MVNU to present The Telephone

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — The Music Department at Mount Vernon Nazarene University will present Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Telephone, a short one-act comic opera, on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium. The performance is free and open to the public.

The Telephone is a lighthearted exploration of how modern distractions — specifically the telephone — can interfere with meaningful communication. The opera features senior Logan Davis, who is also directing, and sophomore Madigan Kennedy. They will be accompanied by Charla Dryburgh.

Synopsis

In the opera, Ben visits Lucy at her apartment with the intent to propose before he leaves on a trip. Lucy is so preoccupied with a series of conversations on the telephone that Ben can’t get her attention long enough to ask his question. He even unsuccessfully attempts to cut the telephone cord when she leaves the room.

Eventually, Ben leaves to catch his train without proposing, so he tries one last time — this time by calling Lucy from a telephone booth on the street. He manages to propose, and she accepts. Then the two share in a romantic duet over the phone. The opera concludes with Lucy making sure Ben remembers her phone number.

To learn more about the MVNU Music Department, visit mvnu.edu/music.