Lyric Opera 2022-2023, Issue 7, Factotum

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 10 Additional support is provided by Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Production Circle. Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Of cial Airline,American Airlines. Co-commissioned by Lyric Opera of Chicago and Houston Grand Opera. Co-produced by Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera,Portland Opera, and Washington National Opera - Kennedy Center. Lyric remains deeply grateful to Roberta L.and Robert J.Washlow for their leading support of The Factotum throughout the development process. Scenery constructed by: F & D Scene Changes Ltd. Additional costumes by: Steppenwolf Costume Shop Anthony Giliberto Designs,Inc. Cego Custom Shirtmaker Select projected images by: Alice Attie,Todd Heisler/The New York Times/Redux,Antonio M.Johnson,and Andrew Morang APPROXIMATE TIMINGS Part 1 1 hour Intermission 25 minutes Part 2 45 minutes Total 2 hours and 10 minutes PART ONE A street on the South Side of Chicago bustles with the citizens of a tight-knit Black neighborhood. Cierra (Cece), a college-bound dancer and beloved member of the community, introduces each character through dance as they go about their daily activities. Cece’s uncles, Mike and Garby, are co-owners of Master Kutz, the neighborhood barbershop, which was passed down to them by their late father. As cops hover around Master Kutz, a Quartet (composed of the characters Leeroy, Bootleg Joe, Sam, and Charlie) introduces the world within this story. Mike carries on his father’s legacy as head barber while Garby uses the shop to run an illegal numbers game after hours. Mike confronts his brother about the uptick in police activity near the shop. Garby boasts that his gambling money has helped keep the barbershop in business and will pay for Cece’s college tuition. The Quartet looks on as Garby withdraws from the argument. Alone in the barbershop, Mike ruminates about honoring their father’s legacy while creating his own. He reminisces about the time his father taught him how to cut hair and prays for help but is interrupted when Neil enters the shop. Neil is the son of Chantel, who is the head beautician of Master Kutz and a dear friend to Mike. Mike pulls out a framed picture of Cece as a child with the whole barbershop crew. He plans to give her the photograph as a graduation gift but second- guesses himself. Chantel, who keeps her feelings for Mike a secret, assures him that Cece will love the present. Chantel then ips the sign from Closed to Open and the barbershop quickly starts to buzz with customers. Leeroy, Bootleg Joe, Sam, and Charlie take their places in the busy shop while Mike steps out to buy supplies. Outside, former high school sweethearts Rose and CJ separately re ect on their current situations. CJ has recently been discharged from the military and is on his way to visit Master Kutz. Rose, Garby’s girlfriend, is a singer/songwriter getting ready for her EP release party happening that night. Back in the shop, Neil grabs a pair of clippers and manages to cut off a piece of a customer’s hair. The barbershop erupts into chaos. When Mike returns, he runs into Cece, who has been working at the barbershop part-time assisting Chantel. Cece’s mother recently passed away, and she’s been hesitant about leaving her family to attend college. Mike offers his support and advice. As Cece heads inside the shop, CJ arrives, to Mike’s delight—he has always viewed CJ as a son. Mike drags him into the shop to tell everyone of his arrival, then yanks off CJ’s hat and discovers that he desperately needs a haircut. Mike and Chantel brag about all of the different hairstyles they can do and, during the showdown, Cece breaks out into dance. Meanwhile, Rose and CJ notice each other, but before they have a chance to reunite, Garby enters. He greets everyone and embraces Cece, asking her if she has everything she needs for school. Everyone praises Garby for his generosity, and Sam, who has a gambling addiction, asks him for money. Garby brushes PRODUCTION SPONSORS Ford Foundation The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center Board Roberta L. & Robert J. Washlow John R. and Grace K. Stanek Charitable Fund Gene & Jean Stark The Bill & Orli Staley Foundation Mary Stowell Eisen Family Foundation Anonymous Donor Laurel Appell Lipkin Synopsis TIME | Summer 2019 PLACE | Master Kutz, a barbershop on the South Side of Chicago