Libretto rev.8/27/10
THE CLASSROOM
A ONE ACT CHILDREN'S OPERA WITH WORDS
AND MUSIC BY BRUCE CRAIG ROTER
Svnopsis
Scene
1
A school day begins like all others for the students of one particular class. These
students come from two different ethnic backgrounds. Also half of them are boys,
the other half girls, but they don't notice any differences. They just want to have
fun and want to learn. The students greet each other outside the classroom
("Good Morning") then the Teacher ushers them inside and takes attendance.
The Teacher then makes and announcement that they will be getting a new
student who will arrive for a visit later in the day. Before beginning her math
lesson, the Teacher is interrupted once more by a student who wishes to sing a
song. The Teacher patiently tells her she can sing it in a little while. Studies
commence with a lesson in math ("Math Song'). At the urging of the Teacher, the
students alljoin in. Then seeing there is time for music, the Teacher fulfills the
students'earlier request and lets her sing a song. The girl announces that the
song was written by her father as a lesson to her because she had had an
argument with one of her friends at school and wishes to make up. The girl sings
her father's song (student's ballad: "There is something speciar'). After the
song, the bell rings for lunch.
Scene 2
In the lunchroom, the students sit at their tables and unpack what their parents
had given them for lunch. They complain and begin to trade their food ("What Do
You have For Lunch?'). After eating, the students go outside for recess. They
are reminded that they have to practice for the big soccer game and begin to kick
a soccer ball around ("Kick the BallAround"). Afier recess, it's time to go back to
the classroom.
Scene 3
The Teacher welcomes the students back. She announces that it is story time
and begins reading. One student is skeptical about reading fairy tales. The
Teacher explains why they are important ("Story Time"). Then comes the dreaded
test in geography. The students are scared ("A Test!") but are relieved to have
done well.
Libretto rev.8127/lA
After the test is over, there is a knock at the door. The new student "arrives." So
that it doesn't disturb the balance between the two ethnic groups or boys or girls,
the new student never actually appears on stage. The students greet their new
classmate ('Hello Friend"). Then the final day's bell goes off to announce the end
of the day. The students gather their things, say goodbye ("Goodbye') to one
another and look forward to seeing their friends again the next day.
Lvrics:
Overture (Good Morning):
Students: Good Morning to you, Good Morning. we'll have a great day at work
and at play. Good Morning to you, Good Morning. We'll have a great day, and
I'm happy to say: lt's so nice to see you in the morning. lt's so nice to see you
through the day. 'Cause of you school is fun never boring, as we go along our
way. Good Morning to you, Good Morning. We're here to say let's have a great
day! Good Morning to you, Good Morning. Let's go and have a great day. Having
fun at work and at play! Time to start this great new day!
Opening Recitative:
TEACHER: Good morning children. Good morning children. How are you today?
(a student raises his/her hand). Yes you have a question?
STUDENT: Yeah, why are you singing?
TEACHER: Because we're in an opera! Don't you see your parents out there?
Wave to them! (Sfudenf's waive). Spoken: That quite (then catches herself)
Sung: I mean, that's quite enough. Now follow my lead...
sing your name! fstudent srngs his/her name--ad /rb.J sing your name! [sim.]
This is how we play this game! Sing your name! [sim] Sing your name! [sim.]
Sing your name and don't complain because we like to entertain, we sing our
names but never dance and now I've taken attendance! WHEH!
Now students listen up. We're getting a new student Our new friend will be here
at the end of the day. fstudent rar'ses his/her handl Yes? {student sfarts ta speak]
I can't hear you you're not singing...
STUDENT: ls the student a boy or girl?
TEACHER: Funny the principal did not say. Well it doesn't really matter Now
come let's start our first lesson. [a different student raises hislher hand]
Oy! another interruption. (catching herself) | mean, yes?
Libretto rev.8/27/10
STUDENT: My daddy wrote a song. May I sing it?
TEACHER: That's all very nice, but may-be later now let's get on with our plan.
Take out your math books.
Math Song:
TEACHER: Two times one is two. Two times two is four. Two times three is six,
but you've studied this before. Two times four is eight. Two times five is ten.
Twelve is only six when it's taken twice again!
Three's. Three times one is three. Three times two is six. Three times three is
nine, now you're doing rather fine! Three times four is twelve, use a pencil never
penl Fifteen comes from five when its taken thrice a gain! got it?
