The Archive
Theatre/Opera
Arias, librettos, and the operatic passions of the Crane brothers.
200 references
161 unique references (200 total appearances)
A Midsummer Night's Dream
A comedy by William Shakespeare, written around 1595-96, featuring fairies, lovers, and amateur actors performing in a forest.
“The very first production I ever did was "A Mid-Summer Night's Dream." Not to toot my own horn but my Bottom recieved a standing ovation.”— Frasier
A Streetcar Named Desire
A 1947 play by Tennessee Williams featuring the characters Stanley Kowalski and Blanche DuBois, widely considered one of the greatest American plays.
“this reminds me of that wonderful moment in "A Streetcar Named Desire" when the brutish Stanley says to the ultra-refined Blanche, "We've had this date with eac…”— Niles
Ado Annie
A comic female character from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma! (1943), known for the song 'I Cain't Say No.'
“Guinevere, Marian the Librarian, Ado Annie”— Niles
Afternoon of a Faun
"Afternoon of a Faun" likely refers to "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune" by Debussy and/or the ballet "L'Après-midi d'un faune" choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky in 1912, based on Mallarmé's poem.
“After you've seen Maris's interpretive dance group perform "Afternoon of a Faun" in the east garden, the wilderness holds no terror.”— Niles
Aida
An opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi, set in ancient Egypt, about an Ethiopian princess caught in a love triangle.
“That is an Egyptian battle scene from "Aida." That's Radames and that's the jealous Amneris... Oh, I misspelled "Amonasro."”— Niles
Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne
Legendary American theatrical couple known for their performances together in Broadway plays during the early-to-mid 20th century.
“Frasier: Do you remember when we saw that Lunt-Fontanne revival”— Frasier
Amahl and the Night Visitors
Amahl and the Night Visitors is a one-act opera by Gian Carlo Menotti, the first opera specifically composed for television in America (1951). The act title 'A Mall and the Night Visitors' is a pun on this title.
“A MALL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS”— Frasier
Amneris
A principal character in Verdi's opera Aida, the Egyptian princess who is jealous of Aida's relationship with Radames.
“That's Radames and that's the jealous Amneris...”— Niles
Amonasro
A character in Verdi's opera Aida, the King of Ethiopia and father of Aida.
“Oh, I misspelled "Amonasro." Oh, to be six again.”— Niles
Annie (Broadway show)
The hit Broadway musical based on the Little Orphan Annie comic strip, which premiered in 1977 with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin.
“Yes, well, neither did Little Orphan Annie, and she's got her own Broadway show, now go on, shoo!”— Frasier
As Long As He Needs Me
A song from the 1960 Lionel Bart musical 'Oliver!', sung by the character Nancy.
“the piano player knew all my favorite songs - "Yesterday", "As Long As He Needs Me," "Climb Every Mountain."”— Daphne
Ballet
Ballet is a classical form of dance performance characterized by precise, highly formalized movements and elaborate technique.
“I used to think you two took after your mother, liking the ballet and all that”— Martin
Ben Heppner
Canadian heldentenor known for his performances in Wagnerian opera roles, particularly Tristan in Tristan und Isolde.
“Ben Heppner is singing the role of Tristan.”— Frasier
Bertolt Brecht
German playwright and theatre director (1898-1956), known for epic theatre and works such as The Threepenny Opera and Mother Courage.
“I so enjoyed our chat about Brecht, I'm just sorry we didn't get to finish it.”— Adair
Blanche DuBois
A central character in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, known for her refined Southern gentility and fragile mental state.
“the brutish Stanley says to the ultra-refined Blanche, "We've had this date with each other from the beginning."”— Niles
Bolshoi Ballet
The Bolshoi Ballet is a world-renowned ballet company based at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, Russia.
“Or the thrilling artists of the Bolshoi!”— Frasier
Break a leg
A traditional theatrical expression meaning 'good luck,' said to performers before they go on stage. Its origins are debated but it is a well-known theatre superstition.
“Well, normally I'd say "Break a leg", but...”— Frasier
Broadway
Broadway is the famous theater district in Manhattan, New York City, widely considered the pinnacle of American commercial theater.
“I've done that accent both on Broadway and the London stage!”— Mel
Bye Bye Birdie
A 1960 Broadway musical satirizing the effect of Elvis Presley-like rock and roll on American teenagers, featuring the character Conrad Birdie as a teen idol.
“Mr. Crane's attempts to gyrate his hips as Conrad, the teen idol in 'Bye-Bye, Birdie,' made this reviewer say, 'Bye-bye, breakfast!'”— Frasier
Candide
Candide is a comic operetta with music by Leonard Bernstein and a libretto based on Voltaire's novella, first performed in 1956.
