The Tempest Musical
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The Tempest: A Musical is a musical production based on William Shakespeare's play The Tempest, with original songs by Daniel Neiden.
The show made its off-Broadway debut at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York City in December 2006. It was produced by The Republic Theater Company. It featured a book by Ryan Knowles and Daniel Neiden, based on a concept by Tony Award-Winner Thomas Meehan (Annie, Hairspray, The Producers). Arrangement and Musical Supervision by Charles Czarnecki (Jersey Boys).
A concept album of the show was produced by Charles Czarnecki and Daniel Neiden in 2005.
[edit] Songs
Nearly every song has lyrics taken from Shakespeare's original text (adapted by Daniel Neiden), allowing the song to propel the action forward without diluting the Bard's story. The only exception is the opening number, with lyrics written by Daniel Neiden and Ryan Knowles.
"Hey Nonny Nonny!" opens the show. This song covers the shipwreck and introduces all of the characters. "Bella Milano" deals with Prospero's story of how he and his daughter, Miranda, came to be on the island. "Yellow Sands" is Ariel's song, beckoning the mariners to the shore. Charged to go deliver a vision to Ferdinand, Ariel sings "Full Fathom Five". In "I Promise You" Ferdinand and Miranda profess their love for each other. "The Master, The Swabber" is a drinking song sung by Trinculo and Stephano. "Farewell, Master" is a song sung by Caliban, Trinculo and Stephano in dedication to their new goal of freedom. "Juno is the song of matrimony and fertility Prospero conjures for his lovestruck daughter. Prospero's inner thoughts are revealed in the song, "Such Stuff". In "Oh Disgrace, Oh Displeasure!", Caliban, Trinculo and Stephano sing of their desire to kill Prospero and get rich. "Howl" is a soul song accompanying a soliloquy by Prospero. Once Ariel is set free by Prospero, she sings "Where The Bee Drinks". The show closes with "In Your Hands", an uplifting gospel-infused song, meant to send Prospero away from the island and the rest on their respective paths.
