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"1728"
In an attempt to ward off burial in a cold dark tomb, Chesterfield tries to convince the Ensemble that the poor have as much to gain as the titled in this magnificent century stretching out before them, but their doubts, and their hostility to his lordship, remain. (Now much revised but this recording still conveys the spirit of the piece.) Artists: Tim Hartman, with Kath Donnelly, Carolyn Smith, Nathan Hart, Vince Ventura; piano, Michael Miller. "He Never Spoke Love"
Mademoiselle du Bouchet is pregnant with Chesterfield's child and defends her longing for tenderness to scornful household servants. Artists: Carolyn Smith, with John Gresh, Kath Donnelly, Evan Taylor Walker, Vince Ventura. "Dear Boy"
A nurse puts his infant son into Chesterfield's arms, changing his life forever. Artists: Tim Hartman; piano, Michael Miller. 
A moment from "The Grand Tour Carousel"; Stanhope learns to carve.
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"A Complaint of the Lungs"
Deep into the Grand Tour, Stanhope falls desperately ill. The doctors try to save him as the anxious father is reminded of his threatening control of the boy by the Ensemble. (This song has been substantially revised both in lyrics and music since this recording was made, but the listener can get on idea of its direction from the old recording.) Artists: John Gresh, Evan Taylor Walker, Kath Donnelly, Carolyn Smith, Vince Ventura. "I Can't Say a Word"
Love strikes hard when Stanhope and Eugenia meet, leaving them speechless. Artists: Marielle Roppo & Kevin McCarl; keyboard, Nick Stamatakis. Recorded during live performance. "Why Should He Have To Know?"
Temporarily crushed by Eugenia's coldness in dismissing him in Rome, Stanhope suddenly sees the way ahead: he will pursue his beloved while keeping the pursuit a secret from the controlling father. But back in London, Chesterfield pursues his own agenda for his son. Artists: Justin Lonesome, Leon Zionts; piano, Douglas Levine. Recorded during live performance. "What Was the Question?"
Act 2. Called back to London, Stanhope is pushed into the House of Commons by Chesterfield, who thinks the role of an eloquent MP will smooth his son's way forward. But Stanhope is ill-equipped for public speaking and proves it on his first attempt as an MP. Artists: Michael Fuller, Vince Ventura, Lisa Ann Goldsmith, Eric James Davidson, Sara Fischer; piano, Nick Stamatakis. Recorded during workshop reading. |
The Ensemble despair of convincing Chesterfield of his folly in "A Complaint of the Lungs."
"Just Breathe"
Eugenia is forced by her father's death to carve out a new life for herself, but her chaperone sees only unknown dangers ahead. For Eugenia, though, the clouds are lifting and the air is intoxicating. Artists: Madrid Vinarski, Lisa Ann Goldsmith; piano, Nick Stamatakis. Recorded during workshop reading. "I Am Yours"
After discovering Eugenia teaching in Hamburg, the site of his first diplomatic post, Stanhope daringly ignores all the signals emanating from London and proposes a secret marriage. If Eugenia has any sense of the risk, she ignores it. Artists: Madrid Vinarski, Vince Ventura; piano, Nick Stamatakis. Recorded during workshop reading. "Admit Me To Your Fireside"
As Chesterfield sees Stanhope depart for his new post in Germany, he sees loneliness surrounding him like the forlorn paintings on his walls. At the same time Stanhope and Eugenia are settling into family life abroad, a happy life that can't be shared with the lonely but overbearing father. Artists: Michael Fuller, Madrid Vinarski, Vince Ventura; piano, Nick Stamatakis. Recorded during workshop reading. "Chesterfield's Lament"
The news of Stanhope's death is bad enough. That he left behind a wife and two sons, completely unknown to his father, leaves Chesterfield nursing a sense of betrayal. Artists: Tim Hartman; piano, Michael Miller. |
Note: Several songs appear on this page in non-current versions, especially "1728" and "A Complaint of the Lungs." But all reflect the spirit of the show. As we continue recording, we'll update this page, so please check back.