Stage 2: The Dolls of Albion

he Dolls of New Albion, A Steampunk Opera is a four act musical written by Paul Shapera which follows four generations of the McAlistair family in the fantastical city of New Albion. It is often abbreviated as DONA.

The album can be listened to here

The musical features four singers. Traditionally, two of them switch roles every act, as the male and female characters change with each successive generation. The other two play the Narrator and a constant male character.

All four acts are narrated by a mysterious woman named Kate. The 1st Act is concerned with a scientist, Annabel McAlistair, and her attempt to bring back her dead love, placing him within the body of a mechanical mannequin. The 2nd Act shows her son, Edgar, his business exploits and how they affect the city. The 3rd Act follows his son, Byron, and his ensuing political race and cultural impact on New Albion. Finally, the 4th Act tells the story of Priscilla McAlistair and a New Albion Soldier. Throughout each act there is Jasper, a continual presence in each of the character's lives.

Each generation's meddling with these Dolls contributes to the gradual fall of New Albion itself.