We've Got Our Eye On You
Music by Nkeiru Okoye
Libretto by David Cote
2015
Comic chamber opera
Approx 60 minutes
5 lead roles for soprano, soprano, mezzo, alto, and baritone, SATB chorus; with orchestra
Themes: Romantic comedy, Clash of the Titans, Graeae
For scores and parts, contact rental@presser.com
Featured numbers: "The Cooking Song," "Flirt, "Where did the Girl Go,?" "Leave the Berry on the Vine."
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
* 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.
Media
2016. "The Cooking Song" from We've Got Our Eye on You. SUNY New Paltz workshop production from March 5, 2016.
2017. Cleveland Opera Theater's Semi Staged workshop performance of We've Got Our Eye on You, Scene 3.
2015 Hartford Opera Theater New In November Festival. Workshop of Scene 1 from We've Got Our Eye on You
2015. "Flirt" from We've Got Our Eye on You.