.38 the tone for its future, staging two 3 Interlude 1: Snowballs 2.23 performances each of the still- Houston Grand Opera’s ongoing 4 Scene 2: After Dinner 13.04 shocking Salome and the repertoire mission is to advance the operatic 5 Scene 3: Caroling 4.16 staple Madame Butterfly. From that art form to serve an ever-evolving 6 Scene 4: Best Friends 2.24 modest beginning, HGO has become audience. The company continues to 7 Scene 5: School Christmas 6.04 one of the largest, most innovative, present standard repertoire in fresh, 8 Interlude 2: Journey of the Christmas Tree, Part 1 1.42 and most highly acclaimed opera new ways and also to produce new 9 Piano Interlude 1 0.31 companies in the . It is works that inspire future generations 10 Scene 6: The House with a Christmas Tree 10.31 jointly led by Patrick Summers, artistic of opera lovers, both in the diverse city 11 Piano Interlude 2 0.23 and music director, and Perryn Leech, of Houston and also globally through 12 Scene 7: Gentle Wisdom 4.36 managing director. technology. 13 Interlude 3: Journey of the Christmas Tree, Part 2 2.40 14 Scene 8: A Gift, Not Charity 2.29 HGO is perhaps best known as the The company is the recipient of a Tony 15 Scene 9: Nativity 3.32 record-holder among opera companies Award, two Grammy Awards, and 16 Piano Interlude 3 0.30 for commissioning and premiering new three Emmy Awards, and is the only 17 Scene 10: A Surprise for Addie 5.42 works as a means of creating a young, opera company in the world to win all American voice in opera. The House three honors. Total playing time: 73.27

8 9 Cast (in order of vocal appearance) Houston Grand Opera Juvenile Chorus

Adelaide Mills/Miss Thompson/Helen Mills Karen Reeves, Juvenile Chorus Director Heidi Stober Solomon Alhakeem “Addie” Mills Alina Dong Lauren Snouffer Emily Hansen Jackie Hickman Grandma Mills Sean Holshouser Patricia Schuman Aidan Leake Elisabeth Leone Carla Mae Maximillian Macias Megan Mikailovna Samarin Christian Mathews Antonio Teodoro Billy Wild Riley Vagis Maximillian Macias Mallory Williams

Gloria Cott Elisabeth Leone

James Addison Mills III (“Dad”) Daniel Belcher

10 11 Houston Grand Opera Orchestra

Violin Denise Tarrant, Concertmaster Sarah and Ernest Butler Concertmaster Chair Natalie Gaynor, Principal Second Violin Carrie Kauk, Assistant Principal Second Violin Viola Eliseo Rene Salazar, Principal Cello Barrett Sills, Principal Double bass Dennis Whittaker, Principal Flute Christina Medawar, Acting Principal Oboe Elizabeth Priestly Siffert, Principal Clarinet Sean Krissman, Principal Eric Chi Bassoon Amanda Swain, Principal French horn Sarah Cranston, Principal Kimberly Penrod Minson Trumpet Aaron Schuman, Acting Principal Trombone Thomas Hultén, Principal Percussion Richard Brown, Principal Harp Joan Eidman, Principal Piano Jonathan Gmeinder Music Librarian Aspen McArthur

Addie (Lauren Snouffer) appears as the Angel in her school Christmas pageant.

12 13 Ricky Ian Gordon, composer

American composer Ricky Ian Gordon Signature Theatre; The Grapes of has composed two previous operas Wrath (libretto by Michael Korie), for HGO: A Coffin in Egypt, written for premiered by the Minnesota Opera in Frederica von Stade (2014, with libretto 2007 and a new version premiered by by Leonard Foglia, also performed at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in 2017; The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Green Sneakers: for , String Performing Arts, Opera Philadelphia, Quartet, and Empty Chair (libretto Chicago Opera Theatre, and Lincoln by the composer), a theatrical song Center), and The Tibetan Book of the cycle premiered by the Miami String Dead (1996, with Jean Claude van Quartet; the song cycle Orpheus Itallie). Gordon’s catalog also includes and Euridice for Lincoln Center; My Morning Star (libretto by William Life with Albertine (with Richard Hoffman) for the Cincinnati Opera, Nelson) for Playwright’s Horizons; with a new version that premiered Night Flight to San Francisco and in March 2018 for On Site Opera; 27 Antarctica (for Renée Fleming), (libretto by Royce Vavrek) for Opera both set to text from Tony Kushner’s Theatre of Saint Louis and also Angels in America; Dream True performed in a new choral version (with Tina Landau) for the Vineyard commissioned by Master Voices at City Theatre; States of Independence Center in New York; Rappahannock (also with Landau) for the American County (libretto by Mark Campbell) for Music Theatre Festival; and Only the Harrison Opera House; Sycamore Heaven for Encompass Opera. Trees (libretto by composer) for The

14 15 Royce Vavrek, librettist

Royce Vavrek is a Grande Prairie, (Naamah’s Ark). Vavrek is co-artistic Canada–born, Brooklyn-based director of The Coterie, an opera- librettist and lyricist whose opera theater company founded with Angel’s Bone with composer Tony-nominated soprano Lauren was awarded the for Worsham. The company is currently Music. He made his HGO debut in 2015 developing a series of short films that with HGOco’s world premiere of will operatically adapt Aaron Teel’s O Columbia (composer Gregory novella-in-flash Shampoo Horns into Spears). He is also known for his six installments, each composed diverse collaborations with by a different composer, a project Ricky Ian Gordon (27); David T. Little supported by the Canada Council (Dog Days, Am I Born, JFK); Missy for the Arts’ New Chapter program. Mazzoli (Song from the Uproar, He holds a BFA in filmmaking and Breaking the Waves, Proving Up); creative writing from Concordia Joshua Schmidt (Midwestern Gothic); University, Montreal, and an MFA from Paola Prestini (Yoani, The Hubble the Graduate Musical Theater Writing Cantata); Matt Marks (A Song for Program at . Wade [This is Not That Song], Strip He is an alumnus of American Mall); (Knoxville: Summer Lyric Theater’s Composer Librettist of 2015); Mikael Karlsson (Diana Development Program. Vreeland); and Marisa Michelson

