Scene 2 - Back lot of a large auto assembly plant in Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia

Willie works alone tuning a Model "A" sedan. He reflects on his new life abroad (Aria: "Back home I knew everybody's name."

Co-workers Katya and Tonya enter to detail the car. Katya is hesitant due to Willie's appearance. Tonya tries to reassure Katya. Willie is bewildered by their reactions (Trio: "Maybe they never saw a man like me.")

Philip enters dressed in a baseball uniform on his way to the weekly team practice. After some introductions and discussion he leaves with Tonya who needs some fresh cleaning rags.

Willie and Katya are alone. There is some awkwardness because they don't speak much of each other's language. Willie points to different parts of the car (windshield, mirror, horn, etc.) and says the English word. Katya responds with the Russian word.

Katya asks Willie for the reason he came to Russia. He explains the circumstances. She suggests he might like Russia and decide to stay. Willie responds with (Aria: "America is my home.") Katy understands and agrees with his "love of country." (Duet: "America for you and Russia for me.")

Jack and Roy enter. They are enraged to see a black man working beside a white woman. They taunt Willie, he responds and they attack. Katya flees to get help. Willie prevails as Ivan enters with an NKVD squad. They arrest Jack and Roy. The news of Willies attack and triumph spreads as a chorus of local citizens and autoworkers arrive to celebrate Willie's triumph.


Willie Doonan - A1S2 - Nizhniy Novgorod Factory

Piano Quartet for Clarinet, Horn, Violin and Piano
Work in 4 movements
Commissioned and Premiered by Chelsea Chamber Ensemble
Revised 2019

Piano Quartet

Nicholas Skedgell - b. 1952
is a concert music composer whose work has been performed by leading musicians, including members of the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, Elmar Oliveira, Dale Clevenger, Leonard Raver, Orchestra New England and presented at Carnegie Hall, Yale University, Brooklyn College and St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. He is a graduate of Manhattan School of Music, a student of Nicolas Flagello, violin with Louis Carlini and a member of ASCAP since 1974.

Willie Doonan - A1S2 - Nizhniy Novgorod Factory

Nicholas Skedgell

Related tracks