Travis V. McGonigle - The Barber Of Paducah- ACT I Synopsis

 

 

 

Libretto For Act I Can Be Found Here

ACT I

Scene 1: At The Barbershop

Luigi and his brother Antonio have opened a barbershop in Paducah, Kentucky and offer lots more services than just hair cuts and shaves. There is no overture to open the opera, but the orchestra plays a very small introduction to Luigi the barber's first aria that welcomes new patrons to the shop.  

 

Luigi's aria - Come On Into My Shop 

This aria shows right away that this opera won't be the rarefied language or atmosphere of a classical opera. It is McGonigle's version of a patter song, although the tempo is not excessive, the words come forth fast and close together. All their services tells why they can only stay in a town for a certain amount of time. The law usually catches up to the sooner or later, and the husband's that figure out what's going on threaten real harm.

 

Soon their barbershop has a large growing clientele that enjoy all the amenities the brothers provide. A group of the march to the barbershop after work to relax. A short march in a traditional style.

 

March of the patrons 

When they arrive, they all engage in singing their praises of Luigi and the shop

 

Chorus - The barbershop, our safe haven 

 Illegally sold alcohol, illegal gambling, and illegal prostitution is praised by the patrons of the barbershop in this section for men's chorus. It also alludes to Luigi's aid in convincing the wives to let the men stay at the shop. When the wives call, many times Luigi will go to their house to explain, sometimes he's gone for over an hour. Either these guys are dumb or don't care what's going on. This is one area where this opera is like any opera; a certain amount of suspension of reality is needed.

Three months goes by since the opening of the barbershop, and the two brothers are making lots of money. This is portrayed by a waltz.

 

Luigi's Waltz  

 A waltz in mixed minor and major keys that leads to Luigi's second aria

Luigi Aria - How Much Better Is It Gonna Get? 

 Luigi counts the money earned for the day and is amazed at how much they're making, and at the expense of some very 'stupid hilly billies'. This give a further glimpse into the lecherous and deceitful heart that Luigi has.

 

While Luigi gloats over the money and calls his patrons stupid, his brother 
Antonio has been mopping up to finish the day before they close the shop. Antonio is a big, lumbering man unlike his brother who is of average stature. McGonigle portrays Antonio mopping the floor with what he calls 

Antonio - Mop The Floor Interlude

Horns, trombones, and a tuba portray the rather clumsy Antonio. They lead into an aria by Antonio

 

Aria - That's all well and good

 Antonio is more even tempered and practical, and warns Luigi about his philandering, a warning that has been given many times and to deaf ears.

 

Scene 2

In The Flowershop 

Set in Louisa's flower shop on the other side of town. As she starts her workday on a bright spring morning, she sings to help pass the time. We hear the first of another barber across town, Vic,  that has feelings for her, but her interest is beginning to be taken up with Luigi, whose shop is just a ways up the street from her shop.

Louisa's aria

She hears a commotion outside of the shop and notices a group of older ladies having a heated discussion. 

Gossiping women outside the shop- Interlude

  Among them is her Aunt Cora, who enters the shop and tells Louisa about the scuttlebutt concerning Luigi's barbershop. Aunt Cora has noticed Louisa and Luigi getting close, and wants to warn her of him.

Aunt Cora's aria 

Louisa's aunt tells Louisa what she's heard about Luigi, and she expresses her distrust of the Italian barber, and tells her she ought to give Vic a try, as he's a nice guy and not a 'foreigner'. Finally, Aunt Cora asks her if she has to be hit with a brick in the head to get the message!  An example of McGonigle's plain language use, along with ethnic slur of 'dago', that portrays the common language of the time

Louisa's answer to Aunt Cora - 

Louisa shows patience and understanding towards her aunt, whose husband has left her. The aria shows the affection Louisa has for her aunt, who has been like a mother to her. 