16 17 Bradley Moore, conductor

Conductor, coach, and pianist Bradley Festival, Paris Opera, Canadian Opera Moore was HGO’s associate music Company, and , director from 2015 to 2018. While at among others. Moore has performed HGO, he conducted performances with mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton at of La traviata (2017); HGOco’s world the Toronto Summer Music Festival, premiere of Some Light Emerges , Frankfurt Opera, the (2017); The Little Prince (2015); and Kennedy Center, and other venues; performances of The Elixir of Love they also joined Angela Meade in (2016), Tosca (2015–16), and The Magic recital at the U.S. Supreme Court. Flute (2014–15). He also served as Moore has collaborated with Renée pianist for HGO’s Eleanor McCollum Fleming and Susan Graham at Competition Concert of Arias. He Carnegie Hall and on several national conducted The Cunning Little Vixen, tours, and enjoys partnerships with Dead Man Walking, and The Crucible Christine Goerke, Alice Coote, Eric at the Miami Music Festival; he has Cutler, Eric Owens, and clarinetist conducted Madame Butterfly at the Julian Bliss. TV appearances include Castleton Festival and The Barber of performing live on A Prairie Home Seville at and has Companion with Renée Fleming and worked on the music staffs of the Yo-Yo Ma. , the Salzburg

18 19 A Note from Gail Rock Synopsis Author of the book The House without a Christmas Tree PROLOGUE to put on their snowsuits and play When I wrote about a childhood I’ve been an opera fan for years, and It is the holiday season. Adelaide Mills, outside, where a snowball fight breaks memory in 1972 for a TV special, I I know how extraordinary the entire a writer living in New York, happens out between the boys and the girls. could not have imagined that my House without a Christmas Tree cast upon a Christmas-themed department story would become an opera 45 years is. Bravo all! store window that transports her back SCENE 2 later. Houston Grand Opera Artistic to her hometown in Nebraska and a Addie has decided to ask Dad and Music Director Patrick Summers I also know what a heroic effort HGO special Christmas 20 years before. one more time if they can have a had remembered The House without Managing Director Perryn Leech Christmas tree, so at Grandma’s a Christmas Tree from his childhood and the staff made to create a new SCENE 1 suggestion, she waits until after and set the wheels in motion. I was performance venue when Hurricane In Adelaide’s memory, her younger self, dinner. Dad replies that Addie doesn’t delighted when HGO commissioned Harvey forced them to relocate on the Addie, tries on an angel costume that need a tree, but they make a bet: if the highly regarded team of composer spur of the moment. They not only Grandma is making for her to wear Addie can drink a glass “full” of water, Ricky Ian Gordon and librettist Royce conjured up a wonderful opera venue in a Christmas pageant. After the he’ll get a tree. When Addie does it, he Vavrek to create the opera. in a giant convention-center box, they costume has been fitted, Addie and told her she drank the glass “empty” filled it with a beautiful holiday gift her best friend, Carla Mae, decorate and thus lost the bet. Addie is enraged I traveled from California to join for me and all music lovers. I hope this hard-boiled eggs to represent boys and Grandma scolds him for his cruel family and friends in Houston for the recording will find its way into many a they “hate.” Carla Mae suddenly asks trick. Grandma points out that it isn’t premiere. What a thrill for an off-key Christmas stocking in years to come. why the Mills’s Christmas tree hasn’t Addie’s fault he is still grieving the loss Glee Club alto to hear the brilliant been put up yet. Addie makes up an of his wife, Addie’s mother. soprano Lauren Snouffer the —Gail Rock excuse—she is embarrassed that her beautiful words and music as “me”! father won’t allow a Christmas tree SCENE 3 in the house. Sensing an awkward At school, preparations for Christmas moment, Grandma tells the girls are in high gear. Miss Thompson, the

20 21 teacher, announces a gift exchange SCENE 6 SCENE 8 SCENE 10 and the children practice singing Grandma and Addie decorate the In the morning, Dad asks Addie where When Addie, Grandma, and Dad carols. Later, the children come tree. At night, when he thinks he is the tree is. Addie replies that she took return from the pageant, Addie sees a caroling at the Mills home. Grandma is alone, Dad turns on the Christmas it to the Cotts’ front yard. Dad seems huge, beautiful, undecorated pine tree touched, but Dad doesn’t react at all. tree lights and remembers his last to be having second thoughts. in the living room. The house now looks Christmas with his wife. Addie sneaks like Christmas. Grandma has brought SCENE 4 out of her room to watch him. When SCENE 9 in the old ornaments, and Dad crowns Addie and Carla Mae are doing Addie comes down the stairs, Dad Addie and her schoolmates get ready the tree with a star made by his wife. homework in Addie’s room. They explodes and tells her she must get for the annual Christmas pageant. fantasize about their future and the tree out of his house. Grandma Gloria Cott, dressed as a cow, thanks EPILOGUE discuss what they want for Christmas. tells him again that his grief is not Addie for the tree. Addie is wearing Back in New York, the grown-up Addie’s fault and that he will drive the heart pendant from Billy Wild, Adelaide smiles as she recalls how that SCENE 5 her away. who notices. They wish each other Christmas 20 years ago changed her In the school gift exchange, Addie is good luck before going onstage for the family forever. embarrassed to receive a heart pendant SCENE 7 pageant. from Billy Wild. Miss Thompson doesn’t Grandma tries to comfort Addie, want to leave the class Christmas who still doesn’t understand the true tree in the room over the vacation, reason for her father’s anger. She so she decides to give it to someone reaches Addie. When Grandma and whose family has no tree. Addie and Dad have gone to sleep, Addie slips out another girl, Gloria Cott, are the only of the house and lugs the tree to Gloria ones without a tree, so Miss Thompson Cott’s house. She rings the doorbell devises an impromptu contest to and runs away. determine a winner. Addie wins, and Carla Mae helps her get the tree home.

