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The Shoemakers' Holiday
(1967)Adaptation and additional lyrics by John Olon-Scrymgeour (E)
Major roles: 2S,M,A,T(or B),Bar,Bar(or B),2BBar,B
minor roles: M,A,2T,2Bar,2B; chorus
1(=picc,afl).0.1.1-1.2.1.0-gtr(amplified)-perc(1):timp/tgl/SD/cym/
glsp/t.bells/tamb/ratchet/susp.cym/wdbl
Abbreviations (PDF)
Boosey & Hawkes
Tyrone Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Douglas Campbell and John Olon-Scrymgeour, director
Conductor: Herbert Pilhofer
Company: Minnesota Theatre Company
| SIMON EYRE | Bass-Baritone |
| ROLAND LACY | Baritone or Tenor |
| RALPH | Baritone |
| FIRK | Bass-Baritone |
| HAMMON | Bass or Baritone |
| HODGE | Bass |
| ROSE | Soprano |
| MARGERY | Soprano |
| JANE | Mezzo-Soprano |
| SYBIL | Contralto |
| Four Vendors | Tenor, Baritone, Baritone, and Bass |
| Three Men | Tenor, Baritone, and Bass |
| Two Seamstresses | Mezzo-Soprano and Contralto |
| Soldiers, Shoemakers, and Hunters | Tenors, Baritones, and Basses |
| Chorus | Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Basses |
The Renaissance (15th Century), England
Set during the height of the English Renaissance, the Earl of Lincoln’s nephew, Roland Lacy, is in love with the Lord Mayor of London’s daughter, Rose. To stop the relationship from blossoming, the Earl attempts to send the young man abroad as a Colonel, to wage war. He is given a commission by the King in the hope that Lacy will display the characteristics of a nobleman. Sir Roger, the Mayor, is also against the lovers, and he sends his daughter away from London. The young man abandons the army commission, disguises himself as Hans, a Dutch shoemaker, and settles himself into the home of the Mayor’s shoemaker, Simon Eyre. Through a network of spies, Lacy’s uncle learns that his nephew has remained in London. Simon Eyre returns home one day with great news: He has become Lord Mayor of London. Lacy and Rose plan their wedding with the help of Simon and his wife. The celebration of Shrovetide begins, but it is interrupted by a visit from the King, followed by Lincoln and Sir Roger. The King sanctions Lacy and Rose’s marriage and has Lacy kneel to be knighted. Rose’s father and Lacy’s uncle accept the King’s judgement.
Comic, Romantic