SCENE 3

In The Beauty Salon

JILL'S ARIA -

As scene 1 took place in the barbershop, scene 3 takes place in the female version of it, the beauty salon.  A short tango intro begins and leads to the main aria of the scene, Jill' aria which is also a tango-like section. Jill is the wife of one of the men who frequent Luigi's shop, and she knows about all of what goes on there, including her husband Sammy (who appears later in the opera) paying out money meant for household expenses on gambling and prostitutes. But she also reveals what happens with her when Luigi shows up at her house when Sammy wants to stay at the shop and gamble. Luigi ostensibly goes to their house to tell Jill that Sammy's just shooting the breeze with his pals, but his actual motive is to have sex with her! She figures that out, and welcomes him! Evidently Luigi shows up often when Sammy's not there, and if it isn't at Jill's house, it's at another of the wives' houses! Jill knows it all, doesn't care, she loves how Luigi treats her and tells all the other ladies in the shop about it. With the chorus joining in, other women admit to the same thing. McGonigle told us that very little of his original libretto for this entire act has been changed. No wonder no one wanted to take a chance on this opera, as he wrote the first version in 1952. It was somewhat graphic for the time, even for the opera house, that traditionally has dealt with all kinds of societies' evils.

TANGO OF THE HAIR DRYERS - Instrumental 

Now we don't have a clue what in hell the title means, but this short instrument is indeed a tango that again is highlighted by a solo for accordion. This leads directly into the section for female chorus.

MEN ARE PIGS!

The women sing of their disgust with their husbands and men in general after hearing all the shenanigans going on. Jill has a solo, and the women respond. Some of the sections are repeated, the music quickens and then slows down for a short coda that recalls the lead-in to Jill's opening aria. McGonigle has said that this short choral piece is one of his favorite parts of the opera. He agrees with the women, as a group men ARE pigs! The female choir at the recording session really got into this, and McGonigle was smiling and laughing after they got it down!

 
   

 

 

Sammy And Chief Of Police Confrontation - Travis V. McGonigle

Travis V. McGonigle

 Travis V. McGonigle's saga of The Barber Of Paducah continues! This installment sees theintroduction of another character, the Chief Of Police of Paducah, Captain Morgan. McGonigle keeps plugging away at the revision of the opera that he wrote in 1950. It's never been produced or performed, save for a few isolated excerpts arranged for piano and singer. 

Luigi Trasudante, the tenor who has lead the revision process, is away on other projects right now, but he's left the conductor and musicologist Kennard  Power Milligan in charge. Mr. Milligan has been the conductor of record on all of the recordings thus far, and his expertise is proving invaluable to Mr. McGonigle, although the composer does bellyache at the conductor on occasion, but the conductor takes it all in stride. He believes in the work as much as Mr. Trasudante does. Their excitement about the opera has made us here at Big And Tall Records enthusiastic about the work as well. We recently got a letter from Mr. McGonigle, neatly typed, obviously by the secretary we provided to him, but the language of the letter shows that she typed it as he said it! Here it is:

Dear big shots at Big And Tall Records, 

Howdy to all you big wheels! Sure glad you like what we done so far on my opera. It has sure taken me back 70 years when I was writing it out on hand ruled music paper because I couldn't afford the real stuff! You've been more than kind, more than generous, and I thank you kindly.

But goddammit! Could you get a more obnoxious asshole to help me out than the so-called conductor you sent? I know, you guys are footing  the bill, but shit! You think you got the right to send me your flunky conductor to do what you tell him to? I'll grant you, he knows a hell of a lot more about music theory, repertoire, and all  that shit! But he don't know nothing about the style of my music! Jesus Christ on a goddam cracker, going to rehearsals with this guy is torturing my old ears! I tell him to slow it down a tad, he wants to argue. I tell him to speed it up a mite, he wants to argue! Same way with louder, softer, blah, blah,blah, goddam blah! He needs to get over his high and mighty self, and do what the fuck he's told! He ain't the son of a bitch what composed the thing! Let him compose  his own goddam opera, and he can have all the say so he wants! I ain't a member of his orchestra he can fancy pants around and bully what to do!

Sincerely,

The old goddam grouch!