22 23 Libretto but could never find an excuse to stop. SCENE 1 2 Addie Not where I grew up— Clear River, Nebraska, 20 years ago. Where does it say that angels wear old

PROLOGUE 1 Clear River, Nebraska, Addie, a pre-teen girl, stands on an bed sheets? New York City, Christmas Eve. Population: 1,500. ottoman as her Grandma, a kooky- Adelaide Mills, a woman in her mid-30s, I often think of that little town looking woman trapped in an earlier Carla Mae begins to tell her story. At this time of year… decade, works with needle and thread They’re just fat gnomes with spiritual Of the snowdrifts and the icicles, at the hem of her angel costume. delusions… Adelaide Of the gingerbread and holiday parties. Addie’s best friend Carla Mae sits at That’s what my Aunt Patty Jo says, I’m a writer now, I can still hear the table with books out and a snack And she went to state college! I live and work in New York City. the carolers singing. in front of her. A landscape of concrete and noise, Addie Far, far away from the little town Carolers Addie I bet they’re very colorful. Where I grew up— Gather ‘round the Christmas tree… “I bring great news, Or they wear silk… Clear River, Nebraska, Gather ‘round the Christmas tree… And great joy! Or run around bare naked! Population: 1,500. Evergreen have its branches been, In Bethlehem, here! Clear River was surrounded by It is king of all the woodland scene. A baby, wrapped in cloths, Grandma cornfields is lying in a manger, Addie! And cattle and a wide-open sky. Adelaide He is your , The only house worth noting, I often think of that little town, He is your savior!” Addie The Anderson’s house, And a Christmas there 20 years ago: I’m not convinced, Grandma! Grandma, are you trying to stab me Stood imposing Just my grandma, my father, and me… Has anybody actually seen one? with the needle? At just three stories high... How can we be sure this is what an Main Street just a handful of stores, a angel looks like? Grandma bank, a post office, Mr. Brady’s shop. You’re a fidgeter, Addie. Trains roared through, whistling by, Grandma The Bible tells all about them. 24 Prologue Scene 1 25 Addie Addie and Carla Mae I fidget when you poke. Delmer Doakes, Egghead! Grandma Yes you do! Addie And I poke because you fidget. Carla Mae, All done. Your talent for egg portraits amazes me! Addie I’m making my egg a freckle-face, Carla Mae, how’s your egghead? With a red runny nose, A bum in his chin… Carla Mae And this is his lazy left eye. Showing Addie a design on her hard- I hate hate hate, boiled egg I hate this guy.

I’ve given mine a large forehead, Addie and Carla Mae Two tiny specks for eyes, Billy Wild, The pudgiest cheeks, Egghead. And one little lonely, lopside dimple, And that dot is a pimple. Carla Mae It’s the smirk that gives him away…

Addie Grandma (Patricia Schuman) works at her sewing Ready? machine while Addie (Lauren Snouffer, standing) and her friend Carla Mae (Megan Mikailovna Samarin) paint “faces” on eggs. 26 27 Carla Mae Wrinkle him up real good… Carla Mae Addie Ready. Make him look like he’s 107! How come you haven’t got your Not when they’re out there. Christmas tree up yet? Addie and Carla Mae Addie Grandma Smash! That’s the spirit, Carla Mae! Addie Who’s out there? Delmer Doakes, egghead! We don’t want one. Smash! Carla Mae They’re just a waste of money, Addie Billy Wild, egghead! Delmer Doakes, egghead. And my Uncle Paul has a tree… Them. Tiny eyes, Delmer Doakes, old man. That’s where we go… Boys! Pudgy cheeks, It’s a war zone. Red runny nose, Addie Carla Mae Snowballs bring out the worst in Bum chin! Why do you love Delmer so much? My dad wouldn’t dream of not having people. Smash the eggheads! a tree. Delmer Doakes, egghead! Carla Mae You’re probably the only person Grandma Billy Wild, egghead! I just…do! without a tree. God created snowsuits for a reason! Why do you love Billy Wild? As your best friend, I totally Addie understand you, Carla Mae You chickened out… Addie But that’s just weird. I’m running home to get mine! Bye. The point is to really smack him! Billy Wild is pure evil. Crack him! Addie Addie Him being Delmer, Grandma It’s not weird! Grandma, Delmer being the egghead! That’s not nice, Adelaide. Why is Dad so parsimonious? Grandma Carla Mae Addie You girls ought to get some fresh air. Grandma I just thought I’d tap him! Sometimes the truth isn’t pretty, That’s a pretty fancy word. Grandma. 28 29 Addie Addie INTERLUDE 1 3 Boys It means stingy. I’d go out with him… Snowballs Aye, aye, King Billy! Aye, aye. Tree hunting. Addie stands on the street between Grandma I’d lug the axe, two mounds of snow bellowing for Addie Your dad’s not stingy. I’d drag the saw! Carla Mae down the street. Oh, brother! Think I should ask him, Grandma? Addie Addie Billy Wild There’s no one as stingy as Dad. Grandma Carla Mae! Ready, aim, fire! Oh, I guess there’s no harm. Billy Wild, I can smell you hiding a mile Grandma Do it at dinner. away. Gloria Cott I don’t know how you could say such Leave her alone! a thing! Addie Billy Wild At dinner... Bow down to the king of the mountain, Addie Addie Princes of the snowmount! Gloria! I can fend for myself. He always bought Mom a tree, Grandma Thank you very much. right, Grandma? Men are always more agreeable Boys Why wasn’t he parsimonious with On a full stomach. Aye, aye, King Billy! Aye, aye. Boys Mom? Thank you very much! Addie Addie Grandma He’ll say yes! You are pure arrogance, you Billy Wild and Boys Addie, they chopped those trees down egomaniac! Addie needs the poor girl with their own two hands. To stick up for her! Your dad is far from stingy, Billy Wild Not even Addie wants to play with he’s resourceful! Time to clobber the four-eyed Gloria. nincompoop!

