George Frederick Handel is in trouble: his
last opera flopped, he is no longer in favor with King George II and preachers are raging
that his latest work is blasphemous. In this climate, he struggles to present "The
Messiah." Handel's travails are linked with those of his leading soprano. Forced into
retirement because of a scandal, she is slated to make her comeback in his new masterpiece
and fears a nasty reception. A malicious, back stabbing alternate is waiting in the wings
to replace her. A devious bishop and Handel's bulky librettist add to the conflict in this
true story of the politics and passion that nearly prevented "The Messiah" from
ever being performed.
Produced by special permission with Samuel French, Inc. |