Fours! Four times one is four. Four times two is eight. Study these tonight, and
don't procrastinate! Four times three is twelve, now we're running short on time.
Four times four is sixteen and I can't think of a rhyme!
Now our math is simple as you see Just sit up straight and take a breath and
closely follow me....
TEACHER : Two times one is two.
STUDENTS: Two times one is two.
TEACHER: Two times two is four
STUDENTS: Two times two is four
TEACHER: Two times three is six.
STUDENTS: Now we're asking you for more!
TEACHER; Two times four is eight.
STUDENTS: Two times four is eight.
TEACHER: Two times five is ten.
STUDENTS: Two times five is ten.
TEACHER: Twelve is on-y six, re-peat,
Twelve is only six when its taken twice a-gain!
BOTH:
Recitative No. 2:
TEACHER: Now wasn 't that fun? I think we have time now for some music. Yes,
a little music be-fore lunch.
STUDENT: Teacher, may I sing my song now?
TEAGHER: Very well. Children gather'round.
Libretto rev.8/27/10
STUDENT: My father wrote this song be-cause
I
had had a quarrel with one of
my friends.
Student's Ballad:
STUDENT: There is something special I've learned in school. Being kind is part
of the Golden rule, We like to help each other through-out the day. You help me
and I help you. There's no reason not to be friends with you. we've got lots in
common I know this is true. And for us, we pledge our friendship come what may.
Your my friend tomorrow and every day. Your my friend tomorrow and every day.
fClassmates and teach Oo and ah! ln approval]
Recitative No. 3 and Scene Change:
TEACHER: Beautiful! Marvelous! Your daddy must be so talentedl fbell rings]
Ah, it's time for lunch! Every body gather your things!
What Do You Have For Lunch?:
(**foods might be changed to reflect the cultures)
STUDENTS: Egg salad again, I wanted something else. Not tuna again, I should
make my lunch myself! An apple a day now isn't that so sweet? We work hard all
day we need good food to eat!
What do you have for lunch? What do you have for lunch? ls it soft or does it go
crunch? What do you have for lunch, oh, what do you have for lunch?
Yours looks good can I have it please, and you can have my mac and cheese? l'll
even give you my apple as well! These eggs I've seen them twice before but your
yogurt there I can't ignore, if you trade with me that really would be swell!
What do you have for lunch? What do you have for lunch? ls it soft or doe's it go
crunch? What do you have? | don't have a hunch! What do you have for lunch?
What do you have for lunch?
Chicken I have this every day, so can I have your P B and J? For you I think this
has a more appeal! I'll trade you for your sandwich of meat, for me this will be
quite a treat, we won't tell our dear mothers of our deal!
What do you have for lunch? What do you have for lunch? ls it soft or does it go
crunch? what do you have? | don't have a hunch! will you slurp or chomp or
much? What do you have for lunch What do you have for lunch?
Libretto rcv.8/27/10
Bananas, fruit cups peaches and cream, we don't agree on everything. But this
one thing we all can sing: WE WANT cooKlEs AND lcE-cREAM FoR LUNCH!
What do you have for lunch?
Recitative and Rap:
TEACHER: lt's time for recess!
STUDENTS (or alternatively one student): Gather'round folks, 'cause we got a
big game We're gonna kick the ball and drive the other team all insane We've
gotta work had on our passes in the sun-shine or the rain and after scoring fifteen
goals we're gonna score ten more again!
It's gonna be a sight when all our friends come out to see us, but before we start
to celebrate we got to get serious. The other team will try but they will really have
no chance we're gonna spin'em so darn hard they'll have their knees around
their. .. fright into next song]
Kick the Ball Around
...
Pantsll
Come on everyone in a circle, kick the ball around. Right, Left, pass it on to your
neighbor, keep it on the ground. Good shot! Practicing for tonight the winning
team is crowned! We'llwin if we allwork together let's get ready, Kick the ball
around! Come on everyone in a circle kick the ball around. Right, Left pass it on
to your neighbor keep it on the ground. Good Shot! Practicing for tonight the
winning team is crowned. We'll win if we all work together let's get ready Kick the
ball, Let's get ready standing tall, Let's get ready Kick the bail a-round!
KICK THE BALL AROUND!