30 Interlude 1 31 Go cry to your mommy and your Addie Go, Addie! Dad daddy, Gloria. I don’t think he loves me. Go, be brave. Are we having this conversation again?

Grandma Dad Addie

SCENE 2 4 Oh, for the love of God! You left the paper in a mess again. Won’t you please buy me a tree? After Dinner Or we can chop one down? Addie, Grandma, and Addie’s dad sit Addie Addie It doesn’t have to be the biggest one, silently around the dinner table eating He never hugs me or kisses me. Sorry. Or the greenest one, their dinner. Dad finishes, tossing his It could be the most miniature tree, napkin on his plate and retiring to the Grandma Dad A tree you need binoculars to see! living room, his evening ritual. He lights Addie, he’s not the hugging kind. I don’t mind that you read the comics, With one or two little branches, a pipe and reads the newspaper. but I hate a sloppy paper. And all its needles fallen off… Addie Here… That’s all I need. Grandma He’d love me a lot more if I was a boy. Some foil for your collection. I’ll cover it with homemade tinsel Ask him! And popcorn garland, Grandma Addie This house could look like Christmas. Addie Nonsense! Don’t know what I’ll use this for. This house could feel like Christmas. He’s in one of his moods. A house without a Christmas tree Addie Dad Is a crime against the holidays, Grandma He treats me like one… Make something shiny. Is a crime against humanity. He’s full, Why else would he teach me how to Is a crime against me! He’s comfy, box? Addie Won’t you please buy me a tree? He’s probably half asleep in the I can’t make tree decorations… How many Christmases must I beg? easy chair. Grandma Since we don’t have a tree. It doesn’t have to be the perfect one, Go! Stop stalling. It doesn’t have to be a healthy one.

32 Scene 2 33 Any tree is fine! Dad It just has to be mine… I bet you can’t drink a glass full of Ours. water. This house could look like Christmas. This house could feel like Christmas… Addie Dad, I implore you! I think you’re gonna owe me a tree. Won’t you please buy me a tree, Daddy? Addie runs to the kitchen and pours herself a glass of water. She returns to Dad the living room and stands in front of You do not need a tree! her father, drinking the water in one long series of gulps. When she finishes Addie she smiles triumphantly. Everybody needs a tree! I won’t ask for another thing for a Dad whole year. You drank it empty. Will you bet me something? I bet that you couldn’t drink it full. If I win, you buy me a tree. If I lose, I’ll never ask you again. Deal? Addie Why do you hate me? Dad I’ll make you a bet. Grandma and Dad Adelaide! Addie What is it? Addie (Lauren Snouffer) pleads her case for a Christmas tree to Dad (Daniel Belcher). 34 35 Grandma Just a little bit more Just a little bit more Dad We do not throw things! Into the image of her mother. Into the image of her mother. It’s all my fault. The ache in your heart The ache in your heart Having the baby is what killed her. Dad Is not her fault. Is not her fault. Helen was weakened. Unacceptable! It’s the baby that stole her. Dad Dad Grandma Mother! I hardly recognize her anymore. Grandma Watch where you step, James. She’s not the daughter I raised, Mother. But it’s not your fault, James. Grandma Dad Let her have a tree this year. Grandma Dad I hardly recognize her anymore. Have you forgotten what it’s like to be If I had it in me, It’s all my fault. All mine... That attitude. a child? I’d go out and find her a tree myself. You’ve let your whole life turn sour, Upstairs in Addie’s room we see her Grandma James. Dad looking at an old photo book. That was cruel. And you’re doing a good job of souring You wouldn’t dare, Mother. her, too. Addie Dad Grandma Proof my dad was happy: It was hardly cruel. Dad Wanna bet, watch me… A box of pictures of him and my mom, Is that so? The grief that we feel, A smile that took over his entire face, Grandma The sadness that circles back around, A picture of my mom in her wedding You don’t want nothin’ to remind you. Grandma Is a heavy cloud, dress, But there she is with those familiar eyes, You don’t want nothin’ to remind you. That always seems to hover Handmade with so much lace, with that familiar smile, But there she is with her familiar plea, Around Christmastime. Pictures from years ago, Growing up in fits and starts. A holiday wish for an evergreen. Christmastime… many years ago, Every day she blossoms Growing up in fits and starts. But it’s not her fault, James. Before me, Every day she blossoms 36 37 Before Addie. Miss Thompson Miss Thompson Miss Thompson Before all the joy inside him We don’t want anyone left out of the Enough, Billy. Hey! Shriveled up gift exchange! Like a prune. And remember the rules, Billy Wild Addie Do not overspend! How-oooooooo… He started it. Grandma I, too, have loved and lost. Billy Wild Miss Thompson Miss Thompson I tell you, Son, What if we don’t spend at all? Everyone in caroling formation! Billy, to the other side, please. That love, Let’s sing “Gather ‘round the That joy, Miss Thompson Addie Christmas Tree.” That life That wouldn’t be fair, Billy. Miss Thompson, I think that’s a lovely carol, Addie. We must hold onto at any cost. I have a request! Billy Wild My grandma loves the carol Billy Wild My dad says life ain’t fair. “Gather ‘round the Christmas Tree”… Disagree!