“Mr. Bernstein wrote that his Broadway debut was "Candide" when everyone knows that it was "On The Town."”— Niles
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
A 1955 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams set during a sweltering Southern summer, exploring themes of mendacity, desire, and family dysfunction.
“CAT FIGHT ON A HOT TIN ROOF”— Frasier
Cats
A musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on T.S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, famous for its song 'Memory.'
“Maris's Junior League are rehearsing their spring musical - this year they're doing "Cats."”— Niles
Cherry Jones
American actress acclaimed for her stage work, winning multiple Tony Awards, as well as her television and film roles.
“CHERRY JONES”— Frasier
Cirque du Soleil
A Canadian entertainment company and the largest contemporary circus producer in the world, known for elaborate acrobatic performances.
“She's got a new boyfriend, some twenty-eight year old named Marcel, he's a contortionist with the Cirque de Soleil.”— Frasier
Climb Every Mountain
A song from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical 'The Sound of Music,' sung by the Mother Abbess.
“the piano player knew all my favorite songs - "Yesterday", "As Long As He Needs Me," "Climb Every Mountain."”— Daphne
Commedia dell'arte
A form of Italian improvisational theatre originating in the 16th century, featuring stock characters and masked performances.
“their use of stock figures is reminiscent of the commedia dell'arte.”— Niles
Conrad Birdie
A fictional character in the musical Bye Bye Birdie, a rock and roll teen idol loosely based on Elvis Presley.
“Mr. Crane's attempts to gyrate his hips as Conrad, the teen idol in 'Bye-Bye, Birdie,'”— Frasier
Così fan tutte
Così fan tutte is an opera buffa by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, first performed in 1790. The title translates roughly as 'Thus Do They All' (referring to women). The show's title card puns on it as 'Cosi Fan Tushy.'
“The opera is mounting a new production of "Cosi van Tutti."”— Frasier
Damn Yankees
A 1955 Broadway musical (and 1958 film) about a baseball fan who makes a deal with the devil to help his team win the pennant.
“So what's your take on the damn Yankees this season? ... Are you speaking of the frothy musical adaptation, or the baseball team of which I know nothing?”— Frasier
Das Rheingold
The first of the four operas that constitute Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring Cycle), premiering in 1869.
“I took her to the opera last week. Halfway through "Das Rheingold" she fell asleep.”— Niles
David Mamet
American playwright, screenwriter, and director known for his sharp, profanity-laden dialogue in works such as Glengarry Glen Ross and American Buffalo.
“I walked out on that Mamet play, I can walk out on you.”— Ben
Der fliegende Holländer
'The Flying Dutchman,' an opera by Richard Wagner, premiered in 1843, about a ghostly captain doomed to sail the seas forever.
“Frasier and I are going to the opera. We're seeing "Der fliegende Hollander".”— Niles
Derek Jacobi
Acclaimed British actor known for his work in classical theatre, particularly with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and the BBC series I, Claudius.
“Special Guest Stars DEREK JACOBI as Jackson Hedley”— N/A (casting)
Don Giovanni
An opera in two acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, with a libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, first performed in 1787.
“I just came from the opera house. Can you believe Don Giovanni is sold out?”— Claire
Duke Mantee
A fictional gangster character in Robert E. Sherwood's play 'The Petrified Forest,' originally played by Humphrey Bogart.
“I haven't held a cigarette since I played Duke Mantee in our junior high production of "The Petrified Forest."”— Niles
Einstein on the Beach
A groundbreaking 1976 minimalist opera by Philip Glass and Robert Wilson, known for its extreme length (approximately five hours) and avant-garde style.
“I even had a dream about her during "Einstein On The Beach."”— Frasier
Elizabethan revenge dramas
A genre of theatre popular in the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, featuring plots driven by revenge, exemplified by works like Kyd's The Spanish Tragedy and Shakespeare's Hamlet and Titus Andronicus.
“Things that I DO like: the opera, the symphony, Elizabethan revenge dramas et cetera.”— Frasier
Eugène Ionesco
Romanian-French playwright (1909-1994), one of the foremost figures of the Theatre of the Absurd.
“there's an Ionesco play called 'The Bald Soprano!'”— Niles
Eugene O'Neill
American playwright (1888–1953) known for dark, psychologically intense dramas. The episode's title cards are all named after his plays.
“We're like a couple of brothers out of an O'Neill play!”— Frasier
Evita
The 1978 musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice about Eva Perón of Argentina, referenced through the act title card "Don't Cry for Me Argentina."
