About this work:
a pocket opera - by Yvonne Freckmann
Close Encounter of the Hillbilly Kind is a comedic portrayal of a young woman waiting for a bus, who meets a Kentucky Hillbilly hell-bent on taking her to the Hilton. Setting: A sunny Saturday, 2 p.m. A bus stop on Eastern Parkway in Louisville, Kentucky. There is a bench and a trash can.
VALERIE: Graduate student, 22. Studies piano and is taking the bus for the first time in her new city. Her mom wanted her to save gas. She is wearing a “newsie” style hat and tennis shoes, and carrying a backpack. She is introverted but polite to strangers. Having brought her book, she hopes to get some work done during the wait.
THOMAS: A self-described Kentucky Hillbilly, 48. A divorced father of two, he plays basketball on the weekends. He is wearing a Krispy Kreme hat and work-out clothes, and is carrying a faded basketball and a bag with a portable radio inside. A very outgoing guy, he needs someone to listen to his stories. He wants her to come to the Hilton with him.
Soprano VALERIE
Tenor THOMAS
Flute/Piccolo
Alto Sax
Double Bass
Drum Set
Piano
This piece is based upon an experience I had in Louisville in September 2011, one month after moving to this state to pursue my master's degree at the University of Louisville. For questions please contact Yvonne Freckmann at yfreckmann@gmail.com.