The sole English language opera presented by Music Department head Bonita Alcott during the run of the series (though not the sole English language opera presented by Bonnie or any other director in the history of The Academy), "The Brown Note" is neither a presentation of songs featuring the mythical tone rumored to cause its listeners to lose bowel control nor a history of said rumor, but a hypothetical look into a near future in which the National Treasury is tasked with choosing the first African-American to appear on paper currency.
Unfortunately for director, cast and audiences alike, an ill visitor with a fast spreading case of C. diff leads many to wonder if perhaps a prankster switched out the orchestra's sheet music with a score featuring the note of legend.