 We've since reached out to the composer, and he told us he was 'just blowin' off steam'. So everything is well...for now!On to the latest installment:

To set the scene: After Sammy roused up the men in town that afternoon, they've all met as his hardware store that evening. The men are armed with all kinds of weapons to intimidate the two brothers at Luigi's barber shop in hopes to scare them out of town. 

SAMMY SPEAKING TO THE MOB OF MEN THAT HAVE GATHERED AT HIS STORE: 

You ready to get rid of them damned Italians? 

Your hand and eye steady? 

It might get pretty rough, 

Tell me, ARE YOU READY? 

 

We're gonna go outside, and up the street. 

Gather people to join that we happen to meet! 

This is something we gotta do! 

To make sure all their shit is through! 

 

 Don't be worried 'bout the law! 

They ain't gonna do nothin'! 

We'll be waitin' 'til hell freezes over, 

Before they'll do somethin'! 

 

When I open up the door, 

I'll lead the way! 

It's not too far up the road, 

Tell me. what do ya say?

 

We're gonna go outside, and up the street. 

Gather people to join that we happen to meet! 

This is something we gotta do! 

To make sure all their shit is through! 

 

But just as Sammy opens the door, the Chief of Police, Captain Morgan, is on the other side and breaks the crowd up, as well as giving some good advice to Sammy. Captain Morgan shows that he's known about Luigi's goings on for a while, and that he knows the secret behind Sammy's rage. 

CAPTAIN MORGAN BREAKING UP THE CROWD

 

Hey Sammy! I hear tell ya'll thinkin' 'bout causin' a disturbance. At the barber shop of the two Italians. Never mind who told me. Let me tell ya'll somethin'. Ain't gonna let ya do it, no how, no way! Set yourself down ,and let me tell ya what we're doin' about it! We've got a passel of complaints against 'em from lots of folks, mostly against Luigi. So here's what I done. 

 

Called over to the Sheriff's office of McCracken County*, 

Way on the other side of town, 

and told him what's goin' down. 

We're usin' one of the county detectives undercover 

to see if he can discover 

Stuff goin' on.

 

 Can't just go arrest them fellers less, 

we know fer sure they're makin' a mess, 

Breakin' the law, ya'll understand? 

Let the police protect the land! 

 

Most the complaints been filed 

From you guys that's gone wild 

When the barber shop opened up. 

With all the whores, gamblin' and booze, 

Was a lot of fun for you guys to choose, 

Until Luigi done somethin' ya'll didn't want to pass, 

Now ya wanna go over there and kick his ass! 

 

Ain't gonna arrest them fellers unless, 

we know fer sure they're makin' a mess, 

Breakin' the law, ya'll got it? GOT IT? 

Let the police protect the land! 

 

All you fellers, go on home and behave! No reason to holler and raise yer fists! Ain't a gonna be nobody taking the law in their own hands, Listen! Shore ain't gonna be vigilante bullshit as long as I'm chief of police!

 

Can't just go arrest them fellers less, 

we know fer sure they're makin' a mess, 

Breakin' the law, ya'll understand? 

Let the police protect the land! 

 

I mean what I say, no vigilante bullshit! If anythin' happens, I'll go right down the goddam line and throw each one of your asses in jail for disturbin' the peace. NOW GO ON HOME, ALL OF YOU!

 

 As for you, Sammy....I know why you're so mad. Nothin' gets by us in this town. We know Luigi slept with yer wife. We know she wants a divorce. You’re gonna have to control yourself, my friend. Gettin' a piece of Luigi in revenge ain't gonna make nothin' easier. Ya'll need to talk, I'm here for you. We've known each other a long time, and I can't imagine how you're hurtin'. You got lots of friends 'round here you grew up with. Don't throw it all away by doin' somethin' stupid!

