This week I brought on a guest, Chelsea Zak, to discuss The Rake's Progress. This story revolves around a man named Tom Rakewell who digs himself deeper and deeper into a pit of despair and unhappiness. He is tempted by the devil to go to a brothel, marry a bearded-woman while also being with someone else. He ends up being sent to a mental institution where he ultimately passes away. This opera includes plenty of humor and exciting plot point to keep you entertained. Moral of the story.....don't be like Tom Rakewell

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rake%27s_Progress

https://www.metopera.org/discover/synopses/the-rakes-progress/

https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/opera/rep/20th-century/the-rakes-progress/

"Since it is not by merit" sung by Ben Bliss at the Met Opera

https://youtu.be/HhMuiFCyetE?si=mXRgyxqJ3Q1hG7ob

Ann Trulove aria sung by Gilda Schultz at the Met Opera

https://youtu.be/E4EYj0O0M0Q?si=3dCEflLWxd-I4cNz

Baba the Turk aria sung by Raehann Bryce Davis at the Met Opera

https://youtu.be/OInKw9ZeeCc?si=GGe5UnRylBQfO4J_

Nick Shadow's Aria "I burn, I freeze" sung by Christian Van Horn at the Met Opera

https://youtu.be/0GHn3VfLR5Q?si=ZsdxIlkIJW460NDs