Glory Denied Program - Annapolis Opera

ut inevitably concluding with disdain for the new permissiveness
and for his wife’s infidelity. Soon, the couple begins to fight, and Jim
complains, “You’re not the Alyce I left.” For her part, Alyce asserts
her independence, refusing to be the docile obedient wife. She tells
of what her life was like during his absence, of the callous behavior
of neighbors and family, of late-night crank calls from malicious
strangers, of her fear and loneliness. Jim, now a local hero, is
asked to speak at the church where he and Alyce were married,
and addresses the congregation hopefully, ignoring the fact that his
dream of home and family has been shattered. Jim sits alone, he
has separated from Alyce for good. Illness has ended his military
career, and he asks himself over and over, “What to do today?” He
finds consolation in the phrase, “One day at a time,” just as he did
when he was a prisoner. Jim tries to stay positive and confident, but
bitter feelings keep intruding. The years pass and Jim has suffered a
stroke, he lives alone estranged from his children, and he struggles
to forgive, but concludes, “Everyone else had a bracelet.”
DISCUSSION ON GLORY DENIED
Jan Scruggs, Moderator
Tom Philpott, Author
Tom Cipullo, Composer
Dean Anthony, Stage Director
The Annapolis Opera is proud to partner with Hospice of the
Chesapeake’s Veterans Program by supporting its critical initiative with
this production. This unique program provides support for Veterans in
hospice care including a formal ceremony of gratitude and appreciation
for their military service. This ceremony brings together family and
friends for what is often the first and last opportunity for recognition.
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