 

*Paducah is the county seat of McCracken county, Kentucky

Sammy's Aria from - 'The Barber Of Paducah'

 A new recording of another part from The Barber Of Paducah by Travis V. McGonigle. We know that  the composer (who also wrote the libretto) has been making changes as the revision continues, sometimes rather important changes. We at Big And Tall Records don't have access to the original music or libretto so we can't make those distinctions,  but Luigi Trasudante, the tenor who is portraying Luigi the barber, has told us about some of them:

Yes! The composer has taken some recommendations under consideration and is implementing some major changes in the plot that also affects the music of course. The biggest change is the relationship between the barbers and the town. Without giving anything away, all I'll say is that the original opera had a very tragic ending, whereas now it will end on a different note, and the fate of some of the characters changes as well. Mr. McGonigle's health has actually improved since I started working with him. At first, he was very frail, couldn't get much work done in a day, and needed frequent rest breaks, some time for days. Now, he is in much better health despite his years. He's not exactly doing jumping jacks, but he does get a lot of work done each day. I think it stems from his improved attitude, and working with myself and other musicians that really do have an interest in the work no doubt is the reason. This work was written way back in 1952, and outside of a few private performances by singers with a piano reduction of the score, has been completely ignored. It is my belief that the work has merit. It has drama, a rather topsy -turvy plot (especially with the revisions), and is not without humor, some of it rater subtle, some of it bordering on slapstick. And of course, there is what at the time was very provocative language in the libretto that really held the work back, but in these modern times, isn't nearly so controversial, although the racial and ethnic slurs are going to be an issue. But Mr. McGonigle is adamant about keeping most of them, as he wants to portray people the way they really were (and still are). This continues to be a passionate project that I really believe in. But honestly, Mr. McGonigle might be feeling better, but he's still a rough talking, no bull shit guy, a product of a bygone age in America. Rewarding as  the music may be, he's still a major pain in the ass to deal with!

To set the scene for this recording: Sammy Gabbles, the hardware store owner, tries to rabble rouse some men at his store to got to the barbershop to harass, and maybe even do violence against Luigi and Antonio.

Ya'll know what I'm a talkin' 'bout!

Most of us been into Luigi's shop, 

done our share of things we shouldn't have. 

And if it 'twernt fer that damn dago 

offerin' them things up, we would never done 'em.

 Now there’s an outbreak of the clap! 

And there twernt none of that until they got here neither!

  And that cock hound Luigi's been dickin' 

some of our wives and womenfolk 

as well, spreadin' the disease, 

havin' infected whores spreadin it too! 

We can go to the law, but the sheriff won't do nothin'! 

Here's what I think we gotta do!

 

 Git all our menfolk together, 

head over to their barbershop! 

Tell 'em once and fer all, 

that all the nonsense gotta stop! 

 

We scare the shit out a both 'em, 

threaten them with a right sound whuppin'! 

And if they give us any guff, any shit at all, 

we right then give 'em both an ass whuppin'! 

 

 Our fair town of Paducah needs 

to be cleaned of all the sin! 

If we don't do it now, 

We'll all turn rotten from within! 

 

Ya'll gotta stop going to their shop.

 Sinnin' up and down ,to and fro,

 No more gamblin, blowjobs or whoring,

 Climb out that dirty black hole! 

 

Git back to yer homes, straighten up yer life! 

Spend time with yer children,

 Rescue yer lovin' wife! 

The goddam dirty dago treats our wives like whorehouse bitches! 

Ya know our womenfolk are weak, 

and can be influenced by sons of bitches! 

 

Luigi's Visit With Dr. Schill - The Barber Of Paducah

Dr. Schill

 Another scene from the opera The Barber Of Paducah by Travis V. McGonigle. The composer has changed the original plot of the opera somewhat, and continues to change it as he goes. He's been  taking recommendations from the leader of the orchestra as well as Mr. Trasudante. Not surprisingly, McGonigle has been spotlighting Mr. Trasudante in his role of Luigi. As the composer related recently:

Ain't never had a world-class singer take any kind of interest in my work before, and it's too damned bad I had ta wait 'til I'm in my goddam 90's for it to happen! But what the hell, better late than never! Trasudante really pours his heart into the role, and my music never sounded this good even in my own head! We work on it most every day, and gettin' closer to endin' the revised version, which is a damn sight better than the original I'll tell ya! He thinks once it's finished and he pedals it around, a publisher will be interested. If that happens, I'm givin' Trasudante exclusive performance rights for the premiere, and I'm plannin' on livin' long enough to make some money off the damned thing! 

