Orpheus, Nicholas Magallanes; Dark Angel, Francisco Moncion; Eurydice, Maria Tallchief; Leader of the Furies, Beatrice Tompkins; Leader of the Bacchantes, Tanaquil Le Clercq; Apollo, Herbert Bliss; Pluto; Satyr; Nature Spirits; Friends to Orpheus; Furies, 9 women; Lost Souls, 7 men; Bacchantes, 8 women.
Synopsis of the action (from Stravinsky’s score): SCENE 1: 1. Orpheus weeps for Eurydice. He stands motionless, with his back to the audience. Some friends pass, bringing presents and offering him sympathy. 2. AIR DE DANSE. 3. DANCE OF THE ANGEL OF DEATH. The Angel leads Orpheus to Hades. 4. Interlude. The Angel and Orpheus reappear in the gloom of Tartarus. SCENE 2: 5. PAS DE FURIES (their agitation and their threats). 6a. AIR DE DANSE (Orpheus). 7. Interlude. The tormented souls in Tartarus stretch out their fettered arms toward Orpheus and implore him to continue his song of consolation. 6b. AIR DE DANSE (concluded). Orpheus continues his air. 8. PAS D’ACTION. Hades, moved by the song of Orpheus, grows calm. The Furies surround Orpheus, bind his eyes, and return Eurydice to him. (Veiled curtain.) 9. PAS DE DEUX (Orpheus and Eurydice before the curtain). Orpheus tears the bandage from his eyes. Eurydice falls dead. 10. Interlude (veiled curtain, behind which the décor of the first scene is placed). 11. PAS D’ACTION. The Bacchantes attack Orpheus, seize him, and tear him to pieces. SCENE 3: 12. ORPHEUS’ APOTHEOSIS. Apollo appears. He wrests the lyre from Orpheus and raises his song heavenwards.