BLUEBEARD Music by Jacques Offenbach; adapted and arranged by Graham Ripley Cover to complete recording New Libretto and Lyrics by Brian Anderson THE STORY - (Fairy-tale Gothic!) Bluebeard, a powerful nobleman, lives in a mighty castle and has already done away with five wives. He orders his right hand man, Popolani, to dispose of Boulotte, his latest wife, because he wants to marry Princess Marie. It has only recently been made known to Marie that she is of royal blood. As a shepherdess, she met and fell in love with a shepherd named Bruno. When Bruno reveals that he is really a Prince, Marie's parents, King Bobeche and Queen Hortense, give him permission to marry their daughter. Baron Bluebeard hears of this and surrounds the King's palace with troops. The Prince, after challenging Bluebeard to a duel, is apparently killed. Marie is about to agree to become Bluebeard's wife when Boulotte, a regular country wench unafraid of any man, returns; Popolani has only pretended to do away with her. She confronts Bluebeard with his previous wives in front of the whole court. Filled with remorse, Bluebeard is reconciled to Boulotte. The King, who thinks Count Oscar has executed on his orders the Queen's ex-lovers is astonished when they make their appearance. They too have been in hiding and soon find partners among the ex-wives of Bluebeard. Then Princess Marie discovers happiness at last for she finds that Prince Bruno has not been killed but merely stunned. PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS (plus Chorus) Bluebeard Popolani Boulotte Princess Marie Prince Bruno King Bobeche Queen Hortense Count Oscar Five Wives INSTRUMENTATION - (Total number of books=16) 2 Violins 1 1 Violin II 1 Viola 1 Cello 1 Double Bass 1 Flutes I/II (1 doubles Picc) 1 Oboe 1 Clarinets I/II 1 Bassoon 1 Horns I/II 1 Trumpets I/II 1 Trombones I/II 1 Timpani 1 Percussion 1 Conductor Score - annotated vocal score
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