Instrumentation: 3 Flutes (3rd doubling Piccolo) 2 Oboes (2nd doubling English Horn) 3 Clarinets in B= (3rd doubling Bass Clarinet) 3 Bassoons (3rd doubling Contrabassoon) 4 Horns in F 3 Trumpets in C 2 Trombones Bass Trombone Tuba Timpani Percussion (3 players) Piano Stage Piano Harp Soloists 2 Choruses Strings (10, 10, 8, 6, 5 players min.)
Cast of Characters Principal Roles Margaret Garner*, a slave in her mid-20s, Robert’s wife
Mezzo-Soprano
Robert Garner*, a slave in his early 30s, Margaret’s husband
Lyric Baritone
Cilla*, a slave about 50 years old, Robert’s mother
Dramatic Soprano
Edward Gaines, the handsome and charismatic Master of Maplewood Plantation, in his late 30s or early 40s
Lyric Baritone
Secondary Roles Casey, the Foreman of Maplewood Plantation
Dramatic Tenor
Caroline Gaines, the daughter of Edward Gaines, engaged to George Hancock
Light Lyric Soprano
George Hancock, engaged to Caroline Gaines
Tenor
Auctioneer, a Professional Salesman [doubles as Judge I]
Lyric Tenor
16 Slave Catchers **
8T; 8Bar (divisi: lyric and Verdi Baritones)
A Foreman/The Hangman
non-singing role
3 Judges** [Judge I doubles as Auctioneer]
T, Bar, B
2 Militia Officers
non-singing roles
Margaret’s 2 Children*, a 5-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy
non-singing roles
The Townspeople/The Guests (aka, “White Chorus”)
SATB: min. 36 voices
The Slaves* (aka, “Black Chorus”)*
SATB: min. 36 voices
* Although much latitude is possible in casting, these roles must be sung by Black performers. ** These roles can be sung by members of the White Chorus.