The Flamingo Hat

D No: 602

Text - Author or Scripture: RWD & Frank Baer

Performing Forces: SATB, piano

Date Published: MS

Date of Composition: 1955

Notes: An operetta in two acts Libretto and lyrics copyrighted by Frank Baer in 1953. It is set in the late 18th century in Georgetown, a port on the Potomac river and now the oldest part of Washington, D.C. The plot centers on a large, beautiful hat trimmed with flamingo plumes and cursed by the Anacostian Indians with unsettling magic powers that possess its wearer. The cast is large and colorful, with several leading attractive roles befitting the young actors for which they were written. This work was first staged and performed by the glee clubs of the National Cathedral School for Girls and the St. Alban School for Boys in the first week of May 1954. Two performances took place in the Whitby Gymnasium of the girls’ school and were favorably reviewed by critics from the two newspapers — a high school production! in 1958 revisions were made by the author and the composer and it was repeated for the spring musical presentation. The list of scenes and musical numbers that follows is of that revised version. Act I, scene 1— There stands a lady, chorus; He didn’t turn out very well, duet; They own the world, solo and chorus; Sages, Fools and Saints, solo and chorus; Our Father’s Father, solo and chorus; A lovely hat, soloists and chorus. Scene 2— You might give a thought to your smile, duet. Scene 3—Here he comes!, soloists and company; I’ll try my luck at love, solo and chorus; Hornpipe (instrumental); O madeira’s the best, soloists and men’s chorus; Scene 4—I’m available, solo; Annabelle, soloists and chorus; Get Out!, soloists and company. Act II, scene 1—There it is!, soloists and chorus; Dance me, duet and chorus. Scene 2—You’re the queen, duet. Scene 3—The Hat Polka, duet; The ducking stool, duet and chorus; Finale: Annabelle, soloists and company. (Perf. time 2 hours)