The Boy Who Grew Too Fast

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'The Boy Who Grew Too Fast' is a "one-act opera for young people" with music and libretto by Gian-Carlo Menotti. It was first performed at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington Delaware on September 24, 1982.

[edit] Synopsis

From the score: "A nine-year-old boy who has just moved to town is mocked by his classmates because of his immense size and because of his name, Poponel Skosvodmonit. Miss Hope, his new teacher, tells the boy of Dr. Shrinck, who has invented a shrinking machine. Poponel's mother takes the boy to the doctor, who says he will be able to help Poponel reach a normal size but at a price--the boy must conform to everyone else's behavior. When Mad Dog, a terrorist, comes to the school and demands a hostage, only Poponel volunteers. His act makes him grow until he overwhelms the terrorist."

[edit] Characters

  • Miss Hope (Soprano)
  • Poponel (Tenor)
  • Mrs. Skosvodmonit (Mezzo-Soprano)
  • Dr. Shrinck (Tenor)
  • Mad Dog (Bass-Baritone)
  • Miss Proctor (Mezzo-Soprano)
  • Little Poponel (Treble)
  • Police Officer (Non-singing)
  • Children (treble chorus)