Stephen Paulus’ The Postman Always Rings Twice at Boston University

James M. Cain’s notorious 1934 crime novel of lust, violence and betrayal, The Postman Always Rings Twice, has enjoyed a double life as an opera since 1982 when Stephen Paulus adapted this sordid tale for the opera stage. Now Boston University's College of Fine Arts presents Paulus' opera from February 24 through February 27 at the Mainstage of the Boston University Theatre. Premiered by the Opera Theatre of St. Louis in 1982, the work was the first American opera to be heard at the Edinburgh Festival and has graced the stages of leading opera companies across the US including the Washington National Opera among other major houses. The Postman Always Rings Twice features a small-cast, no chorus and a familiar and striking story, making it an ideal choice for opera companies of all sizes. Fred Hauptman comments on the music:

The orchestra supplies affect and coherence by constant repetition of a few melodic fragments, and every opportunity for an orchestral set piece in some sort of closed form is eagerly seized upon. Paulus' best music is in these set pieces, many of which use elements of popular music to help create their ambience. The opening alto saxophone solo includes the most memorable tune in the opera, and Frank's "Traveling Blues" and Nick's gentle song are clear successes.

Stephen Paulus-Composer Profile

www.stephenpaulus.com

Learn more on the production at www.bu.edu.

Stephen Paulus
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1982)
opera in two acts
libretto (En) by Colin Graham after the novel by James M. Cain
for soprano, 2 tenors, baritone and bass
2(2.pic).1.1(asax).1-1.2.1.1(btbn)-2perc-gtr.pno.hp-str
120’