“DON'T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA”— Niles
Experimental theatre
A form of theatre that pushes the boundaries of conventional performance, often featuring avant-garde staging, nudity, and abstract symbolism.
“I want to thank you again for the show last night. I've never been to experimental theatre before.”— Daphne
Flavio
A stock character from commedia dell'arte, typically a young male lover figure.
“Yes, uh, Esther is Punchinello, Victor is Flavio, and Nikki — well, she's just the town pump.”— Niles
Food, Glorious Food
A musical number from the 1960 musical Oliver! by Lionel Bart, sung by workhouse orphans dreaming of food.
“My first choice was "Food, Glorious Food" from the show Oliver!”— Gil
Fred Astaire
Fred Astaire was famous for his elegant use of props in dance numbers, including his iconic umbrella tosses.
“he tosses his cane like Astaire would toss his umbrella, and then catches a snappy walking stick that is tossed back to him”— Martin
Georges Feydeau
French playwright (1862–1921) famous for his elaborate bedroom farces involving mistaken identities, slamming doors, and complex romantic entanglements. The act title 'Could Guy's Last Name Be Feydeau?' references his style.
“COULD GUY'S LAST NAME BE FEYDEAU?”— Niles
Giacomo Puccini
Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) was an Italian opera composer famous for La Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot, among others.
“you took your mind off it by reciting the names of all of Puccini's operas. Right then I knew you'd never be a cop.”— Martin
Gilbert and Sullivan
The Victorian-era partnership of librettist W.S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan, famous for comic operas like The Mikado and H.M.S. Pinafore.
“Sort of like Gilbert and Sullivan — only frightening.”— Daphne
Gilda
The daughter of Rigoletto in Verdi's opera Rigoletto, who is secretly courted by the Duke of Mantua and ultimately sacrifices herself.
“He has a daughter, Gilda, who's secretly living with him.”— Frasier
Giuseppe Verdi
Italian Romantic opera composer (1813-1901), one of the most influential composers of the 19th century.
“I have chosen to sing a very challenging aria from Verdi's Rigoletto”— Frasier
Glyndebourne
Glyndebourne is an English country house in East Sussex that has been the site of the annual Glyndebourne Festival Opera since 1934, renowned for high-quality opera productions.
“The Glyndeborne production! I don't have this one.”— Niles
Gondolfo
A fictional operatic character whose on-stage murder is referenced. This appears to be an invented opera character within the show.
“Fortunately my shriek coincided with the on-stage murder of Gondolfo!”— Frasier
Götterdämmerung
Götterdämmerung (Twilight of the Gods) is the last of the four music dramas in Richard Wagner's Ring cycle, premiered in 1876.
“You have that same smug look you had on your face when you found that recording of Kirsten Flagstad's 1932 Gotterdammerung in the discount bin.”— Frasier
Guys and Dolls
A 1950 Broadway musical by Frank Loesser based on Damon Runyon's stories, about gamblers and showgirls in New York City.
“GUYS AND DOLLS”— Frasier
H.M.S. Pinafore
A comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, first performed in 1878. Kate uses the name metaphorically ('the H.M.S Pinafore of embarrassment has sailed').
“I think the H.M.S Pinafore of embarrassment has sailed!”— Kate
Hamlet
A tragedy by William Shakespeare, one of the most famous plays in the English language.
“the Royal Zombie Company just left town with its all-zombie production of "Hamlet"!”— Roz
Interpretive dance
A form of expressive dance that uses movement and gesture to convey emotional content, often associated with artistic or highbrow pursuits.
“Do you remember when you petitioned the school to have interpretive dance added to gym class?”— Lana
Jacob's Pillow
Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival is a renowned dance center and performance venue in Becket, Massachusetts, and a National Historic Landmark.
“Nina Duncan always insists on sharing her extensive collection of slides from the summer she danced Agamemmnom at Jacob's Pillow.”— Frasier
Janet Baker
Dame Janet Baker (b. 1933) is a celebrated English mezzo-soprano known for her performances in opera, concert, and recital, particularly acclaimed in Baroque and early classical repertoire.
“and Janet Baker's Act Three aria is...”— Frasier
Joan Sutherland
Dame Joan Sutherland (1926-2010) was a celebrated Australian dramatic coloratura soprano, one of the greatest opera singers of the 20th century.
“It's a pity she never got quite the recognition of a Joan Sutherland or a Renata Tebaldi.”— Daphne
Kabuki
A classical form of Japanese theatre known for its elaborate makeup, costumes, and stylized performances, dating from the early 17th century.
