Mark Adamo’s opera Little Women (1998) is his own libretto after Louisa May Alcott’s tale of growing up after the Civil War (1868-69).

The work has been received great critical acclaim and with many small roles, has been regarded as an excellent opera for postgraduate students.

The beautiful Poppea has caught the eye of the emperor Nerone (Nero), and he has fallen devotedly in love with her. He believes his wife, Ottavia, is barren, and the coldness she offers him is in such opposition to Poppea’s open warmth and affection. The decision is easy: he intends to make Poppea his wife, making her empress of Rome.