See the photo to the left for a view of the house on the opera set). (He stayed in such a house in 1976 when he was working on a problematic show, The Baker's Wife. Originally set in London, Schwartz changed the location to one of San Francisco's Victorian homes. He also drew from the film and his own vision of possibilities. To write the opera, composer-librettist Stephen Schwartz returned to the novel to re-explore the storytelling potential.
Seance on a Wet Afternoon began as a novel by Mark McShane before Bryan Forbes created the chilling psychological thriller film (1964). You'll want to enjoy some of the surprises of the opera, so I won't spoil them for you. My husband and I traveled to Santa Barbara, CA to see the world premiere of Schwartz's Seance on a Wet Afternoon. I'm Carol de Giere, author of the Stephen Schwartz biography, Defying Gravity (opens in new browser window). Here are my notes and a few thoughts about meaning. SYNOPSIS 2: Storyline and themes notes with minimal spoilers The Plan goes badly awry, and in Myra's final Séance, the drama comes to a devastating conclusion. The delicate balance of Myra and Bill's relationship and Myra's sanity itself begins to fray, as long-buried secrets are revealed. As The Plan is put into action, the girl's presence in the house leads to complex psychological responses from Myra, Bill, and Arthur. When Myra has a "vision" that leads to the successful recovery of the girl and the ransom, her fame will be assured. Séance ON A WET AFTERNOON is a psychological thriller about a medium, Myra Foster, her doting husband Bill, and the spirit of their deceased eleven-year-old son, Arthur, who speaks to Myra and is her contact for her Séances.īecause Myra has never received the recognition she feels her gifts merit, they hatch a Plan: They will kidnap the daughter of a local wealthy industrialist, and keep her safe while the media frenzy over her abduction builds. SYNPOSIS 1: The official synopsis written for the world premiere: Seance on a Wet Afternoon opera synopsis and themesĪll the production photos here are from the world premiere production by Opera Santa Barbara in 2009, set design by Heidi Ettinger, photos by David Bazemore. "Before You" - Myra (This is a new aria added for the New York City Opera production). "First Séance" - Myra and Séance attendees Stephen Schwartz > Stephen Schwartz opera> Seance on a Wet Afternoon Synopsis and Musical Numbers Seance on a Wet Afternoon Opera Details: Synopsis, Songs, and ThemesĪbout the new Stephen Schwartz opera Seance on a Wet Afternoon opera - Music by Stephen Schwartz Major arias, duets, and ensemble pieces Seance Act I