“I wore it for Alice's birthday party and for a whole week after, I looked like a kabuki hooker.”— Roz
Kirsten Flagstad
Kirsten Flagstad (1895–1962) was a renowned Norwegian opera soprano, considered one of the greatest Wagnerian sopranos of the 20th century.
“You have that same smug look you had on your face when you found that recording of Kirsten Flagstad's 1932 Gotterdammerung in the discount bin.”— Frasier
Kismet
Kismet is a 1953 musical based on the play by Edward Knoblock, featuring music adapted from Alexander Borodin. The word also means 'fate' or 'destiny' in Turkish/Arabic.
“Call it Kismet.”— Frasier
Klingsor
A villainous sorcerer character in Wagner's opera Parsifal who commands Kundry to seduce the hero.
“I still have goose bumps from when Klingsor summoned Kundry with a terrible cry and ordered her to seduce Parsifal”— Niles
Kundry
A complex female character in Wagner's opera Parsifal, who is compelled by Klingsor to seduce the hero.
“I still have goose bumps from when Klingsor summoned Kundry with a terrible cry and ordered her to seduce Parsifal”— Niles
La Bohème
Opera by Giacomo Puccini, premiered in 1896, about young bohemians in Paris, featuring the character Mimi who dies of tuberculosis.
“we can't wait to see what magic you'll work with 'La Boheme.'”— Frasier
La Cage aux Folles
A 1983 Broadway musical by Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein, based on the 1973 French play by Jean Poiret, about a gay couple and their nightclub.
“a matinée of "La Cage Aux Folles"”— Niles
La Traviata
An 1853 opera by Giuseppe Verdi, which indeed contains the famous drinking song "Libiamo ne' lieti calici" (the Brindisi).
“Well, last night I invited Dad to use my apartment for a quiet, romantic dinner with Sherry while I attended "La Traviata."”— Niles
Laurence Olivier
English actor and director widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century, renowned for his Shakespearean roles on stage and screen.
“That I have the magnetism of Marlon Brando, the charm of Danny Kaye and the range of Laurence Olivier.”— Niles
Lear (theatrical production)
Refers to a production of Shakespeare's King Lear, which Frasier mentions preparing for, likely as a dramatic reading or performance.
“Now if you'll excuse me, I have a Lear to prepare for.”— Frasier
Leontyne Price
Mary Violet Leontyne Price (born 1927) is an American soprano who was one of the first African-American singers to achieve worldwide fame in opera, particularly renowned for her Verdi roles.
“Remember the day after you proposed to Maris? You went that evening to the opera, you were convinced that Leontyne Price was winking at you the whole night.”— Frasier
Libiamo ne' lieti calici (Brindisi)
The famous drinking song from Verdi's La Traviata, sung at a party in Act I, often known simply as the Brindisi.
“there's a wonderful drinking song from "La Traviata" called, uh, "Libiamo Brindisi!"”— Frasier
light opera
A genre of short, amusing musical dramas, also known as operetta, featuring spoken dialogue and lighter themes than grand opera.
“I used to be with a light opera works.”— Daphne
London stage
Refers to the theatre scene in London's West End, the other major English-language theatre capital alongside Broadway.
“I've done that accent both on Broadway and the London stage!”— Mel
London theatre
London's West End is one of the world's premier theatre districts, home to numerous famous productions.
“I love London - the museums, the theatre...”— Frasier
Long Day's Journey into Night
A semi-autobiographical play by Eugene O'Neill (written c. 1941, published posthumously 1956) about a dysfunctional family. The title card parodies it as 'Long Night's Journey into Day.'
“LONG NIGHT'S JOURNEY INTO DAY”— Frasier
Love Letters
A play by A.R. Gurney (1988) consisting of two characters reading letters they have exchanged over a lifetime, often performed as a staged reading by celebrity pairs.
“I once saw her in a production of Love Letters with Bill Nye, the Science Guy.”— Daphne
Luciano Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007) was an Italian operatic tenor, widely regarded as one of the greatest tenors of all time.
“Thank you, Dad, but frankly I'm quite satisfied with the likes of Pavorotti's Pagliacci.”— Frasier
Ludwig and Gunther (fictional opera plot)
A fictional opera scenario invented by Niles to satirize the idea that 'living well is the best revenge' would never appear in an opera plot.
“Ludwig, maddened by the poisoning of his entire family, wreaks vengeance on Gunther in the third act by living well.”— Niles
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
A Broadway theatre in New York City, named after the famous acting couple Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne.
