Lyric Opera 2022-2023, Issue 7, Factotum

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 12 Synopsis continued him off and turns his attention to Rose. The two share a romantic moment as CJ looks on, reminiscing about his previous relationship with Rose. When Garby steps away, CJ promises Rose that he’ll come to the release party, then leaves. Afterwards, all of the women poke fun at Rose and fawn over CJ, chatting excitedly about a night on the town. Finally, only Mike, Garby, and Cece remain. Mike gives Cece the framed picture, and her uncles vow to always be there for her. The brothers exit, and Cece is left alone for a solo dance. INTERMISSION PART TWO After hours at the barbershop, the Quartet returns, singing about Garby’s numbers game, while he boasts about his nancial gains. Leeroy rushes into the shop, reporting that there is a snitch in their ranks and the shop is about to be raided. Garby urges him to pack up the money and evidence before the police arrive. Walking by the shop, Sam notices Leeroy packing money and enters, asking for another handout. Garby threatens Sam and tells him to leave. When he refuses, Garby strikes him down. At this moment, Cece enters the shop to retrieve her backpack and is confused by what she sees, but Garby insists that everything is ne as Sam runs out. A panicked Leeroy takes the remaining money and departs. Garby then asks his niece to cover for him as she’s done in the past, assuring her that everything will be okay and exits out the back door as the cops enter. Cece is left alone, and through a series of misunderstandings, the cops tase her. At Rose’s party, Sandra and Charlie order drinks while Chantel awaits Mike’s arrival. He and CJ arrive together just as Rose takes the stage to sing. While disappointed that Garby did not show up, she is happy to see CJ. After the performance, she and CJ start to rekindle their old relationship. Chantel receives word of Cece’s tasing, and she tells Mike, who steps up to console the concerned crowd. He assures everyone that Cece will be okay and encourages the group to stick together and to turn frustrations into activism. Chantel echoes the sentiment. Early the next day, Garby frantically sorts through papers in the barbershop’s back room. Having heard about the tasing, he knows deep down that he is at fault. Rose nds him and is furious that he hasn’t returned any of her calls. They begin to argue. Mike and CJ, also unable to reach Garby, enter the shop looking for him. Mike confronts his brother about his whereabouts, asking if he was involved in Cece’s run-in with the cops. Stepping outside, CJ implores Rose to leave her boyfriend, but when Garby notices them talking, he pursues CJ until Mike intercedes. People begin entering the barbershop and interrogating Garby. The two brothers come head to head as Cece enters and the room falls silent. She recounts the night of the tasing, and encourages her uncles to come together. She forgives Garby, who breaks down and apologizes for his actions. Remorsefully, he gives up his right as co-owner and turns Master Kutz over to Mike. Rose then chooses to stay with Garby while Cece commits to attending school. The community bonds over all that has taken place.