The Bronze Ring
The Bronze Ring is the first in a series of operettas based on classic fairy tales written and composed by Robin Field. The story is taken from a French version by Carnoy and Nicolaides (Traditions Populaires, 1889, Maisoneuve, Paris), translated into English by Minnie Wright and published in The Blue Fairy Book edited by Andrew Lang (1889, Longmans, Green & Co.). Earlier versions of the story came from such countries as India, Turkey, Russia and Italy.
“The story needed several revisions,” says Field. “In the original, the ring possessed a genie who granted wishes to the owner, as in the story of ‘Aladdin.’ Also, the moral was quite unclear. The hero kept slaves, he even branded them with the ring. At one point the hero succeeded due to his altruism, at another by the luck of possessing the ring, at another by the help of animals. I eliminated the genie, gave the ring only one power, that of speaking the truth, and made sure the hero succeeded only by his honesty.”
This work was first performed in 1978 by a middle-school cast and again in 1980 by a community theatre, both directed by Field. This recording was produced and directed by Field in 1987 at Angel Sound, New York, engineered by David Schaich, and featuring Rebecca Luker, who has since starred in many Broadway shows.
In the bonus track, Field introduces the work to an audience of adults at a philosophical conference in 1987.
Musical synopsis
SCENE ONE: A Palace Garden
- “The Garden of the King”
- “Tell Him Honestly”
- “The Gardener’s Son”
SCENE TWO: The Road to Vlorë
- “Come Travel with Me”
SCENE THREE: The Sultan’s Palace
- “Song of the Mice”
- “Ring of Bronze”
- “Little Red Fishes”
SCENE FOUR: The Princess’ Bedroom
- “Ladies-in-Waiting”
SCENE FIVE: Same as Three
- “Dance of the Cat”
- “We Blind Mice”
SCENE SIX: The Prow of a Golden Ship
- “Pull Together Now”
- “Look for Me, I’m Coming Home”
SCENE SEVEN: Same as One
- “The Garden of the King” – Reprise
- “The Gardener’s Song” – Reprise
- “We Fine Mice”
- “Ring of Bronze” – Reprise
- “Finale”
Tracks
Complete script (PDF)
Liner notes (PDF)
Copyright © 1980 Robin Field