“Frasier: Do you remember when we saw that Lunt-Fontanne revival, and that woman behind us wouldn't stop talking?”— Frasier
Marian the Librarian
A character from the 1957 Meredith Willson musical The Music Man, the female romantic lead.
“Guinevere, Marian the Librarian, Ado Annie”— Niles
Mathilde DeCagny
A fictional opera singer referenced by Frasier as having sung the finest Gilda ever.
“Of course the finest Gilda ever sung was by the great Mathilde DeCagny. I actually have a recording.”— Frasier
Metropolitan Opera
The Metropolitan Opera is a prestigious opera company based at Lincoln Center in New York City, one of the world's leading opera houses.
“Just think how a screen this size will enhance the majesty of the Metropolitan Opera.”— Frasier
Mezzanine
A seating section in a theater, typically the lowest balcony, considered less desirable than orchestra seating.
“Yes, even mezzanine.”— Frasier
Mime
Mime is a form of theatrical performance art involving silent expression through gesture and movement, without the use of speech.
“Why couldn't she have been a mime?”— Frasier
Mimi
The female lead in Puccini's La Bohème, a seamstress who dies of consumption (tuberculosis).
“I would be content if my Mimi would just lay off the cheeseburgers.”— Alistair
Modern Major-General
The famous patter song from Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Pirates of Penzance', sung by Major-General Stanley, listing his vast but militarily useless knowledge.
“I know the kings of England and I quote the fights historical, From Marathon to Waterloo in order categorical.”— Frasier
Mourning Becomes Electra
A trilogy of plays by Eugene O'Neill (1931), a modern retelling of the Oresteia set during the American Civil War.
“Morning Becomes Electra!”— Noel
musical theater camp
A summer camp focused on musical theater performance, often attended by children and young people interested in singing, dancing, and acting.
“Now I know how you must have felt all those times when you dropped me off at musical theater camp.”— Niles
My Fair Lady
The episode title 'My Fair Frasier' is a play on the title of My Fair Lady, the 1956 Lerner and Loewe musical based on George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion.
“the song "On The Street Where She Lives" from Bernard Shaw's "My Fair Lady" is played by the orchestra.”— Frasier
No Sex Please, We're British
'No Sex Please, We're British' is a long-running British farce written by Alistair Foot and Anthony Marriott, which premiered in London's West End in 1971. The episode title 'No Sex Please, We're Skittish' is a play on this title.
“No Sex Please, We're Skittish”— Frasier
No, No, Nanette
A Broadway musical from 1925, with music by Vincent Youmans. Legend has it that the sale of Babe Ruth helped finance its production.
“the owner of the Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees to finance a Broadway musical, "No No Nanette"”— Niles
Noel Coward
Sir Noël Coward (1899-1973) was an English playwright, composer, director, actor, and singer known for his wit and sophistication.
“Martin: Although I am kinda sorry I missed "An Evening With Moe Howard." Frasier: That was Noel Coward!”— Frasier
Noises Off
A 1982 farce by Michael Frayn about the backstage chaos of a theatrical production. The act title 'NOSES OFF' is a pun on this play.
“NOSES OFF”— Frasier
Oklahoma!
A 1943 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. The song 'Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'' opens with the lyric 'There's a bright golden haze on the meadow.'
“Fair enough. Say, am I crazy or is there a bright golden haze on the meadow?”— Frasier
Old Globe Theater
Likely a reference to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, which was reconstructed and reopened in 1997 near its original site on the South Bank of the Thames.
“and the Old Globe Theater”— Claire
Oliver!
A 1960 musical by Lionel Bart based on Charles Dickens's novel Oliver Twist, about a young orphan in Victorian London.
“My first choice was "Food, Glorious Food" from the show Oliver!”— Gil
On a Tree By A River (Tit-Willow)
A song from Act 2 of Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Mikado', sung by Ko-Ko as he tries to win Katisha's sympathy.
“On a tree by a river, a littlie tom-tit Sang 'Willow, tit-willow, tit-willow'.”— Frasier and Niles
On the Town
A 1944 musical with music by Leonard Bernstein and book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. It was Bernstein's actual Broadway debut.
“when everyone knows that it was "On The Town." That's when we knew it was a fake!”— Niles
Opera
Opera as an art form combining orchestral music, singing, and drama, referenced as a hallmark of elitist cultural taste.
“a few things I don't like: Boxing for one... Things that I DO like: the opera, the symphony, Elizabethan revenge dramas”— Frasier
Opera opening night gala
A prestigious social event marking the opening of an opera season, typically attended by high-society patrons.
