description El Capitan Overview
El Capitan is an American operetta with music by John Philip Sousa and a libretto by Charles Klein and Thomas Frost. Premiering in Boston in 1896 before transferring to Broadway, it is Sousa's most successful and enduring work for the theatrical stage. The story is a romantic comedy set in 16th-century Peru and satirizes Spanish colonial rule, featuring a title march that remains a prominent piece in concert band repertoire.
help El Capitan FAQ
What is the plot of Sousa's El Capitan?
Don Errico Medigua, the new Viceroy of Peru, secretly has the rebel leader El Capitan killed and then disguises himself as him. He uses the identity to lead the rebels into a defeat by the Spanish forces. [El Capitan overview](https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/work/43181/El-Capitan--John-Philip-Sousa/)
When did El Capitan premiere, and how long did it run on Broadway?
The operetta premiered at Boston's Tremont Theatre on April 13, 1896. It moved to Broadway on April 20, 1896, where the original production ran for 112 performances. [El Capitan history](https://operetta-research-center.org/john-philip-sousas-el-capitan-1896/)
Is the El Capitan march part of the operetta?
Yes. John Philip Sousa reused themes across the operetta, and the closing theme of the march also ends the stage work. The march later became a standard piece for concert and military bands. [El Capitan march](https://www.marineband.marines.mil/Audio-Resources/The-Complete-Marches-of-John-Philip-Sousa/El-Capitan-March/)
Who wrote El Capitan?
John Philip Sousa wrote the music, while Charles Klein wrote the libretto. The lyrics are credited to Charles Klein and Tom Frost, and the work is structured in 3 acts. [El Capitan libretto](https://quuxplusone.github.io/Wikisource/Sousa/el-capitan.html)
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
