Digging into an opera that hasn’t been produced in this country for 99 years is a fascinating, somewhat masochistic way to spend one’s time. But every day, this charming little-known piece is coming more and more into focus.
Today brings a dilemma in fine-tuning the synopsis: What does one call this charming place where the men of The Curious Women hang out? (The original libretto uses the word “casino”.) “Gentlemen’s Club” has curious and incorrect connotations. “Clubhouse” feels as if it is in a tree in someone’s backyard. “Lodge” is too specific in the wrong ways. Hmmm…
*No women allowed! (The motto of said club. No wonder the women are curious.)
Well, in Middletown, RI, the establishment that started in the gilded age and still exists is called the Clambake Club, women not allowed, except maybe to clean, I suppose. It’s where the robber barons went to get away from wives and families during Newport Mansion vacations. They actually opened it to the neighborhood for the first time every on their 100th anniversary a few years ago.
Oh, I love that. Wonderful context for this story :)