EN'TRACTE
[no dialogue]
Libretto rev. 8/27 llA
Recitative No. 5
TEACHER: Welcome back from lunch. I trust you had a good rest. Now this
afternoon as you know we have a have a test. Not too hard, so don't give it much
care. But now it's story time so come gather round my chair
fstudents gather and sit araund the teacher who has opened a story baok]
Teacher's Recitative and Aria
TEACHER: One there was a princess who was riding on her horse in the middle
of a fierce and raging storm. Out of the great darkness a woods-man did appear
and showed the tired princess to his home After a warm sup-per of roasted chest
nut soup She explained her mission at the king's behest. {closing fhe bookl This
is where we'll leave her, with so much yet to be told. Tomorrow we'll continue with
the quest.
STUDENT: Teacher I am sorry and I don't mean to complain l'm not sure that I
understand the point. Why should we spend time each day with tales that are pretend? | wish you'd take a moment to ex-plain.
TEACHER: [Aria] Stories let your mind soar far away, far away. Each and every story has so much to say. Tales of special places you wish to see, tales call out
"follow me" Tales of great adventures on land, at sea. Trust your mind and you
will see. Stories let your mind roam far away far away Tales of great adventure
from yesterday. Let your mind go wand'ring and you will see, open up your eyes
and just follow me. Stories open windows for you to see. Look and you will find
yonder, stories let your mind go wand'-'ring, stories let you dream.
Recitative No. 6
TEACHER: Very well then. I think it's time we take our test. So go back to your
desks. | | will ask you the questions. and please write down your response. Good
luck.
Libretto rev.8127/10
A Test!
STUDENTS: A TEST! A TEST! lwant to do my very BEsr! Did I study hard?
think I did but I'm feeling quite distressed! lthink I need a rest!
|
TEST! A TEST! | want to do my very BEST! Did I study hard, I think I did. Wiil I
ever be the smartest kid? Will my Parents be impressed? if I pass this silly test?
A TEsr, A TEsr! There's a pounding in my chest. Do I know my East and
West? | know I'm stressed, I'm STRESSED!
TEACHER: asks the following questian: Okay students, p/ease name two of the
seven oceans...l
Atlantic! Pacific!, HEY, I think I did terrific, 'Cause I really was specific!
A TEST, A TEST I want to do my very BEST! | know I got that answer right, now
here's the next...
TEACHER: Okay students, please name for me two of the five continents...
STUDENTS: (aftera tense pause) EUROPEI AstAl WHEW!, rthought I had
amnaysia!
A TEsr, A TEST, I know I did my very best! My parents will be so impressed!
know I really aced this test, I did my best! I did my best! | did my best, I did my
best, I aced this test. THIS TEST!
|
Recitative No. 7
TEACHER: The test is over. Please now turn in your sheets. fa knack at the
doorl. Ah, a knock at the door. I think we know who know who that can be.
(opening the door, a silhouette of a child appears).
Welcome, welcome! So glad you could join us at the end of the day! Welcome to
youl And as a special greeting my class has something it wishes to say. {sfudenfs
stand and gather by the open daor).
Libretto rev.8/27/1A
Hello Friend
STUDENTS: Hello friend, hello pal, we are glad that you join us here in our
class. Hello friend, hello pal, we were told that you're coming now you're here at
last! Join our class, take your turn, there's so much that we learn as we study
every day. Take your seat, have a try there's no need to be shy You'll have fun as
we work and play. Hello friend, hello palwe are very sincere. Hello friend, hello
pal, there is nothing to fear. Hello friend, hello palwe are glad you are here. Day
is done, come again see you pal, see you soon, Hello friend.
[the bell rings]
Goodbye!
TEACHER: There's the bell! Get your things! Study for tomorrow's quiz!
STUDENTS: (gathering their things and heading aut!) GOOD-BYE to you, GoodBye! Our school day is done. lt sure has been fun. Goodbye my friends. I'll see
ya soon! We had a great day at work and at play. I will see you again in the
morning. I will see you again the next day. We'lljust wait for the sun's next
dawning, and we'll wake up and start a new day! Goodbye to you, I'll see you
soon. we had lots of fun but it's time to go home. Goodbye to you. we cannot
stay, lt's time to go our own way, Yes, it's time to go our own way. Time to go
home and study and play with our parents and time... time to end this great day!
Copyright 2010 by Bruce Craig Roter
All rights reserved