“for eight, the Ashworths gave me the use of their box on the opera's opening night gala.”— Frasier
Opera recordings
A reference to opera as a genre through the mention of a disputed collection of opera recordings from Tom's breakup.
“There was a bitter dispute about ownership of opera recordings.”— Daphne
Opera tickets
Frasier mentions having opera tickets he cannot use, indicating his regular attendance at the opera.
“Listen, the opera tickets are right there by the phone. Wish I could use them myself.”— Frasier
Orpheus and Eurydice (Orfeo ed Euridice)
'Orfeo ed Euridice' is an opera by Christoph Willibald Gluck, first performed in 1762, based on the Greek myth of Orpheus's journey to the underworld to retrieve his wife Eurydice.
“You're passing up 'Orpheus & Eurydice' to shoot pool at some sticky-bear salon?!”— Niles
Pacific Overtures
Pacific Overtures is a 1976 musical by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman about the Westernization of Japan.
“Dad, the odds of my knowing the score to the Mariners game are about the same as you knowing the score to Pacific Overtures.”— Frasier
Pagliacci
Pagliacci is an Italian opera in two acts by Ruggero Leoncavallo, first performed in 1892, about a jealous husband in a commedia dell'arte troupe.
“You said you loved Pagliacci. Yes, I said the opera, not the porcelain crying crown figurine!”— Roz
Parsifal
Opera by Richard Wagner, first performed in 1882, based on the medieval legend of the Holy Grail. Klingsor and Kundry are characters in the opera.
“I still have goose bumps from when Klingsor summoned Kundry with a terrible cry and ordered her to seduce Parsifal: "Ha! Er Ist Shun Der Knabe!"”— Niles
Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007) was an Italian operatic tenor, one of the most commercially successful tenors of all time.
“Pavarotti jumping the Grand Canyon?”— Daphne
Placido Domingo
A renowned Spanish tenor and conductor, one of the Three Tenors, known for his prolific career in opera.
“It's like sitting close enough to get hit by Placido Domingo's spit.”— Daphne
Punchinello
A stock character from commedia dell'arte, known as Pulcinella in Italian, a hunchbacked servant figure.
“Yes, uh, Esther is Punchinello, Victor is Flavio, and Nikki — well, she's just the town pump.”— Niles
Radames
The male lead in Verdi's opera Aida, an Egyptian military commander who falls in love with the captured Ethiopian princess Aida.
“That's Radames and that's the jealous Amneris...”— Niles
Renata Tebaldi
Renata Tebaldi (1922-2004) was a renowned Italian operatic soprano, considered one of the finest lyric-dramatic sopranos of her era.
“It's a pity she never got quite the recognition of a Joan Sutherland or a Renata Tebaldi.”— Daphne
Rhapsody and Requiem
The title of Diane Chambers's play, a fictional work within the show that dramatizes her experiences at the Cheers bar with thinly disguised characters.
“I give you "Rhapsody and Requiem," a play by Diane Chambers.”— Diane
Richard III
A historical tragedy by William Shakespeare about the scheming King Richard III of England. It is one of Shakespeare's most performed plays.
“During our prep school production of "Richard III" he drove the entire cast crazy with his constant critiquing.”— Niles
Ride of the Valkyries
'Ride of the Valkyries' (Walkürenritt) is the popular name for the beginning of Act III of Die Walküre, the second opera of Richard Wagner's Ring cycle.
“Their lead soprano, Mrs. Fitzgibbons, will come to your home and perform 'The Ride of the Valkyres'.”— Niles
Rigoletto
An 1851 opera by Giuseppe Verdi. Niles incorrectly claims the Brindisi is from Rigoletto rather than La Traviata.
“Well, it's about Rigoletto, the hunchbacked jester in the court of the Duke. He has a daughter, Gilda, who's secretly living with him.”— Frasier
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
A 1966 play by Tom Stoppard that reimagines Shakespeare's Hamlet from the perspective of two minor characters. Contains the quote 'Every exit is an entrance somewhere else.'
“in theatrical circles, they always say "Every exit is but an entrance to somewhere else."”— Frasier
Run For Your Wife
A British farce written by Ray Cooney, first performed in 1983, about a bigamist taxi driver trying to keep his two wives from discovering each other.
“and I'll see you on the opening night of "Run For Your Wife!"”— Frasier
Schwander de Dudelsach Feiffen
A fictional opera title. The scene title 'It's About a Czechoslovakian Bagpiper' provides a humorous translation hint.
“I'll see you at Schwander de Dudelsach Feiffen.”— Niles
Seattle Repertory Theatre
A prominent professional theatre company in Seattle, Washington, founded in 1963.
