Last year, it was revealed that Malaysian-born businessman Leonard Glenn Francis, also known as “Fat Leonard,” pulled off what was described as “one of the most extensive bribery scandals in US military history” after the defense contractor swindled the US Navy out of at least RM157 MILLION!
Recent reports among American entertainment and lifestyle media have stated that the scandal inspired an opera titled ‘Schemes and Scandals of Fat Leonard.’ The opera aims to shed light on the untold stories of women affected by the scandal, with its first aria, the Handbag Aria, focusing on Marcy Misiewicz, the ex-wife of former Navy officer Michael Misiewicz.
While the scandal may seem like an unusual source of inspiration for an opera, the creators believe it possesses all the elements of a classic tragedy.
From larger-than-life characters to overblown emotions and dramatic falls from grace, the Fat Leonard saga encompasses the themes that make opera resonate with audiences.
Composer Tommy Dougherty was quoted in reports that the scale of the scandal was huge and unprecedented, adding that that’s what prompted him to write a song about it.
“The piece is centered around a Navy wife. She is scorned; her husband has betrayed her in so many countless ways,” he said.
The show will be performed by members of the San Diego Symphony.
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Also read: Fat Leonard, the Penang-born Malaysian Who Caused the BIGGEST US Navy Bribery Scandal
