Benjamin Britten
George Manahan, conductor
Eve Summer, director
To honor virtuous youth, local officials bestow the title of May King on a shy shop clerk, with comical consequences. Accepting his honor, the timid Albert is first giddy, then despondent as he becomes aware of his inexperience with love and life. Britten’s quirky hero resolves to spend his prize money on adventure, stays out all night, and concocts a wild explanation that shocks his elders and wins the admiration of his peers.