A CONCORD THEATRICALS TITLE

The Haggadah

Full-Length Musical, Drama  /  7w, 10m, 3boy(s)

Words and Music by Elizabeth Swados

This “Passover oratorio” by the composer of Runaways is a disarmingly simple account of the birth and life of Moses, and of the Exodus, presented with masks and a clever use of puppetry.

The Haggadah

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    7w, 10m, 3boy(s)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adaptation (Literature), Christmas/Holiday, Faith-Based
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for All Audiences

Details

Summary
This “Passover oratorio” by the composer of Runaways is a disarmingly simple account of the birth and life of Moses, and of the Exodus, presented with masks and a clever use of puppetry. This unusual show was originally produced (and later revived) during Passover at Joseph Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival at the Public Theater.
History
The Haggadah premiered at the Public Theater in New York City in March 1980 under the direction of Elizabeth Swados.
Keywords
Performing Groups
  • Time Period Greek/Roman/Biblical
  • Additional Features Puppetry
  • Cautions
    • No Special Cautions

Media

“Beautifully cadenced... [an] extraordinary amalgam of ritual, reverence and theatrical expression.” – The Christian Science Monitor

“Children should find delight in the puppets... one of (Swados’) happier efforts and worthy of becoming a public theatre institution.” – New York Daily News

“Beautifully cadenced... [an] extraordinary amalgam of ritual, reverence and theatrical expression. The work unfolds in a continuum of solos, part songs, choruses, narrative, and choral speaking... the 90-minute cantata proves a memorable experience — a creative collaboration to rank with Miss Swados's finest work.” – The Christian Science Monitor

Music

Piano-Conductor (with Celeste/Organ)
Flute/Clarinet
Violin (Doubles improvised percussion)

  • Orchestra Size Medium

Licensing & Materials

  • Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.

Music Rentals

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1 Piano-Conductor
20 Vocal Books

Violin/Percussion
1 Piano-Conductor
20 Vocal Books
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Authors

Elizabeth Swados

Elizabeth Swados

Elizabeth Swados (1951-2016) composed, wrote and directed over 30 theater pieces, including The Trilogy, The Red Sneaks, Nightclub Cantata, Runaways, Alice in Concert, Doonesbury, Rap Master Ronnie, The Haggadah, Jewish Girlz, Jonah, Job, Esther, Jerusalem (with Yehudah Amich ...

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