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Scenic rendering of this summer's production of SEVEN DEADLY SINS by designer Cameron Anderson. |
Prologue
In post -WWII rural southern Louisiana, Anna I, singing the “Lied der Schwester” (“Song of the Sisters”), explains the premise of the tale: the two Annas are possibly two sides of the same person, one “practical”, the other “pretty”. They have been sent out into the world at the command of their family to earn the funds to build their own house in Louisiana.
First Scene: Sloth
Catching sight of a couple in a park, Anna II pretends that the man is an old acquaintance. Anna I acts as if she is pained by her sister’s behavior. As Anna II distracts the woman, Anna I asks the man for money, a stunt they will try more than once.
Second Scene: Pride
The Annas are at a cabaret in Memphis where Anna I is a performer. When Anna II attempts an artistic dance instead of the required striptease, Anna I shortens Anna II’s skirt drastically, thereby winning her the attentions of the crowd with her provocative dance.
Third Scene: Wrath
Now in Hollywood, Anna II witnesses a film star violently abusing his horse. Anna II responds with physical violence, directed at the film star. Anna I intervenes, convincing Anna II to apologize abjectly to the film star in order to further her career.
Fourth Scene: Gluttony
Her work in Hollywood has made Anna II a big star in more ways than one. In Philadelphia for a special appearance, she finds that she has gained some weight (scarcely a gram, but enough to trouble her). Anna I steps in to get her alter ego under control.
Fifth Scene: Lust
The Annas are now in Boston, where Anna II rejects wealthy Edward in favor of the gigolo Fernando. The Annas fight over her choice, and Anna II then breaks up with Fernando to go back to wealthy Edward.
Sixth Scene: Greed
Having accompanied the ladies to Baltimore, Edward comes to realize that Anna II is only after his money. As he has already ruined himself for her, it is too late to solve the problem by breaking off their affair. He takes his own life. Things are now better with Anna II’s next lover, who
similarly spends all he has on her and considers suicide. Anna I, guilt stricken, intervenes, saves his life, and sets off again with Anna II.
Seventh Scene: Envy
In San Francisco, Anna II gazes enviously at other young women who are allowed to follow their instincts. Anna I makes the argument for both of the Annas (or is she arguing with herself ?) that they must keep walking the virtuous path so they don’t end up badly and alone, wracked with fear.
Epilogue
After seven years the sisters have come full circle and return home to Louisiana and to the house that has been built by their toil and deprivation. Anna I sums up their journey in her last song: “Seven years we sought happiness. At last we have it in our little house in Louisiana.” But at what price?
Synopses for the one-acts courtesy of Betsy Schwarm Glesner with edits from Director Ken Cazan.
