ACT I

Scene 1 - A large auto assembly plant in Detroit Michigan

Two American auto workers, Philip and Willie, are struggling to survive during the mid 1930s. They wait with a crowd of workers outside the factory employee entrance for the foreman's announcement of work assignments. Three workers are called and the gate is shut. The remaining workers are desperate and become enraged. A riot occurs. Security is called to restore order.

Philip and Willie comment on their current situation. They try to stay positive (Duet "despite all the rest we're lucky"). But Willie remains despondent (Aria: "All the doors stay shut.")

A clerk enters and scurries about offering copies of job openings at a new assembly plant in Russia. After some discussion they decide to apply for the jobs.


Willie Doonan - A1S1 - Detroit Auto 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 - A1S1 - Detroit Auto Factory

Nicholas Skedgell

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