SCENE 3 5 Can we add it to our repertoire? Caroling Addie Carolers At the local school, all of the kids You’re so parsimonious. Billy Wild Gather ‘round the Christmas tree! arrive. It is one of the last days before I vote no. Gather ‘round the Christmas tree! the Christmas break. The teacher Billy Wild I don’t want it in our repertoire. Evergreen have its branches been, is Miss Thompson, a conservative What’s that, pet? Not just to please her nutjob grandma. It is king of all the woodland scene. 30-something who wears her long hair Petpetpet up in a bun, and a holiday-patterned Teacher’s pet? Addie The location shifts from the school to floor-length dress. Billy Wild sits Addie the pet. She’s not a nutjob! the living room of Addie’s house. adjacent to Addie. Miss Thompson’s pet. Who are you calling a nutjob, egghead? Woof, woof, woof, woof, woof! She’s not a nutjob! She’s got—character! 38 Scene 3 39 Carolers All is calm, In an apartment with three Persian Carla Mae Gather ‘round the Christmas tree! All is bright. cats, Cowboy boots like Billy Wild? Gather ‘round the Christmas tree! And drink Peruvian coffee, I knew it, you do like him! Once the pride of the mountain side, Grandma And I will write the greatest romances, Now cut down to grace our Christmas- James! And wear a pink beret and blue Addie tide. galoshes. Absolutely not! If your branches hold I saw this pair in the Sears catalog,

Snow or candlelight, SCENE 4 6 Carla Mae With silver on the toes, Birds or a star so bright, Best Friends You’ll never forget me, will you? And this design up the side. Forever may your sight Addie and Carla Mae do homework in Billy’s are just boring brown boy boots. Evoke the truest meanings, Addie’s bedroom. Addie And season’s greetings. Carla Mae, you are the most Carla Mae Gather ‘round the Christmas tree! Carla Mae unforgettable person Yeah, right. Gather ‘round the Christmas tree! I will live in the woods with Delmer I have ever met. We should go on double dates. Ev’ry bough has a burden now, Doakes. That’s what my Aunt Patty Jo does, They are gifts of love for us, we trow. He’ll plant the barley, I’ll plant the Carla Mae And she went to state college! Gather ‘round the Christmas tree! carrots. Really? He’ll mend the fence, I’ll mend his Addie Grandma trousers. Addie You’re gonna make me sick. How beautiful! And I’ll kiss his chubby little face Yes. Aren’t they, James? At breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Beautiful… Delmer... Carla Mae SCENE 5 7 What’s on your Christmas list? School Christmas Carolers Addie Miss Thompson, dressed in her , holy night, I will live in Paris, Addie Christmas finest, has gathered the I’m praying for cowboy boots. 40 Scene 4 Scene 5 41 class around the tree. Addie wears a Addie Addie This must be the most beautiful, red plaid circle skirt and red sweater. You don’t give a heart on a chain This is the most embarrassing day beautiful gift I’ve ever received. Really. To a girl you hate. Of my entire life. Miss Thompson You don’t. Addie This is a present from Carla Mae to A heart means romance. Class I found it—we found it—at Mr. Brady’s Delmer… Romance means love. Ooooooohhhh… shop! Love means…Love... Billy Wild is in love with Addie Mills! He thought you’d like perfume, Miss Thompson Billy Wild, egghead. But I knew it—we knew it!—we knew And here’s one from Addie Mills to Smash the egghead. Tanya Smithers that this was the gift for you. Tanya Smithers… Billy Wild Go in the utility closet if you’re going You don’t… to kiss! Miss Thompson Miss Thompson You’re dead! I thank you all from the bottom of my And now it’s Addie’s turn to open her My face is on fire, Billy Wild heart. gift from Billy Wild. My face is red. I’d rather kiss my Aunt , Billy Wild, egghead. And she’s got a mustache. Kameron Sherk Class Romance means love. It’s just a box, Miss Thompson. Ooooh! Billy Wild loves me. Addie Billy Wild loves me. You are insufferable, Billy! Brian Johanson Addie pulls out a chain with a heart Billy Wild… No need to cry over a little blue box. pendant on it, her excitement quickly Miss Thompson turning to embarrassment. The lights Miss Thompson Is this for me? Miss Thompson switch and we are suddenly alone in Show us what you received, Addie! To Miss Thompson…love, her students. It’s beautiful. Addie’s inner monologue. Now, before the final bell! Class She opens the box and pulls out a blue We must get to the matter of the Show us, Addie! mirror-glass jewelry box. She opens the Christmas tree! lid and music begins to play. 42 43 Kristopher Blaine and Amy Rowney out on the track field… Contest. Classmates What about it? Due to some issues of liability… Ever. Rigged! It’s a rigged contest!