To set the scene: Luigi has noticed symptoms he's having of an STD he is quite familiar with; gonorrhea. Being a serial philanderer, he's had the disease before, but not for years, and he did not have it when he moved to Paducah. So he knows he's picked it up while in town. He's on his way to the Doctor for test results and the injection he needs, but he's also bribed the doctor in advance for the names of any other townspeople that's been treated for it. Luigi knows that sooner or later he and his brother Antonio will be blamed for bringing it into town, and possibly used as a pretext to kick them out of the community. He's already been confronted by Sammy, a husband of one of the women he's had an affair with that will probably come down with the disease himself, as well as his wife. 

LUIGI 

I go to the doctor, 

but I all  ready know what it is I got.

So much for the pure women of Paducah! 

When I come to town, I no have got, 

So I get the treatment, before my crotch rot! 

 

 

All the whores, they got the disease too! 

They get treatment as well! 

They go out of commission for a while a too! 

That's a lousy for business like hell! 

 

Every ones will take the penalty, 

Some god a dam hilly billy has spread it! 

Whether the saintly wives of the city, 

Or their two faces husbands spread it! 

 

Me and a my brother, we get the blame! 

We the two strangers come here. 

Not good  citizen take  the blame, 

They'll try to use it to get us a out of here! 

 

 But some of a them best be careful, 

For I know all the dirty linen. 

They try to pin this on us will be awful,

 And I'll make sure for them too! 

Gonorrhea! Is a contagion........ 

Is a problem for all involved...... 

I make  sure the high and a mighty...... 

Pay the price if they try to absolve! 

 

The doctor will give  the cure, 

I know I'm not the only one! 

I already pay him to know who he treats, 

To make a sure we not the only one!

 

 Same thing every where we go! 

People wanna the services we got! 

But when some a thing happens it's no go! 

To say they involved...always not! 

 

 But Luigi, he not stupido! He cunning, like the fox! 

He learn over time to be so, They no trap  me in a box! 

 

But some of  them best be careful, 

For I know all the dirty linen. 

they try to pin this on us will be awful, 

And I'll make a sure for them too! 

 Gonorrhea! Is a contagion........ 

Is a problem for all involved...... 

I make  sure the high and mighty...... 

Pay the price if they try to absolve!

 

 But Luigi, he not stupido! He cunning, like the fox! 

He learn over time to be so! They no trap a me in a box! 

 

Luigi enters the Doctors office with the doctor waiting for him, and tries to sell him some of his patent medicine before he gives Luigi the information.

DR. SCHILL

  So remember, If you feel not well, 

take 2 tablets of DOCTOR SCHILL'S PILLS! ....

They'll help you feel better! ......

.Only twenty for a dollar! 

 

Now, Luigi, mine freund! I have your test results! 

With the bad news first. 

You have a case of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 

 or in cruder terms, DER CLAP! 

The good news, we have a reliable cure, 

 a spritz of antibiotic..........ya? 

 

There’s an epidemic in the area, 

 it’s important we reach 

out to everyone. REACH OUT! 

There’s an epidemic in the area, 

 it’s important we reach 

out to everyone. REACH OUT! 

 

 I have a list who have the infection as well. 

I cannot show it to you, but you have paid me to know, so..... well, 

I'll tell you only the first names. 

The women first..... 

 

Karen, Leslie Paula,Jackie, Bonnie Sue. 

Barbara, Terri ,Marsha, Connie,Rhonda, too! 

Yolanda, Miranda, Mabel, Christina, Belinda, 

and the rich woman that lives on top of the hill! 

The men... 

David, Arnie, Willie, Jimmy, Tommy, Lou. 

Estes, Martin, Honus, Herman, Ernie, Stu. 

