Origin
Sign In My Cart
Search
alphabetical author index
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Death Takes a Holiday (Musical)

Although "death" is in the title, the operative word is "HOLIDAY!"

Based on the 1934 film, Death Takes a Holiday is a celebration of the limited time we spend on Earth.

More information

Description

  • Full Length Musical
  • Comedy
  • 120 minutes

  • Time Period: 1920s, 1910s / WWI
  • Target Audience: Appropriate for all audiences
  • Set Requirements: Opportunity for Spectacle
  • Orchestra Size: Medium

  • Performance Group:
  • Large Stage, Dinner Theatre, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, College Theatre / Student

  • Accolades:
  • Outstanding Music, and Outstanding Lyrics

    , Outstanding Book of a Musical,

    Nominee! Ten 2012 Drama Desk Awards - including Outstanding Musical

In Death Takes a Holiday, it's just after World War I and the loneliest of souls arrives at an Italian villa disguised as a handsome young Prince, and for the first time experiences the joys and heartbreaks of life. 

The show began as an Alberto Casella play from the 1920's that was made into a much-loved 1934 film starring Fredric March as Death, disguised as a debonair nobleman. The original film was remade in 1998 as Meet Joe Black, starring Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins.
REVIEWS:

"Timeless appeal... One lush, soaring number after another... a melody-rich score that draws on a wide range of influences, from the Baroque to the British poperetta craze of the 1980's."

The New York Times

"Top 10 Plays and Musicals of 2011."

Time Magazine

"Compellingly introspective musicals are hard to come by... Maury Yeston is one of the few Broadway composers who has demonstrated the ability to weave the necessary spell, and his score for Death Takes a Holiday hits splendid heights."

Variety

Premiere Production: Death Takes a Holiday opened Off-Broadway on July 14, 2011 at the Laura Pels Theatre as a Roundabout Theatre Company production.

Characters

  • Casting: 7M, 7F
  • Casting Attributes: Ensemble cast, Parts for Senior Actors, Strong Role for Leading Man (Star Vehicle), Strong Role for Leading Woman (Star Vehicle)
  • Chorus Size: No Chorus

  • DEATH / PRINCE NIKOLAI SIRKI: Male, Mid 30's (Range: Tenor, Bb2-G4)
    Grows tired of taking people's lives and unable to comprehend why all men fear him. Curious to know what it means to "live." After pausing at taking Grazia's life, decides to take a "holiday" under the disguise of Prince Nikolai Sirki.

  • DUKE VITTORIO LAMBERTI: Male, Late 40's (Range: Baritone, D3-E4)
    Father of Grazia. Master of the Villa Felicita. Allows Death to take room in his villa for the weekend.

  • DUCHESS STEPHANIE: Female, Mid 40's (Range: Mezzo-Soprano, G3-E5)
    Lamberti's wife. Does everything in her power to see Prince Sirki enjoys his stay. Doesn't understand Lamberti's odd reservations towards the charming prince.

  • GRAZIA: Female, 21 (Range: Soprano, G3-G#5)
    After a brief brush with death, wonders if she's made the correct decisions in life, including accepting Corrado's proposal.

  • CORRADO DANIELLI: Male, 25 (Range: Bari-Tenor, D3-F4)
    Engaged to Grazia. Troubled over the sudden appearance of Prince Sirki and Grazia's strange behavior.

  • CONTESSA EVANGELINA DI SAN DANIELLI: Female, Mid 70's (Range: Mezzo-Soprano, B3-D5)
    A widow, Corrado's guardian. Forgetful mind, which comes with her age. Convinced Prince Sirki will be taking someone with him when he departs.

  • BARON DARIO ALBIONE: Male, Mid 70's (Range: Baritone, B3-E4)
    Evangelina's Doctor in residence, and an intimate old friend of the family as well.

  • ALICE: Female, 26 (Range: Mezzo-Soprano Belt, D4-G5)
    Grazia's sister-in-law. Was married to Grazia's late brother, Roberto, killed in the war. Takes an immediate liking to Sirki. An American from Indiana. Her bark is bigger than her bite.

  • MAJOR ERIC FENTON: Male, Mid 20's (Range: Tenor, Db3-G4)
    An American army aviator, Corrado's best man & best friend.

  • DAISY FENTON: Female, 16 (Range: Mezzo-Soprano, A3-F5)
    Grazia's best friend and Eric's sister. Infatuated with Prince Sirki. Disheartened she's not allowed to be alone with him.

  • FIDELE: Male, Age Flexible (Range: Baritone, F2-E4)
    A Majordomo. Burdened with the fact he is the only other person who knows Prince Sirki's true identity.

  • SOPHIA: Female, 18-20 (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible)
    A Housemaid.

  • LORENZO: Male, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible)
    A Chauffeur/Gardener

  • CORA: Female, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible)
    The Cook

    • Available Material

    Name Price
    Perusal Material Shipped immediately. This is optional. Order Now

    1 x Piano/Vocal Score

    		$24.00
    Libretto This is optional. Order Now

    The LIBRETTO is available for SALE ONLY and is not available for hire as part of the Rehearsal Material set. It must be purchased separately and is available through our office.

    		$24.95

    Related Works