The Telephone

Presented as a double-bill with Amahl and the Night Visitors, also by Gian-Carlo Menotti.

Ben visits Lucy at her apartment, intent on proposing marriage to her before he leaves for a business trip. Despite his attempts, Lucy is preoccupied with numerous telephone conversations. When Lucy leaves the room for a moment, Ben attempts to cut the telephone cord, but he is thwarted by Lucy who scolds him for his actions. Concerned about missing his train, Ben leaves the apartment and makes one last attempt: he calls Lucy from a telephone booth on the street just outside. Ben proposes, Lucy consents, and together they sing a romantic duet over the phone. The duet (and the opera) end with Lucy making sure that Ben remembers her phone number.