Inspired by the true story of Beverly's beloved gray seal, Shoebert's Unfinished Journey is a joyful new family operetta by Arpeggione Ensemble.
When Shoebert the seal found his way to a former mill pond, he unexpectedly galumphed into the world of another Schubert—composer Franz Schubert, whose songs celebrate mills, water, and fish.
In Arpeggione’s heartwarming production, Shoebert is a seal who loves music. As he searches for his own song, he encounters remarkable figures from the history of the North Shore’s shoe and textile industries, from inventor Jan Matzeliger to artist Virginia Lee Burton. Along the way, he discovers not only a song, but a place to belong.
Featuring two extraordinary singer-storytellers, live chamber music on period instruments, and original watercolor illustrations, this charming production celebrates Beverly’s past and present with humor, heart, and imagination. Created as part of Beverly 400+, Shoebert’s Unfinished Journey is a delightful experience for children, families, and anyone who loves a good story.
The operetta has been developed in collaboration with the Beverly community, including the Beverly Council on Aging, Northshore Education Consortium, Ayers Elementary School, and children who helped create artwork at Arts Fest Beverly.
This program is funded in part by a grant from the Beverly Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency; by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council; and by the generosity of many individual donors.
Story and illustrations by Andrea LeBlanc
Music arranged by Thomas Carroll
Aurora Martin, soprano and narrator
Daniel Fridley, bass and narrator
Andrea LeBlanc, flute
Thomas Carroll, clarinet
Emily Hale, violin
Anna Seda, cello
April Sun, piano