The Fabulist

THE FABULIST -- named after the term many top-tier magicians use to describe themselves -- is a romantic musical comedy set in a movie studio in Tuscany in 1929. A wandering fabulist, Agrofontido, is smitten with the eccentric screenwriter Clarice and seeks her hand. Unfortunately, the characters find that romance can get complicated in a hurry. James Farwell wrote the book and lyrics, which are based on Antonio Paisiello's opera THE IMAGINARY ASTROLOGER. Written for Catherine the Great, it was her favorite opera. Paisiello, who heavily influenced Rossini but has a lighter tone, was the favourite composer of both her and Napoleon, for whom he composed the coronation music. His style is joyous and uplifting.