Based On...
At several live shows, this song was introduced by John Linnell as being "based on the life of Don Giovanni, which I didn't know when I wrote the song."
What is "The Statue Got Me High" by They Might Be Giants?
"I scarcely know whether I stand on my head or my heels! The old, the young, the ugly, the pretty- all want to marry me!"
Who is Nemorino?
January 14, 1900
Retainers, servants, and wedding guests.
What is Lucia di Lammermoor?
The Met's Magic Flute's production, introduced in 2002, and due to be phased out this year- but the pandemic postponed that
Who is Julie Taymor?
Impepe Yomlingo is a 2007 musical theatre work that is in essence a modern retelling of this opera with South African elements, complete with transposing the opera's score onto traditional African instruments.
What is The Magic Flute?
"I sang! I danced! I believe- God forgive me- that I almost fell in love!"
Who is Carmen?
November 20, 1805
What is Fidelio?
Students, working girls, townsfolk, shopkeepers, street-vendors, soldiers, waiters, and children.
The Il Trovatore production currently seen at the Lyric Opera, the Met, and the San Fransisco Opera, as of 2013
Who is David McVicar?
The Toll of the Sea, a 1922 silent film, is based on this opera- although it changes the setting to China.
What is Madama Butterfly?
"I will first tell you my name- (not my true one)- Don Felix de Bornos, Adjutant to the Duke."
Who is Don Carlo di Vargas?
March 24, 1984
What is Akhnaten?
Peasants, shepherds, knights, pages, ladies, and soldiers.
What is William Tell?
The Don Giovanni production currently at the Royal Opera House as of 2014
Who is Kasper Holten?
There are two operas based on the story of Don Quixote- the more famous one by Massenet, and the lesser known by this Austrian composer.
Who is Wilhelm Kienzl?
"No. It is from you that my soul is flying. Goodbye- for the last time."
March 14, 1885
What is The Mikado?
Sailors, Knights, and Squires.
What is Tristan und Isolde?
The 1987 ENO production of The Barber of Seville, revived as recently as 2017
Who was Jonathan Miller?
This musical burlesque based on Carmen premiered in 1890, only 15 years after the original's premiere; while it was popular enough to tour to Australia it has sunk into obscurity since.
What is Carmen up to Data?
"Oh! Madonna, Madonna! It was the love of my child that made me lose my mind... Don't let me die, Madonna, in disgrace! Give me a sign of your mercy! Give me a sign of your mercy!"
Who is Sister Angelica?
January 28, 2014
What is Brokeback Mountain?
Courtiers, soldiers, and huntsmen.
What is Anna Bolena?
The Magic Flute production that premiered at the Lyric in 1985 and wasn't replaced til 2016- many mourned for it like a friend when it was finally phased out
Who was August Everding?