The Telephone, or L'Amour à trois
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The Telephone is an Opera buffa in one act by Italian-American composer Gian Carlo Menotti. The Telephone was originally written for production by the Ballet Society, and was first presented by that organization with Menotti's The Medium at Heckscher Theater, New York City, February 18-20, 1947. The Broadway production took place on May 1, 1937 at Ethel Barrymore Theater. It received its sole performance at the Metropolitan Opera on July 31, 1965.
[edit] Characters
[edit] Plot
Ben is in Lucy's apartment. Ben has to go away and he comes to Lucy with a present, this being an excuse to ask her to marry him. Before he has a chance to ask her the telephone rings and then Lucy is lost in endless conversation. Every time Ben tries to propose he is interrupted by the telephone. Ben tries everything to get her attention, even considering breaking the phone while she leaves the room. Not wanting to miss his train Ben leaves without asking Lucy for her hand in marriage. Before Ben boards the train he calls Lucy and proposes over the telephone and the two have a romantic duet over the line.
