Buck Jones : an electroacoustic opera in three acts

Date

2006-05

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Abstract

Buck Jones is a three-act electro-acoustic opera set in a western themed family steakhouse located between a highway interchange and a suburban node. The libretto, written by John Navarro, depicts one anomalous day in the life of the restaurant through three acts, named for the three traditional meals of the day: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. The interior subject matter often humorously spiritualizes the character of the Old West while gently reminding the audience of the profundity of our existence in the universe, even in such a seemingly uninteresting place as a roadside restaurant. The musical score supports the story with the use of such western sounds as electric guitar and lap steel guitar and others. It is written in a quasi-western vernacular in places and seeks to carve a space between the worlds of serious opera and more accessible elements of musical theater.

Description

Citation