A MUSKRAT LULLABY

Illustration of the children's opera 'A Muskrat Lullaby' by award-winning composer Edward Barnes

A Muskrat Lullaby

Words & Music by EDWARD BARNES

Based on “Mama Don’t Allow” by Thacher Hurd

SYNOPSIS: Miles and his friends, Bird, Spider and Toad, love to sing, but no one wants to hear them practice. “Take that music to the swamp!” the townspeople tell them. And sure enough, down by the swamp where the alligators live, the singing quartet gets a different reception.

THEMES: Working together to solve a problem. The power of music.

Scene from the children's opera 'A Muskrat Lullaby' by award-winning composer Edward Barnes

CAST: 5 + small chorus/ensemble

  • Miles, a muskrat (tenor)

  • Bird (soprano)

  • Spider (mezzo)

  • Toad (bass)

  • Boss Alligator (baritone)

  • Ensemble, Townspeople, The Alligator Gang (adults and/or children)

DURATION: 25 minutes

ACCOMPANIMENT: Piano and/or Electric Keyboard w/o Percussion. Optional children’s percussion band.

COMMISSIONED BY: The Los Angeles Opera

PRODUCTIONS: The Los Angeles Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Opera Columbus, Manhattan School of Music, Marshall University, Miami Opera, Opera Orlando, Penn State University, Monterey Opera, Mercer University, University of Akron, Muse Opera Korea

Recording by L.A. Opera