“your sons were taking us out to dinner and then to the Seattle Rep.”— Beth
Seattle Theatre Ensemble
A fictional Seattle theatre company created for the show, for which Frasier hosts a benefit.
“my benefit for the Seattle Theatre Ensemble is tonight - I haven't recieved your check yet.”— Frasier
Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo'
A character from the 1955 musical Damn Yankees by Adler and Ross, a male lead role about a baseball player who makes a deal with the devil.
“When do I get to be Shoeless Joe from Hannibal, Mo'?!”— Niles
Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree
Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree (1852-1917) was a celebrated English actor-manager, known for his lavish Shakespearean productions and founding the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
“The Life And Times Of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. It's a stunningly witty history of the English theatre.”— Frasier
Sir Trevor Aimsley
A fictional legendary British stage actor in the Frasier universe, portrayed as the world's greatest living actor on a farewell tour.
“Yes, Sir Trevor Aimsley in "Tears of the Mariner."”— Frasier
South Pacific
A 1949 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical set during World War II, featuring well-known songs like 'Some Enchanted Evening.'
“Now how about something from "South Pacific?"”— Martin
Stanley Kowalski
A central character in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, known for his brutish, aggressive masculinity.
“the brutish Stanley says to the ultra-refined Blanche, "We've had this date with each other from the beginning."”— Niles
Stephen Sondheim
American composer and lyricist known for musicals such as Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods, and West Side Story (lyrics). A towering figure in American musical theatre.
“This reminds me of a debate I had with my brother Niles about whether or not Steven Sondheim is really light opera...”— Frasier
Strange Interlude
A 1928 Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Eugene O'Neill, notable for its use of interior monologues and its extraordinary length.
“STRANGE INTERLUDE”— Frasier
Suddenly, Last Summer
A 1958 one-act play by Tennessee Williams dealing with madness, desire, and dark secrets. The scene heading 'SUDDENLY THIS SUMMER' is a pun on this title.
“SUDDENLY THIS SUMMER”— Frasier
Sunday in the Park with George
A 1984 musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, inspired by Georges Seurat's painting. The episode's scene title 'Sunday in the Park with Eddie' parodies this.
“SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH EDDIE”— Scene direction
Swan Lake
A ballet composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875-76, one of the most famous ballets in the world.
“IT'S LIKE SWAN LAKE, ONLY DEEPER”— Niles
Sweeney Todd
A fictional character known as 'The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,' the subject of a famous 1979 Stephen Sondheim musical about a barber who kills customers and bakes them into pies.
“SWEENEY TOT”— Niles
Swine Lake
A pun on 'Swan Lake,' the famous 1876 ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, combined with 'swine' (pigs) for the Halloween costume.
“We finally had to take to telling that we were "Swine Lake." They didn't get that either.”— Frasier
Tartuffe
A comedic play by Molière (1664) about a religious hypocrite who deceives a gullible wealthy man. One of the most famous works in French theatre.
“What was it the Yale "Daily News" said about your Tartuffe?”— Frasier
Tears of the Mariner
A fictional play in the Frasier universe, the hot theatrical event of the season in Seattle.
“Yes, Sir Trevor Aimsley in "Tears of the Mariner."”— Frasier
Tennessee Williams
Major American playwright (1911-1983) known for plays like A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and The Glass Menagerie, often featuring steamy Southern settings and high sexual tension.
“one must have to sweat through the odd heat wave like a tortured character in a Tennessee... Williams... play.”— Niles
The Bald Soprano
An absurdist one-act play by Eugène Ionesco, first performed in 1950, considered a masterpiece of the Theatre of the Absurd.
“there's an Ionesco play called 'The Bald Soprano!'”— Niles
The Barber of Seville
A comic opera by Gioachino Rossini, first performed in 1816, based on the play by Pierre Beaumarchais. One of the most famous operas in the repertoire.
“Music from "The Barber of Seville" begins playing as we see a montage of Niles and Frasier trying desperately.”— N/A (stage direction/background music)
The Glass Menagerie
A 1944 memory play by Tennessee Williams, one of his most celebrated works. The scene heading 'THE BATH MENAGERIE' is a pun on this title.
“THE BATH MENAGERIE”— Frasier
The Iceman Cometh
A 1946 play by Eugene O'Neill set in a New York saloon, exploring themes of self-deception and pipe dreams.
“they're doing a revival of "The Iceman Cometh" playing downtown! Now, you see, we could catch a matinee”— Frasier
The Magic Flute
Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) is an opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, first performed in 1791. Frasier uses the title as a double entendre referring to Roz ogling a naked man.
