Recommended for Grades 6-12
In this resource, you will:
- Learn the opera’s background and synopsis
- Meet the opera’s composer
The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me
by Jeanine Tesori
The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me
by Jeanine Tesori
A quick overview of Jeanine Tesori’s 2013 opera about the animals of the first Christmas.
Background
Travel back in time to the very first Christmas and join a young Angel as he tries to answer a very big question: Which member of the animal kingdom should lead Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem?
Based on Jeanette Winterson’s classic book of the same name, The Lion, the Unicorn, and Me began its journey to the stage when Washington National Opera Artistic Director Francesca Zambello first read the story and thought it would make an ideal opera for audiences of all ages.
Inspired by the tale of the “unimportant” Donkey who becomes an unlikely hero, Ms. Zambello asked composer Jeanine Tesori and librettist J.D. “Sandy” McClatchy to help with the project. The result is a lively opera complete with singing “animals,” unusual instruments, imaginative costumes and puppets, and a children’s choir.
Synopsis
Act I
On a dark night in a distant land, something incredible is about to happen: A baby boy destined to change history is about to be born.
But not so fast.
For this baby to arrive, his mother, Mary, has to ride across the desert to a place that’s safe and warm. She’ll need an animal to guide her—and that animal has to be special. Luckily for Mary, an Angel has been given the task of finding her the best creature for the job. Determined to make the right decision, the Angel produces a list left over from Noah’s Ark and starts to interview all the animals that ever existed... one by one.
During the interviews, the Angel meets several impressive creatures but rejects them all, saying they don’t have the right qualities to take on this very important journey. Just then the Lion and the Unicorn step forward. The Lion proudly proclaims that he, the king of beasts, should be the one to help Mary. The Unicorn also insists her magical horn and mysterious nature would actually make her the best choice.
Thinking the Lion and the Unicorn may both be a little too self-centered for this special task, the Angel is relieved to discover he’s forgotten to interview one last animal: the Donkey. Grateful to be considered, the Donkey humbly claims he can carry anything anywhere, even though he’s not beautiful, powerful, clever, or even important. After a few moments, the Angel chooses the ordinary Donkey to accompany Mary and her husband, Joseph.
Act II
The Donkey does his best and brings Mary to the faraway village of Bethlehem. But when Mary, Joseph, and the Donkey reach the town square, they discover there’s nowhere for them to stay. Joseph pleads with an innkeeper to rent them a room, but the innkeeper can only offer a small space in his stable.
At the stable, the animals all spread rumors of a miracle that’s meant to happen that very evening. As darkness falls, Mary gives birth to a baby boy named Jesus.The Angel, a shepherd, and three kings arrive to offer gifts and blessings. Even the Lion and the Unicorn come to pay their respects. They also discover the “ordinary” Donkey isn’t all that ordinary anymore; his nose now has a beautiful golden glow.
Sadly, though, there’s no time for rejoicing: A nasty king named Herod, who poses a dangerous threat to the newborn, is on his way. Frightened, Mary and Joseph realize they must leave quickly. But where will they go? And how will they find their way in the dark? You’ll soon find out.
Meet the Artists
Read the Cuesheet
Go Behind the Scenes
Making of Opera: The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me - Costumes and Puppets.
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Written by
Eleni Hagen
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Edited by
Lisa Resnick
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Produced by
Kennedy Center Education
Digital Learning
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