Kevin, Riley, George,Beauregard and .......YOU! 

 

 Gonorrhea can start a rapid progression of the clap! 

If the person is promiscuous, other’s could be caught in a trap! 

If it isn’t treated, it can cause infertility, 

Chronic pelvic illness, awful pain when you go pee, 

Infection in the joints, and problems in gestations, 

And what’s worse with kleine babies ……complications! 

 

 So prepare yourself! HAH! Bend over the table, 

expose your buttocks, and I will give to you an 

injection of antibiotics HA HA! 

It will be rather painful, OUCH!! 

But you should see some improvement , 

and it may take up to two weeks to cure it! 

CURE IT! HERE IT COMES! YAAAAAAH! 

 

Karen, Leslie Paula, Jackie, Bonnie Sue. 

Barbara, Terri ,Marsha, Connie,Rhonda, too! 

Yolanda, Miranda, Mabel, Christina, Belinda,

and the rich woman that lives on top the hill! 

David, Arnie, Willie,Jimmy, Tommy, Lou. 

Estes, Martin, Honus, Herman, Ernie, Stu. 

Kevin, Riley, George, Beauregard and .......YOU! 

 

 And don't forget! ....

Take 2 tablets of DOCTOR SCHILL'S MIRACULOUS PILLS! .... 

They'll help you feel better! ....... Only twenty for a dollar!

Luigi Trasudante Sings 'A Little Bit' From 'The Barber Of Paducah'

 Another scene from the opera 'The Barber Of Paducah' by Travis V. McGonigle, the nonagenarian composer, who is working on restoring the opera after it has sat unperformed for over 70 years. The tenor Luigi Trasudante has been and continues to be the driving force behind the restoration. He's given his time, talent and money in getting musicians and a conductor for the recording sessions. 

The composer has changed some of the details and plot to help make the opera flow better. This aria is called 'A Little Bit', as Luigi relates what service the offer pays out the best for them. Setting the scene: Luigi and Sammy have had a confrontation, Luigi is worried Sammy is going to rouse up the town against him and that his philandering with all the women, especially the married ones, will all come home to roost. He urges Antonio, his brother, to get busy and pack up their essential tools in case they need to make a fast get away.

Hey Antonio! Wake you ass up! 

We don’t have time to sleep all day, 

We gotta be ready get things buttoned up, 

In case we gotta make a rapid getaway! 

Eh? I tell you why! 

 

We been here six a months, long time for us. 

These Paducah hilly billys are getting on to us! 

Since that goddam Sammy make a big a stink! 

Men will listen to him,have to be ready, I think, 

So I quit seeing any married ladies........I promise! 

Maybe things will calm a down 

Before all hell rains down on us, 

From the men a folk in town.

 But just in case, be ready to leave, 

Maybe we have to do it fast, 

I know that you will a grieve, 

Because you like it here, but… 

 

Pack up the tools, 

The clippers, combs and razors. 

We take what we can, 

leave the rest for the neighbors.

 All the chairs and heavy stuff, 

Can stay here, we’ve made much 

money from these country bumpkins, enough, 

We can afford to leave a much. 

 

Don’t make much on shaves, only a little a beet. 

If that’s all we earn, be better to close the doors! 

Only a little bit more on the haircuts, a little bit,

 But lots more on the whores! 

 

We might not have a much time to pack, 

The small things, we can stow away. 

Get ready for a rapid flight, 

We live to fight another day! 

 

We make money on machines called slots, 

Even after we pay ev'ryone off. 

We make more money on women called sluts 

Even after we pay ev'ryone off 

 

So we go to the next town, far enough away 

That no one heard of us at all, 

But not too far that from business we stray 

That our profits start to fall 

 

Everyone wanna make a money, 

Got a bills to pay, 

But on the road too much, 

Is not the right way! 

 

 Don’t make much on baths, only a little a bit.

 If that’s all we earn, be better to close the doors! 

Only a little bit more on the massage, a little bit, 

But lots a more on the whores! 

