Ambivalence, commitment, the choices we make, risk, blame, actions, consequences, darkness, and light
The action takes place at a Coffee House / Restaurant known for its live music performances. Jeff and Ella will come to see the Band. Jeff and Ella know many of the band members and the evening promises to be musical, social, and fun for all. Jeff arrives first, without Ella. Kelly, the newest member of the band, recognizes him from the past under another name in a different country, and is very upset, and frightened.
Jeff departs the Restaurant. Ella arrives, and knows nothing of the previous scene, and wonders where Jeff is. Ella is wanting to create her life and she asserts that Jeff is no longer attentive and worse, is not being truthful with her. She starts to wonder if she should stay in the relationship, but she feels like she owes him something.
In Act 3, we see the depth of the darkness that consumes Jeff, and we start to fear for the safety of everyone he touches. Ella, still knowing nothing of this, independently decides that whatever she owed him has been paid, and that she need not stay in the relationship out of misplaced loyalty. She prepares to break it off. As Jeff still hasn’t appeared, she now leaves.
Act 4 sees Jeff return, drunk as a skunk. Ella returns with Jeff’s stuff and an argument ensues. Police arrive and eventually take things in hand.
Like all excellent Opera, this is really about the things of life: Ambivalence, commitment, the choices we make, risk, blame, actions, consequences, darkness, and light.