Nkeiru Okoye

Music by Nkeiru Okoye

Libretto by David Cote

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2015

Comic chamber opera

Approx 60 minutes

5 lead roles for soprano, soprano, mezzo, alto, and baritone, SATB chorus; with orchestra

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Themes: Romantic comedy, Clash of the Titans, Graeae

For scores and parts, contact rental@presser.com

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Featured numbers: "The Cooking Song," "Flirt,  "Where did the Girl Go,?" "Leave the Berry on the Vine."

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Score

Summary

Plot Synopsis

Loosely inspired by Greek myth, and set in ancient times, We’ve Got Our Eye on You delivers a humorous but uplifting message about giving in to desire prematurely. Think Monty Python-esque Gilbert & Sullivan, with a touch of Broadway.  Mayhem ensues when Pythia, Oracle from Delphi, visits the Graeae (mythological sisters who share one eye), and prophesies that a man bearing the mark of Zeus will be “known” to all three. Pythia departs and encounters Perseus, who plans to charm the Graeae into revealing the whereabouts of Medusa, as soon as he can find their cave.  He scoffs at Pythia’s prophecy, since he is madly in love with Andromeda, and could never fall for an eyeless woman. Perseus disguises himself, covering the mark of Zeus, as the sight of his physique may be too much for the ladies’ eyeball. In the end, the oracle’s prophecy comes true, causing personal reflection, and general fun and amusement for all.

We’ve Got Our Eye on You also has a social message: It challenges today’s “hookup” phenomenon that is especially pervasive amongst teens and college students.  Organizations seeking to reach and open dialogue with this audience through arts will appreciate its message, which is delivered through witty comedy, family-friendly songs and euphemistic language.
 

Audience

This work is intended for audiences from middle school aged students to adults: some of its humor may not be understood by, or appropriate for, younger children. 

Cast

ENYO, the scorned Graeae sister.................................................................................................... Soprano

PEMPHREDO, The clueless Graeae sister...................................................................................... Soprano

DEINO, The curious Graeae sister............................................................................................... Soprano 2

PYTHIA, Oracle at Delphi.................................................................................................... Mezzo-soprano

PERSEUS, Son of Zeus...................................................................................................................... Baritone

SATB Chorus

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* Colorblind casting is encouraged. The role of Pythia gains interpretive insights when performed by an African American mezzo or soprano 2 who has experience with performance practices of traditional African American churches and jazz.

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Media

2022 Des Moines Metro Opera. Scene 1 from  We've Got Our Eye on You. 

2022. Arizona State University production of We've Got Our Eye on You. Scene 4