 

Here come some customers. You go into the storeroom in the back. 

They no see you there, You can start to pack! 

 

And I’ll take care of these idiotas….. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA! Welcome, gentleman! What can I do to you? 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

T.V. McGonigle - 'Mrs Hausengau' from The Barber Of Paducah

 The series of recordings of scenes from the opera 'The Barber Of Paducah' continues with another aria sung by Luigi Trasudante as Luigi, the Italian barber who has moved to Paducah, Kentucky to practice his profession as well as all of his shady business dealings. This time we have the lecherous Luigi starting up relations with the rich widow that lives on the hill, Mrs. Hausengau. Travis McGonigle, the composer, has been given a new lease on his long life, as he is getting more and more enthusiastic with each recording. 

Not only is Mr. Trasudante offering his services in the lead tenor role, he has been helping with preparation of the manuscript as well as using his connections in the opera world to procure an orchestra and conductor. There are plans to start recruitment of other singers for the other roles being worked on as well. 

An interesting insight is why McGonigle used the name Huesengau for the rich widow. It's all in the way Luigi the Barber pronounces it in his accent. Sounds like the word hoosegow, the slang term for jail! Appropriate for a crook and womanizer such as Luigi! To set the scene: The Barber Shop is just opening for business that morning when Luigi tells his brother Antonio about Mrs. Hausengau -

Sit down, Antonio! Before we get busy.

I have something, I want to say.

We gotta earn lots more money,

And I've found a good way!

I’ve been seeing a new lady,

Mrs. Hausengau

Here’s what’s in it for us today!

 

 Her names Mrs. Huesengau.

She live upon the hill.

She’s just might be the best one yet….

She’ll help us pay the bills!

She invite me to dinner, a few night ago.

Got nothing else to do, so I dress up and go.

We eat, we talk, and you know 

Luigi,We end up in bed, it was so easy!

 

 She’s lonely, since husband die,

She stay up all night, cry and a cry.

She been watching me from distance, what did she see?

A man for her….a possibility!

She’s old, and really not look that good…

But she got most money, in this neighborhood!

 

 I tell her my troubles, she give me money.

I cry on her shoulder, she give me coin!

I say how bad we got it, she  call me honey….

 

 The problem is.....she wanna marry me.

Well all her money, will belong to me,

BUT she too controlling, so I never do!

So I do this until it’s all through…

 

 I do it to her every night, Luigi can do!

I do what ever she want, she give me dollars!

She wrinkled, but in bed knows what to do,

I give it to her all she wants…until she hollers!

 

Really not so hard to do,

She's a woman, just an old one.

Old women need love too!

So it's a service I give her, and some fun!   

                                     

Luigi,Luigi, never get married, not even for her money!

Luigi, Luigi, I just keep calling her honey!

Luigi, you dog, you ought to be put in jail,

But with the women, I never fail!

I just like a modern day Don Juan….I keep a going, 

‘til a lot of money I’ve won!

LUIGI! LUIGI!HAA HAA HAA!!!

 

Luigi,Luigi, never get married, not even for her money!

Luigi, Luigi, I just keep calling her honey!

Luigi, you dog, you ought to be put in jail,

But with the women, I never fail!

I just like a modern day Don Juan….I keep a going, 

‘til a lot of money I’ve won!

LUIGI! LUIGI!HAA HAA HAA!!!

 

 

 

 

Come On Into My Shop - From 'The Barber Of Paducah' by McGonigle

 Research and collaboration between Luigi Trasudante, famous Italian tenor, and composer Travis V. McGonigle continues on the opera 'The Barber Of Paducah'. As the composer continues to edit the never performed work first written in 1949, Mr. Transudante works with a local orchestra to record some highlights of the opera. The composer is in his 90's, and tires easily, so progress is slow. But he has a lot of determination to get the opera whipped into performing shape, as Mr. Trasudante has said if possible, he would like to stage the opera. 

