Fluffernutter
a mono-opera on memory and fluff
for mezzo-soprano and piano
Music by Spicer Carr
Libretto by Marianna Mott Newirth
Piano Arrangements by Patrick Tice-Carroll
Sarah and her brother Bob have been visiting their mother in the hospital after she suffered a stroke. Because her mother is no longer able, Sarah must go shopping to prepare her mother’s lasagna recipe for the family party that evening. One problem – Sarah can’t cook. Juggling the stress of that evening’s festivities, her mother’s health, and her brother’s inability to pick up the phone, Sarah finds that, instead of ingredients for lasagna, she’s accidentally bought ingredients for fluffernutter sandwiches. A horrible mistake...! Or was it? Sarah’s shock quickly turns to childhood reminiscence as she remembers her mother making those same delicate fluffernutter bites. Will Sarah be able to pull off the dinner for the family? Will her mother be alright? Will tradition save the day, or will Sarah figure out her own way to help?
Originally commissioned by Opera Praktikos, this ten minute opera is intended to be paired with Lee Hoiby Bon Appétit! as a sweet and sticky compliment. However, the opera can be presented on its own or paired with another work. Enjoy this sweet treat by licensing it for performances in your own recital or local opera company!
Commissioned by Opera Praktikos, with support from Howard Gilman Foundation and OPERA America.
Originally developed with Really Spicy Opera.
Perusal and licensing inquiries should be directed to the contact page, or sent directly to carrspicer55@gmail.com.
Score purchases may be made upon request.
Praise for Fluffernutter
“I left the performance with “Fluffernutter, peanut butter, joy in a jar...” playing on repeat in my head!” - Oberon's Grove, Lili Tobias
“...kept the audience smiling and laughing all the way through.” - Oberon's Grove, Lili Tobias
“...very approachable yet carry the same (if not more) emotional impact as more extensive shows.” - Oberon's Grove, Lili Tobias
Production List
Really Spicy Opera, Workshop 2022
Opera Praktikos, Workshop Reading 2024
Opera Praktikos, World Premiere 2024
Temple Opera Theatre, Scenes Program Performance 2025
Aria Soundbite: Fluffernutter
Production Photos
Photo Credit - Dan Wright and Scott Newirth