Sammy and Luigi Confrontation - The Barber Of Paducah

 Recordings of 'The Barber Of Paducah' continues with the confrontation between Sammy, a patron that usually doesn't come to Luigi's shop except to cause trouble, and Luigi. This is one instance where the original manuscript written by Travis V. McGonigle is virtually complete. The only missing items are part of the orchestration. At a recent conference with the composer, he revealed that the opera is based on incidents that happened way back in the early 1950's in Paducah itself. He told us it was very liberally based. He was also asked by some reporters what else influenced the opera here is what he said:

What influenced the opera? You fellers tetched in the head? Why, Mozart's Don Giovanni, Rossini's The Barber Of Seville fer starters! You guys got any damn culture to ya at all?  The whole damn Classical and early Romantic eras of opera are so obviously included in the writing! The story has been modernized, at least it was in 1950 when I wrote it. Why does an old, ugly, retired barber, and full time hayseed know all the connections, and you peckerwoods don't? Got any other goddam stupid questions?

Travis V. McGonigle, composer

Mr. McGonigle at his most cantankerous best!  The composer worked closely with the singers to try and convey to them what he had in mind for this scene, and he is very pleased with results! 

To set the scene: Luigi the Italian barber has not only taken business from  the other shops, but he's been bedding anything in a skirt, especially married women and older widows. Resentment is starting to ride high in Paducah, as evidenced by Sammy entering the shop. He's not a regular customer, but drops by occasionally to get under Luigi's skin and cause trouble. He calls Luigi out on his philandering. 

Luigi defends himself by saying he doesn't force himself on anyone, nor does he physically abuse them, and accuses the husbands of not being romantic, without ever saying he's NOT romancing the town wives. He get quite angry and throws Sammy out of the shop. After Sammy leaves, he laughs an tells his other patrons about the jokes' on Sammy, as he's already made love to her...four times!

Sammy - 

Hey there Luigi! How's things a-goin'?

I heard lots of stories 'bout you. 

While I'm waitin' for a shave, 

Ya'll can tell me if’n they're true.... 

You been cattin' 'round town, romancin' the women folk.

 'Specially the wives an’ old maids. 

What in hell are ya doin' that for 

When ya got a whole herd of whores? 

Figures ya'll can have any of 'em, whenever ya want. 

Ain't like the older wives that ya gotta throw down and bang........ 

Ya'll can tell me buddy, it true? 

 

Now don't jest smile and keep cuttin' that guys hair! 

I got it from that feller over there! 

That ya go in, rip off their clothes, toss 'em on the floor and BANG 'EM!

LONG AND HARD BECAUSE THAT'S THE WAY THEY WANT IT! 

 

You been cattin' 'round town, romancin' the women folk.

 'Specially the wives an’ old maids. 

What in hell are ya doin' that for 

When ya got a whole herd of whores? 

 

 Menfolk gonna get on to you, 

Tar and feather yer dago ass,

 Put ya on a goddam rail, 

Give ya a one way pass! 

 

We don't cotton no abuse of our womenfolk, 

'specially from a foreigner like you! 

Take this as friendly warnin' 

If yer smart you'll know what to do!

 

Luigi-

I have never pushed myself on any woman. 

All they have to do is say no! 

There are some I've met that said that, 

But most of them say, “Please, let it be so!” 

 

 I know what to say. I know what to do, 

To have them melt in my arms! 

It's not that I force myself, out of the blue, 

Luigi never do them any harm! 

 

The married women don't get any romance, 

Its for them wham, bam, thank a you, Ma'am!

Luigi kiss their hand, caress there face! 

But most husbands, don't give a damn! 

 

 It makes me furious, to be accused of violence, 

With any woman, never, NEVER! 

I never raise a hand in anger to dem, 

I not hurt them, never, NEVER! 

 

Luigi love women! Old, fat, skinny or homely! 

I have an urge to make love to them, 

Because so many are so lonely! 

 

I have never pushed myself on any woman. 

 All they have to do is say no! 

There are some I've met that said that, 

But most of them say, “Please, let it be so!” 

 

GODDAMN YOU FOR THINKING OTHERWISE! SAMMY! 

GET A YOU ASS OUTA MY SHOP! 

 

Sammy leaves, slamming the door.

 

 Jokes on a him.......HAAAA HAAAA HAAAAA! I tell a you! He’s so funny! I already had his wife! Four times! She love it! Now she hate her no good a husband Sammy! HAA HAA HAA!