“I refuse to squint through Pagliacci while you're trying to watch The Magic Flute!”— Frasier
The Man Who Came to Dinner
A 1939 comedy play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart about an acerbic critic who injures himself and must stay in a family's home, driving them crazy.
“"The Man Who Came To Dinner." It's about a bad-tempered invalid that moves into these people's house and just drives them crazy.”— Laura
The Marriage of Figaro
Opera composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (K. 492), premiered in 1786. One of the most famous operas in the repertoire, based on the play by Beaumarchais.
“He starts a CD of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" on the stereo”— Niles
The Mikado
A comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, set in the fictional Japanese town of Titipu. First performed in 1885, it is one of the most popular works in the G&S canon.
“On a tree by a river, a littlie tom-tit Sang 'Willow, tit-willow, tit-willow'.”— Frasier and Niles
The Night of the Iguana
A 1961 play by Tennessee Williams set in a steamy Mexican hotel. The scene heading 'THE NIGHT OF THE I WANNA' is a pun on this title.
“THE NIGHT OF THE I WANNA”— Frasier
The Petrified Forest
A 1935 play by Robert E. Sherwood featuring the character Duke Mantee, a gangster role famously played by Humphrey Bogart.
“I haven't held a cigarette since I played Duke Mantee in our junior high production of "The Petrified Forest."”— Niles
The Pirates of Penzance
A comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, first performed in 1879, featuring the character of the Pirate King.
“I know the kings of England and I quote the fights historical, From Marathon to Waterloo in order categorical.”— Frasier
The Rockettes
A precision dance company famous for performing at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, known for their synchronized kick-line routines.
“a group of Rockette-like dancers who accompany the rest of the number”— Martin
The Silent Echo
A fictional play referenced in the Frasier universe, notable for not having a third act.
“That's the mistake you made last year when you lied about having seen "The Silent Echo."”— Frasier
The Sound of Music
A Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about the Von Trapp family singers in Austria, later adapted into a famous 1965 film.
“Remember the last show they did, "The Sound Of Music"? My God, half the Von Trapp children were having hot flashes.”— Frasier
The Zoo Story
A one-act play by Edward Albee, first produced in 1959, about a chance encounter between two men on a park bench in Central Park.
“The Zoo Story”— Frasier
Toreador Song from Carmen
The famous aria 'Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre' (Toreador Song) from Georges Bizet's 1875 opera Carmen, sung by the character Escamillo.
“Toreador, Don't spit on the floor, Use the cuspidor-a What do you think it's for-a?”— Frasier
Tosca
An opera in three acts by Giacomo Puccini, with a libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa, premiered in 1900.
“Not unless he can sing the love duet from Tosca.”— Frasier
Tristan und Isolde
Opera by Richard Wagner, based on the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde. It premiered in 1865 in Munich.
“this is the best opera, and Ben Heppner is singing the role of Tristan.”— Frasier
Turandot
An opera by Giacomo Puccini, set in China, featuring the famous aria 'Nessun dorma.' It was left incomplete at Puccini's death in 1924.
“I was thinking of a little post-opera soiree next week after the opening of Turandot.”— Frasier
Vaudeville
A genre of variety entertainment popular in the United States and Canada from the early 1880s to the early 1930s, featuring comedy, music, and other acts.
“Oh Dad, please, I know a little something about vaudeville.”— Niles
Vissi d'Arte
A famous soprano aria from Giacomo Puccini's opera Tosca (1900), sung by the title character in Act II, meaning 'I lived for art.'
“"Vissi d'Arte" from Tosca”— Niles
Von Trapp children
The children of the Von Trapp family from The Sound of Music, who perform as a singing group in the musical.
“half the Von Trapp children were having hot flashes.”— Frasier
West Side Story
A landmark 1957 musical with music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in New York City.
“Who's that pretty girl in the mirror there? What mirror, where? Who could that attractive girl be?”— Daphne
What the Butler Saw
A farce by Joe Orton, first performed in 1969, known for its dark humor and themes of sexual intrigue and institutional corruption.
“WHAT THE BUTLER SAW”— Niles
Wotan
Wotan is the king of the gods in Richard Wagner's Ring Cycle operas, based on the Norse god Odin.
“Whereupon Woton, upon discovering his deception, wreaks vengeance on Gunther in the third act again by living even better than the Duke.”— Niles
Yum-Yum
A character in Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado, one of the 'three little maids from school' and the romantic lead soprano.
“I was in an all-male version of "The Mikado" at Oxford. People still ask to see my Yum-Yum.”— Frasier