Addie Derek John Miss Thompson

Patience, people! Lia-Billy Wild!? Gloria… INTERLUDE 2 8 Journey of the Christmas Tree, Miss Thompson Miss Thompson Gloria Cott Part 1 Raise your hand if your family doesn’t We’ve decided to send the tree to a Eight. Addie and Carla Mae drag the tree to have a tree. home without! Addie’s house through the street. Since we have two such families, Miss Thompson Addie and Gloria Cott, a poor girl, both We’ll have a contest. Addie? Carla Mae raise their hands. You were lucky, Addie! Terri-Jan Quinn Addie Misty Andrews Poorest one wins! Seven. Addie My family has two trees! It wasn’t luck. Cody Beck Miss Thompson I played the odds. Someone Make ‘em thumb wrestle! I chose the number five, My dad taught me. Braggart! Meaning Addie has won the tree. You’re drooping! Miss Thompson Take a break. Miss Thompson Pick a number between one and ten… Classmates As you know, we usually leave the The closest will win the tree! Teacher’s pet! Carla Mae tree up I’ve lost my grip! over the Christmas vacation, Classmates Addie and then have our annual New Year’s Most. Shaking Gloria’s hand Carla Mae (Megan Mikailovna Samarin) helps Addie (Lauren Snouffer) bring home the class bonfire Boring. Christmas tree. Nice try! 44 Interlude 2 45 46 47 I need some hot chocolate to warm my Addie Addie and we realize that Dad has plugged insides. It’s a job for two girls! But it didn’t cost anything… them in. He stands in his coat and work clothes like a deer caught in Suddenly Billy Wild appears on the top Grandma the headlights. He falls back into his of a snowbank, throwing a snowball PIANO INTERLUDE 1 9 That’s not the point, Adelaide. chair, staring at the tree. We notice and hitting Addie. Addie sneaking out of her room Addie and sitting at the top of the stairs

Addie SCENE 6 10 Would you place the star up top? where she watches her father. Out Not you again. The House with a Christmas Tree of the shadows, Addie’s mom, Helen, Leave me alone, Billy. Addie stands in front of the tree, set Grandma appears, visibly pregnant in a beautiful up in the living room. Grandma comes You think I could get up there? Christmas dress. She carries a large Billy Wild into the house carrying shopping bags. Ha! catalog and glasses of milk and Need help luggin’ that thing? With my rheumatism? cookies on a tray. Grandma Ha! Addie Oh, boy. Helen Not from you! Addie When I open the Sears Wish Book You don’t think girls are as strong as Addie Let’s go get it! today, boys? I won it at school. I still get as excited as I did when I was You are ridiculous. We guessed numbers. Grandma four years old. Now, heave-ho, Carla Mae! Oh, jeez! We’d sit, me and my sisters, Grandma Each with a glass of milk Billy Wild It’s a beauty. The house transitions into night, And a tower of store-bought cookies, I just thought it looked like a job for Must be a seven- or eight-footer! everyone seemingly asleep. Suddenly, And the catalog, three people, Your dad’s gonna have a heart attack. the Christmas tree lights come on Every page we’d circle something, That’s all.

48 Piano Interlude 1 | Scene 6 49 Every page something worth wishing around the Christmas tree. We will be, Addie for. Every year, Promise me. I won it. What are you lookin’ at? Promise me. Waltzing here I played the odds like you taught me. Promise me, While the children play near us. I beat Gloria Cott. Dad While the fire Whispering My wife, roars its wintery melody, So they see but don’t hear us. Dad Glowing brighter than the tree. We will be, Gloria Cott? My wife, Promise me. Helen and Dad Gloria Cott! Beautiful with our child. Waltzing here I tell you You think we’re like the Cotts? While the ornaments shimmer. You tell me Think we’re poor like them? Helen Snow will fall, I love you Do you Did you forget to shovel the driveway? As the mulled cider simmers. You love me Think we need charity? You tend to compliment You and me, Every year Addie, do you think we need charity? when avoiding an apology. Endlessly, I’ll be here. I don’t accept charity, Addie. Promise me. Promise me! I work, Addie, Dad Hard work, The driveway is immaculate. Helen Addie comes down the stairs quietly On that crane 60, 70 hours a week. Promise me… and stands facing her dad. He opens Every penny earned. Helen That we’ll dance his eyes and realizes that he has an Every last penny earned. Dance with me, James… around the Christmas tree. audience. Work, Addie. Every year, Dad Promise me. Dad Addie You know I have two left feet. We’ll be here, Where the hell did that come from? But it was free! Promise me… Like the echoes That we’ll dance of a wonderful memory

50 51 Dad A vacation from this.. this... this… Dad Grandma If I wanted a tree, This attitude you’ve developed… I mean it, Mother. Before you know it, I’d buy— Not in this house, I’m not having you interfere She’ll be full grown… I’d chop down a damned tree! Not in my house, Adelaide. In the way I raise my daughter. And you’ll live in this house like a Addie... hermit. Addie Grandma Addie will leave you, Addie You really hate me, don’t you? She’s got feelings, James, I’ll be long gone, Dad! Even if you don’t. And you’ll have nothing. Dad The last person you felt anything for Then you can really live in the darkness Dad I want that tree gone. was Helen. you crave, James. You can’t have everything you want. I want that tree gone! Not in this life. Get it gone. Gone! Dad

You’ve got to learn, Addie. Leave her out of this. PIANO INTERLUDE 2 11 A tree is something you can’t have. Grandma Not in this house. Actually, James, Grandma

