Baroque 'n' Roll
Derek Webb
Genre: Comedic Drama
Cast size: 4
Duration:
Derek Webb | Comedy | Full-length | 3m, 1f min
Short synopsis
- Synopsis
- Characters
A comedy romp through the larger-than-life lives – and glorious music – of three of the most celebrated composers of all time: Handel, Bach and Scarlatti, all born the same year, 1685, and who grew to become undisputed giants of baroque music.
Throughout the play we trace the lives and development of the three composers, played by the three leads – with all other parts, by and large comedy turns – played by a versatile mature women actor who is everything from an Irish waitress to a fortune teller, a scientist to a nurse, music critic to stage manager!
Much of the music will be very familiar to audiences even if they couldn’t name the composers. The play puts the lives of these giants of Baroque music into context in a very funny and wildly entertainingly way.
The play opens with Handel's funeral. We are listening to a Bach Solo Organ. The tone is quiet and sombre when suddenly the coffin lid flies off and Handel stands up declaring "Bach, bah! Bach knew nothing! This is music!" and the music changes to the Hallelujah Chorus played very loud with swirling rock concert lights. That sets the tone for the play: irreverent, fun, with glorious music throughout.
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