The ties that bind us
Jake Heggie's modern masterpiece explores the family ties that bind over three decades in witty and touching style, examining how we struggle to reconcile our own feelings about the family we hoped for and the one we ended up with. Based on Terrance McNally's play Some Christmas Letters, it concerns the career-driven Broadway star Madeline and her two adult children Bea and Charlie. Since its 2008 premiere, Three Decembers has been considered a spirited and captivating addition to the 21st Century repertoire.
Once upon a December...
Chronicling three decades of the life of single mother Madeline her children, Three Decembers explores Madeline's commitment to her career and the effect it has her relationship with them. After becoming estranged from Charlie and Bea, she invites them to see her honored at the Tony awards, only to discover how much her neglect has dictated their lives. As Charlie struggles with the death of his partner from AIDs, Bea has turned to drink in her unhappy marriage. As they prepare of the ceremony, Madeline must re-examine deeply held secrets and unveil them, to save their relationship and ultimately bring resolution to all of them.