Not in my house. This is my house. You’re brokenhearted, SCENE 7 12 That’s my decision. I say the tree stays where it is. But you’re not the only man Gentle Wisdom We can’t Who’s lost his wife. Grandma slips into bed with Addie, Have a tree: Dad That kind of grief is selfish, James. who is crying. Not by charity, If you don’t want me here, Addie deserves your love. Not chopped, I’m happy to ship out tonight. Not bought. We’ll be gone by the morning. Dad Grandma (Patricia Schuman) tries to help Addie I don’t want a damned tree! Don’t you tell me (Lauren Snouffer) understand her father’s reaction You know what I want? Grandma I don’t love my daughter. to the tree; Dad (Daniel Belcher) seeks comfort in memories of his wife (Heidi Stober). I want a vacation from you. Don’t be stupid, James!

52 Piano Interlude 2 | Scene 7 53 54 55 Addie Was with your mom. Grandma into the hall, listening for evidence of He’s mean. The last tree had a pile of presents …of Christmas being a family time. her sleeping Grandma and Dad. When wrapped she hears snoring from both Dad and Grandma For your mom. Addie Grandma, she tiptoes downstairs, He’s proud. The last tree was the first tree for him But this is no family… getting into her snowsuit. With great And your mom… effort, she drags the tree out of her Addie With you in her belly. Grandma house. He’s mean. When she died so soon after you were He may seem like a very strong man… born

Grandma That tree became the last tree he Addie INTERLUDE 3 13 He’ll get over it, could manage. …might as well be a phantom to me, Journey of the Christmas Tree, Maybe not in time for this Christmas. Its star became her light Grandma… Part 2 Too quickly extinguished. Addie, slowly and with much grunting Addie A tree is not a tree against Addie. Grandma and groaning, drags the tree in the It’s a tree. A tree is a broken promise. …but the truth is that other direction. It’s just a tree in his heart is a hole where your That I won fair and square. Addie mother once was. Addie How can it be that we are so different? Grandma… A hole that feels a whole lot bigger This. How can something make me so During the holidays. Is. happy Grandma Impossible. And him so furious? A tree is a promise… Grandma kisses Addie’s forehead, tucking her in, then exits her room. Suddenly Billy Wild appears on the top Grandma Addie As the lights in the house go down, of the snowbank. He comes down and Put yourself in his shoes: Grandma… everybody falls asleep…except for picks up the trunk-end of the tree. The last tree he decorated Addie. She climbs out of bed and out

56 Interlude 3 57 Billy Wild Addie SCENE 8 14 Dad Heave-ho! Billy! Wait! A Gift, Not Charity Addie! Grandma and Dad wake up, still in Get out here! They arrive at the Cotts’ house. They Billy Wild turns around and Addie their pajamas, and stumble into the prop the tree up on the front lawn. throws a giant snowball at him. He kitchen for coffee. Dad notices that Grandma laughs and runs away. the tree is gone. It’s gotta be Addie! Billy Wild This tree has seen better days. Addie Dad Addie comes out of her room. Merry Christmas, Gloria. What happened to the tree? Addie Dad I’m not in the mood for you, Billy. She rings the doorbell, then runs away Grandma Where’s the tree? Why did you give me that heart and hides. Gloria Cott opens the door. It’s gone? pendant? Addie Gloria Cott Dad You wanted it gone. Billy Wild Mom! It’s a… A trail of pine needles out the door. So last night, It was on sale. It’s a tree… from “Santa Claus”! when I heard you snoring, You said Santa couldn’t visit this year, Grandma I took it to Gloria’s house, Addie We weren’t on his list. It’s gotta be Addie. Left a note saying “From Santa Claus” Ughhhh! But I was good, Mama, You overreacted. So they’d know it’s a gift. You could have bought chocolates… At least Santa thought so… So they’d know it’s not charity. or shampoo! Must be a miracle, Mama! Dad I didn’t overreact. Adelaide Billy Wild kisses Addie on the cheek Promise me... and runs away. Grandma It’s gotta be Addie!

58 Scene 8 59 Grandma SCENE 9 15 Gloria Cott Addie Oh, boy. Nativity I know you’re Santa Claus. My necklace. Your girl is full of surprises. Addie and her classmates get ready for the annual Christmas pageant. Addie Addie Billy Wild Addie is dressed in her angel costume, Carla News to me. It looks nice. You wanted it gone, Dad. Mae is dressed up as a lamb, and Gloria Cott is dressed up as a cow. There is a Gloria Cott Miss Thompson Addie turns around and goes back into stable-full of animal costumes behind Thank you, Addie. Places in the stable! her room. them as well as shepherds, a Mary and You shoulda seen my brothers’ eyes Joseph, Wise Men, etc. Gloria Cott light up Addie Grandma sidles up to Addie. When we plugged the tree in! Good luck out there. You’ve raised a generous daughter, James. Gloria Cott Addie Billy Wild She’s got the spirit of her mother, she Moo. Everyone should have a Christmas tree. You, too. does. Thank you. And she’s just as stubborn as you. Miss Thompson Miss Thompson Addie I need my cow… Places in the stable! Dad Gloria, is that you? My horse, my lamb, my donkey! …it’s just… Angel, you’re on deck! Addie Gloria Cott Line up, shepherds, kings… “I bring great news, Grandma It’s moo. Mary and Joseph, you’re on! And great joy! I know, James. Thank you, Addie. In Bethlehem, here, That’s your Addie. Billy Wild A baby, wrapped in cloths, Addie You’re wearing my necklace. is lying in a manger, For what?

