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Behind the Opera: |
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The
Emperor's New Clothes is an opera-a play in which all or most of the
words are sung by the characters. The opera is set in a faraway kingdom
that is ruled by an Emperor who is known for his vanity and driven
by his love for new clothes. The Emperor's Assistant, Chernaud arranges
for his daughter (Reyalto) to marry a rich Duke and promises the Emperor
a starring role in the wedding. Reyalto, however wants to marry for
love, and not for money. She meets Simon, a young tailor's apprentice,
who is delivering a stunning robe to the Emperor. But, when the Emperor
discovers that the robe is muddy and torn, he angrily locks poor Simon
in a cage. Through trickery, and a little magic, a gypsy woman called Messienne helps Reyalto to free Simon and stop her wedding to the Duke. Disguised as tailors, Messienne and Reyalto pretend to weave magic fabric. They convince the Emperor that only loyal subjects can see the fabric. Unaware that he has been tricked, the Emperor proudly wears his new "clothes". Who will be honest and brave enough to admit, "The Emperor has no clothes?!" |
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Performances for Young Audiences | Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour | KC Home Page
Illustrations by Ray Cruz.Used with permission by Anthenum Books.
Illustrations by Ray Cruz.Used with permission by Anthenum Books.

The
Emperor's New Clothes is an opera-a play in which all or most of the
words are sung by the characters. The opera is set in a faraway kingdom
that is ruled by an Emperor who is known for his vanity and driven
by his love for new clothes. The Emperor's Assistant, Chernaud arranges
for his daughter (Reyalto) to marry a rich Duke and promises the Emperor
a starring role in the wedding. Reyalto, however wants to marry for
love, and not for money. She meets Simon, a young tailor's apprentice,
who is delivering a stunning robe to the Emperor. But, when the Emperor
discovers that the robe is muddy and torn, he angrily locks poor Simon
in a cage.