Doris (opera)

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Doris
Music	Alfred Cellier
Lyrics	B. C. Stephenson
Book	B. C. Stephenson
Productions	1889 West End

Doris is a "comedy opera" in three acts, with a libretto by B. C. Stephenson and music by Alfred Cellier. After the phenomenal success of Stephenson and Cellier's Dorothy (1886), the pair were hoping for another big hit. Doris turned out to be only modestly successful.

It opened at the Lyric Theatre in London on 20 April 1889 and ran for 202 performances. It starred Alice Barnett, Hayden Coffin, Arthur Williams, Furneaux Cook and John Le Hay.

[edit] Roles and original cast

Doris Shelton - Annie Albu
Lady Anne Jerningham - Amy F. Augarde
Mistress Shelton - Alice Barnett
Dolly Spigott - Effie Chapuy
Martin Bolder - Ben Davies
Sir Philip Carey - C. Hayden Coffin
Alderman Shelton - J. Furneaux Cook
Crook (Apprentice) - John Le Hay
Dormer (Apprentice) - W. T. Hemsley
Barnaby Spigott - Percy Compton
Dinniver - Arthur Williams

[edit] Musical numbers

Act I - Highgate Hill

No. 1 - Opening Chorus - "A Gold! A Gold!"
No. 2 - Scena - Crook and Dormer - "My arrow's nearest to the centre, see?"
No. 3 - Song - Shelton, Mrs. Shelton and Chorus - "I hereby do require..."
No. 4 - Scena and Exit - "The cavalcade approaches..."
No. 5 - Song - Doris - "Love's race"
No. 6 - Duet - Doris and Sir Philip - "How hardly fate with some us us doth deal..."
No. 7 - Song - Martin - "I've sought the brake and bracken..."
No. 8 - Quartett - Doris, Dame Shelton, Martin and Philip - "Who are you, may I ask..."
No. 9 - Quartett - Doris, Mrs. Shelton, Martin and Philip - "True Heart."
No. 10 - Soli and Chorus - "Silently! Warily!"
No. 11 - Finale - Act I - "Where is the traitor who threaten'd Her Majesty?"

Act II - Cheapside

No. 12 - Introduction and The Alderman's Glee
No. 13 - The Alderman's Song - Shelton - "What craven dares to talk of his home..."
No. 14 - Soli and Chorus - "Go to bed."
No. 15 - Song - Dinnever - "What has become of the door?"
No. 16 - Song - Anne Jerningham - "Sir Philip's Farewell."
No. 17 - Song - Sir Philip - "Honour bids me speed away..."
No. 18 - Recitative and Duet - Anne and Sir Philip - "The Parting."
No. 19 - Cavatina - Doris - "Learn to wait."
No. 20 - Soli and Chorus - "What do you lack, Ladies?"
No. 21 - Chorus of Beefeaters - "In many climes..."
No. 22 - Finale - Act II - "Ye Citizens of London."

Act III - Interior of Alderman Shelton's House

No. 23 - Introduction and Chorus - "Who are you? What are you..."
No. 24 - Duet - Doris and Martin - "If I am dreaming..."
No. 25 - Quintett - Doris, Anne, Martin, Sir Philip and Shelton - "Fare thee well."
No. 26 - Entrance of the Masquers and Chorus - "Far from eastern seas..."
Nos. 27 and 28 - Recit. and Song - Doris and Martin - "I thank you for your gifts..." and "All the wealth..."
No. 29 - Finale - Act III - "She will, she won't..."