Travis V. McGonigle

Here we have the opening scene of the opera, set in the barbershop of the immigrant Italian barber
Luigi, who has recently moved to Paducah. He welcomes his new customers and offers them a plethora of services, some traditional barbering, some pretty sketchy, and some downright illegal. Mr. McGonigle says it's his take on a 'patter' song used in Italian opera by Rossini and others, a form that put great demand on the singer in speed, diction, and lung capacity. Things which Mr. Trasudante has in abundance! 

We've tried to retain the accent of an Italian with the written lyrics, as some of the words don't rhyme without it. Mr. McGonigle was quite adamant about doing this, as he worked very hard to carry over the Italian character in the accent. Mr. McGonigle has stated that the opera is in many ways a parody of Italian opera that needs to shine through other facets of it.

My name’s Luigi, nice to meet you. First time in my place? 

What is, I can do to you? I take care of you face....and so much more! 

 

You wanna haircut, yes? I can cut you mop! 

Wanna bet horses, yes? I place it on top! 

How about some whisky? I got bottle over there! 

You wanna bath yes? It’s under the stair! 

Wanna shoe shine, eh? The chairs on a the wall, 

You wanna anything, Anything at all! 

Luigi can do it, and with a big smile! 

I’ll do so gladly, Laugh all a the while! 

 You wanna piece of ass, eh? Luigi fix it for you! 

She do anything, You want her to do! 

 

Come on into my shop, the best one in town, 

Offer you much more, than the one across town! 

Card a game, shoot a da crap, 

Play the ponies, take a da nap, 

Wash a you ass, take a big sheet, 

Cut a you nose hair, trim a you feet, 

Trim you toes, shave a the dimple, 

 Blow nose, pop a da pimple, 

Fold your hanky, get a corsage,

 Sell a da beer, get a massage,

 brush a you teeth, drink a the tea, 

clean you ears, take a big pee, 

listen to sport, tobacco to burn, 

talk politics, gossip to learn, 

trim ear hair, bottle to pass, 

trim fingernails, wipe a you ass, 

Trim a the beard, give you shave, 

In a my shop, don’t have to behave, 

Whatever you want, Luigi try, 

Kiss a you wife, tell her by by 

 

You come a my shop, I cut you mop, 

I shave a you face, your bet I’ll sure place, 

You want a whiskey, you feel a frisky, 

Wanna some ass, I make come to pass!

 Luigi! Luigi! Anything you want, you can get HERE! 

 

 My name’s Luigi, nice to meet a you. I never see you in my place. 

What is, I can do to you? I take care of a you face., and so much more! 

 

 You wanna you eyebrows trimmed, See? I can cut a you brows! 

Wanna bet the ponies, See? I can place it , you never lose! 

How about a some bourbon? I got bottle over there! 

You wanna ass hair trim See? Take off a underwear! 

Wanna blow job a eh? The rooms on that wall, 

You wanna anything, See? Anything at all! 

Luigi can do it, and with a big a smile! 

 

 Come on into my shop, The best a one in town, 

Offer you much more, Than the one across town!

 

 Card a game, shoot a da crap, Play the ponies, take a da nap, 

Wash you ass, take a big sheet, Cut a you nose hair, trim a you feet,

 Trim you toes, shave a the dimple, 

Blow nose, pop a da pimple, 

Fold your hanky, get a corsage, 

Sell a da beer, get a massage, 

brush a you teeth, drink a the tea, 

clean you ears, take a big pee, 

listen to sport, tobacco to burn,

 talk politics, gossip to learn, 

trim ear hair, bottle to pass,

 trim fingernails, wipe a you ass, 

Trim a the beard, give you shave, 

In a my shop, don’t have to behave, 

Whatever you want, Luigi try, 

Kiss a you wife, tell her by by 

 

You come a my shop, I cut you mop, 

I shave a you face, your bet I’ll sure place,

 You want a whiskey, you feel a frisky, 

Wanna some ass, I make come to pass! 

 

Luigi! Luigi! Anything you want, you can get HERE! 

 PULL UP A CHAIR! 

WASSA YOU NAME? 

COME ON INNA MY SHOP!