NBC OPERA COMPANY: LABYRINTH: AN OPERATIC RIDDLE {WORLD PREMIERE} (TV)
Summary
One in this series of operas presented by the NBC Opera Company. At the beginning of the program which is the world premiere of Gian Carlo Menotti's new opera, "The Labyrinth: An Operatic Riddle," the composer explains the premise of his new work to make it easier for the viewers to follow the allegorical story: A groom and his bride find themselves lost in a hotel. They cannot find their key and have forgotten their room number. The couple attempt to get help from the other people in the hotel, but realize they are on their own and no one can help them find their way. The hotel represents the world and their quest for their key symbolizes their journey through life. During their search they meet the following people, each representing different aspects of life: a bellboy, whose attention is almost impossible to get; a spy, who attempts to give them answers to life but only creates more questions; an old man, who advises them with traditional proverbs; the executive manager, who is too busy to help; an astronaut, who talks of the many other things they can do instead of just searching for their key; and the director of the hotel, who gives the groom a key to a room for all eternity. Commercials deleted.
Details
- NETWORK: NBC
- DATE: March 3, 1963 2:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:51:25
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T81:1398
- GENRE: Music
- SUBJECT HEADING: Opera; Music
- SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1950-1966
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Samuel Chotzinoff … Producer
- Gian Carlo Menotti … Director, Writer, Composer
- Kirk Browning … Director, Directed for television
- Herbert Grossman … Conductor
- NBC Opera Chorus … Choir/Chorus
- NBC Opera Orchestra … Music Group
- Judith Raskin … Cast, Bride
- John Reardon … Cast, Groom
- Nikiforos Naneris … Cast, Bellboy
- Elaine Bonazzi … Cast, Spy
- Robert White … Cast, Old Man
- Beverly Wolff … Cast, Executive Manager
- Frank Porretta … Cast, Astronaut
- John West … Cast, Lackey
- Leon Lishner … Cast, Director