60 Scene 9 61 He is your Messiah, PIANO INTERLUDE 3 16 He is your savior!”

Full Company SCENE 10 17 Gather ‘round the Christmas tree! A Surprise for Addie Gather ‘round the Christmas tree! Grandma, Dad, and Addie return Evergreen have its branches been, home from the pageant. When Dad It is king of all the woodland scene. turns on the light, Addie notices the Gather ‘round the Christmas tree! biggest, most beautiful undecorated Gather ‘round the Christmas tree! pine tree she has ever seen. Once the pride of the mountainside, Now cut down to grace our Christmas- Dad tide. What do you think? If your branches hold Well, if you don’t like it— Snow or candlelight, Birds or a star so bright, Addie Forever may your sight I love it. Evoke the truest meanings, It’s beautiful. And season’s greetings. It’s ours. Gather ‘round the Christmas tree! I’ll cover it with homemade tinsel Gather ‘round the Christmas tree! And popcorn garland… Ev’ry bough has a burden now, This house now looks like Christmas. They are gifts of love for us, we trow. This house now feels like Christmas. Gather ‘round the Christmas tree! Grandma and Addie (Patricia Schuman and Lauren Snouffer) are overjoyed when Dad (Daniel Belcher) brings out the star made by Addie’s mom. 62 Piano Interlude 3 | Scene 10 63 Grandma Dad You love me Adelaide, Grandma, and Dad I found all the ornaments, Let’s take a look at you… Every year We three. From when your dad was a boy. Yes, I dare say… I’ll be here. …when you smile. Promise me! Addie Dance with me… Do we have a star For the top of the tree? Full Company EPILOGUE The one I made of foils that you gave Promise me… New York City me That we’ll dance Basking in the warm glow of her Is sitting on the top of Gloria’s tree. around the Christmas tree. memories, Adelaide begins to reflect. Every year, Dad Promise me. Adelaide It’s gotta be in here somewhere. Promise me, That’s where I grew up— Aha! While the fire Clear River, Nebraska, Look here, Addie… roars its wintery melody Population: 1,500. This is a star your mom made. We will be, I won’t pretend that the tree solved Pretty, ain’t she? Promise me. everything, Your mom loved stars, Waltzing here At that Christmas 20 years ago. Just like you. In a dream of December, But I still return to a tree waiting, Waltzing here, Ready for our decorating. Addie by the fire’s last ember My father unwraps the star. Put it on the tree. I tell you And I place it on the top. Do you think I look like her? You tell me The tree is lit. Like my mom? I love you We stand back and admire it. Just my grandma, my father, and me…

64 65 Acknowledgments

Executive Producer Packaging Designer PATRICK SUMMERS, Artistic and Music Director Daniel James (Houston Grand Opera) Rachel Block Margaret Alkek Williams Chair PERRYN LEECH, Managing Director Producer Album Cover Sarah and Ernest Butler Chair Blanton Alspaugh (Soundmirror, Inc.) Addie (Lauren Snouffer) and her GREGORY S. ROBERTSON, Chief Advancement Officer father (Daniel Belcher) share a warm RICHARD BADO, Director of Artistic Operations/Chorus Master Sarah and Ernest Butler Chorus Master Chair Recording Engineers moment next to the Christmas tree. MOLLY DILL, Producing Director Mark Donahue DALE EDWARDS, Director of Marketing and Communications Brandon Johnson CD Sleeve CARLEEN GRAHAM, Director of HGOco Addie (Lauren Snouffer, third from DEBORAH HIRSCH, Senior Director of Development Mixing and Mastering left) reacts to teasing from Billy Wild BRIAN SPECK, Director of HGO Studio Mark Donahue (Maximillian Macias). LISE SUINO, Chief Financial Officer

Audio Recording & Post-production Product Manager Soundmirror, Inc. Kasper van Kooten Performing artists, stage directors, and choreographers are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, the union for opera professionals in the United States. Photography Scenic, costume, and lighting designers and assistant designers are represented by United Scenic Artists, Production photography by Houston Grand Opera thanks the I.A.T.S.E., Local USA-829. Lynn Lane supporters that made this production Orchestral musicians are represented by the Houston Professional Musicians Association, Local #65-699, possible: The Wortham Foundation, American Federation of Musicians. The Wortham Theater Center by Inc.; The Robert and Janice McNair Stage crew personnel provided by I.A.T.S.E., Local #51. Gary Barchfeld Foundation; Janice Barrow; The Cullen Wardrobe personnel provided by Theatrical Wardrobe Union, Local #896. Foundation; and The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts. 66 67 American Operas Series

The history of opera predates that to many in the country viewing opera of the United States. Going back to as an elite art form representing 16th century Italy, opera reflected antiquated interests, in languages they a fascination with myth and was did not understand. As the American mounted for the benefit of the court. repertoire has expanded over the As opera spread its roots throughout centuries so have American audiences, western and eastern Europe it evolved drawn to contemporaneous topics as a public form of entertainment played out in their native tongue. But and increasingly drew upon history American operas are no longer confined and literature as inspiration. The to listeners in the United States; the American Pilgrim settlers found such works of American composers have entertainment to be at odds with been increasingly heard throughout the their puritanical ideology, but at the world. American opera embodies the turn of the 18th century opera crept individualism of its homeland, and with across the U.S. border as a European each generation new musical language import. By mid-century William has found its voice in American Henry Fry became the first American opera—a voice that resonates with all composer to pen an opera, but opera who love the music, the drama and the was still predominantly associated with brilliance that is opera. European composers. This contributed

68 69 What we stand for:

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