Isinglass, Massachusetts!

Opening Number from Eldritch: An Original Musical

Author's Note:

When I began imagining an opening number for Eldritch, I knew I wanted it to feel like a classic, jaunty town introduction in the spirit of The Music Man... but with the unsettling undercurrent of Sweeney Todd. The residents of Isinglass are warm, welcoming, and genuinely proud of their little fishing village. They simply happen to have grown accustomed to things that outsiders might find... odd.

Isinglass is a real place name in New Hampshire, belonging to the Isinglass River, which I've visited many times. The word isinglass also refers to a natural collagen derived from fish swim bladders, historically used to clarify beer and wine and as an adhesive in art conservation. With its authentic New England roots and subtle connection to fish, it felt like the perfect name for a Lovecraftian coastal town.

Welcome to Isinglass, Massachusetts. ⚓

---

Isinglass, Massachusetts!

Opening Number from Eldritch

^{Audio experience created using Suno.}

---

Intro

Mayor of Isinglass

Hello there, stranger

Glad you’re here

We heard the old place sold

Come meet the neighbors

Gather ‘round

New England folks aren’t cold

Skeptical Townsperson

What?

Mayor

Okay... well maybe sometimes...

Our town is blessed with

Lots of fish

Such blessings of the Deep

We’ll show you ‘round

Our lovely town

And sing you off to sleep!

---

Chorus

Isinglass, Massachusetts!

Isinglass, Massachusetts!

Here’s the harbor where tugboats rest

You’ll see our town is the very best!

Isinglass, Massachusetts!

Isinglass, Massachusetts!

Try the pub or the local inn

Now that you’re here, you will soon begin...

To love...

Isinglass, Massachusetts!

Isinglass, Massachusetts!

---

Verse 2

Innkeeper

Good evening, traveler

Need a room?

We’ve beds so warm and neat

If someone knocks

At half past three...

Just stay beneath your sheet

---

Chorus

(Repeat)

---

Verse 3

Bookseller

Hello there, mister

Welcome, please

My shop here, do come in

Come see the rare books

Old tomes too

And knowledge good as sin

---

Chorus

(Repeat)

---

Verse 4

Lighthouse Keeper

The lighthouse guides

The ships to shore

Through every fog and gale

Climb to the top

See a tentacl—

Oh wait...

No, that’s a whale!

---

Chorus

(Repeat)

---

Verse 5

Mayor

Enjoy the sights

Enjoy the view

If someone should go missing...

Don’t fret at all

It’s nothing strange...

Just please ignore the hissing.

---

Chorus

(Repeat)

---

Bridge

Scholar

Well, thank you all

I have to go

There’s just been such a clamor

But now I fear

I’m on my way

To old Isinglass Manor

Townspeople (whispering, building louder)

Isinglass Manor...

Isinglass Manor...

Isinglass Manor...

Ensemble

Good luck!

Enjoy your stay...

Here in...

---

Final Chorus

Isinglass, Massachusetts!

Isinglass, Massachusetts!

Here’s the harbor where tugboats rest

You’ll see our town is the very best!

Isinglass, Massachusetts!

Isinglass, Massachusetts!

Try the pub or the local inn

Now that you’re here, you will soon begin...

To love...

Isinglass, Massachusetts!

Isinglass, Massachusetts!

---

The story continues...

These next two songs serve as the Act I finale and Act II opening of Eldritch, carrying our scholar from the quiet streets of Isinglass to the shores of Lake Hali.

---

If you have enjoyed my work here in the Labyrinth, please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. If you prefer a one-time offering, you may “buy me a rose” and I would be most grateful. 🥀