A River Runs Through It

Libretto by Kelley Rourke and Matt Foss

Based on the novel by Norman Maclean

A River Runs Through It was commissioned by Opera Montana with generous support from Carol Glenn & Sal Lalani, Drs. Dennis & Anne Wentz, and Ron Lerner, in loving memory of Jane Lerner.

Summary

Brothers Paul and Norman Maclean were each other’s closest companions as boys, raised in a strict but loving Montana household where there was no clear line between fishing and religion, and where both were practiced with fervor and exactitude. Now in their thirties, the brothers have grown apart, and Paul, always a free spirit, is in more trouble than he cares to admit. Meanwhile, Jessie, Norman’s wife, is worried for her own brother Neal, who has left Montana for California and seems to have lost his way. She hopes a family fishing trip will have a salutary effect for all concerned. On the river, Paul and Norman bond over Neal’s hopeless big-city ways, giving Norman an opening to try to help his brother, but Paul brushes his concerns aside. When Paul realizes his troubles are mounting, he suggests that he and Norman travel home to visit their parents John and Clara and take their father fishing. That fishing trip—which will turn out to be their last—is a snapshot of where they have come from, how their roles have shifted, and their abiding love. Not long afterward, Paul’s body is found in an alley, beaten to death with the butt of a revolver. As the story unfolds, Norman and Jessie grow into their love for each other as they move through exasperation, concern, helplessness and grief.

Character List

• Norman (Baritone)

• Paul (Tenor)

• Jessie (Soprano)

• Heidi (Mezzo)

• Clara (Mezzo)

• Neal (Tenor)

• John (Bass)

Orchestra Requirements

Flute/Alto Flute/Piccolo, Oboe/English Horn, Bb Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Alto/Tenor Saxophone, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Euphonium/Trombone, Piano*, Guitar/Mandolin, Harp, Percussion 1 (4 Timpani, Marimba, Glockenspiel, Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Train Whistle), Percussion 2 (Vibraphone, Snare, Toms, Suspended Cymbal, Metronome, Train Whistle), Strings

For Rights

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