LAW OFFICES An Opera in Five Scenes By John Beeman The story of Law Offices, set in the present, involves a corrupt legal team who are husband and wife. Howard is the attorney; Elaine the legal secretary who really runs the practice. They have taken on a controversial case of a Mexican-American farm worker, not for virtuous reasons, but merely to advance the lawyer's career. Into this scene comes Dale, a male law student hired as a new secretary, Mr. Olsen, a gregarious accountant, Jenny, the accountant's assistant, who much admired by Howard, Elaine's aging mother, who is belittled by her daughter, and the farm worker himself who has ethical doubts about his own case. The result is much dramatic tension, a fair amount of ironic humor, and a final tragic ending. The action takes place in the law offices of Howard Comstock, located in an American suburb and set in the present. There are three offices. Elaine and Dale share the front office; Howard has a large office stage left: and Mrs. Ludov has her own small office upstage right. The offices are typical -- wall to wall carpeting, wood paneling, and bright neons; and are typically furnished -- large modern office desks and chairs, a comfortable couch, a water cooler and coffee pot, possibly an aquarium, framed degrees, plaques and knick-knacks on the walls, and a few unobtrusive paintings. Now are hectic times in the law offices. Presently, Howard is working on a big case that would mean a tremendous career advancement. It is the somewhat controversial case of Hector Ramos, a Mexican-American laborer, who was injured in the fields of California. The injury occurred while Hector was trying to repair a malfunctioning automated tomato picker. Hector lost three fingers in the accident. Times are busy also because it is tax time. Howard has been slightly negligent in preparing his taxes because of his work on the Ramos case. Mr. Olsen, who been called in to help straighten out the tax problems, arrives bringing his assistant, Jenny. To top off the busy state of affairs, Dale was hired only this week, and the Comstocks must train him. Characters: Elaine Comstock -- Dramatic Soprano Mrs. Rebecca Ludov -- Elaine's mother, a widow -- Mezzo Soprano Dale Sheen -- The Comstock's secretary, a second year law student -- Lyric Baritone Howard Comstock -- Elaine's husband, attorney at law -- Tenor Mr. Olsen -- A tax accountant -- Bass Jenny -- Olsen's assistant -- Lyric Soprano Hector Ramos -- A client -- Bass Baritone Duration: approximately 60 minutes Performed in one act Piano-Vocal Score Full Score also available Return to my compositions. My other Operas. Top of Page.