STANDUP SHAKESPEARE: Jazz
Ray Leslee
About this work:
Book by the actor Kenneth Welsh (words by Shakespeare). First produced Off-Broadway in 1987 by The Shubert Organization and directed by Mike Nichols. Twice produced by The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington D.C. 1995/96 (Helen Hayes Award). Also done in 1996 at The Alabama Shakespeare Festival and again in 2003 at The Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles.
The show is done in cabaret style, featuring a mature character actor (Ken Welsh appeared in New York and David Margulies at The Folger) as well as two versatile singers (Thomas Young of "Three 'Mo Tenors" and Alison Fraser
of "The Secret Garden" are on the CD). Mr. Leslee produced the cast album
for Bard Records and Albany Records.
The score is written for four on-stage musicians: conductor/pianist, woodwind doubler, violin and double bass. The songs are entertaining and
moving art songs written in a variety of classical and popular styles.
The book and score is published by Dramatists Play Service (212) 683.8960.
The CD is available in most stores or The Folger Shakespeare Libray.
"77 minutes of enchantment" - Edith Oliver, The New Yorker
"In Mr. Leslee's talented hands, Shakespeare has soul." - Mel Gussow, The NY Times.
"An ingenious patchwork of song and story that mostly plays fast and loose with Shakespeare's verse, and then suddenly delivers him straight up - both to great emotional effect. Delightful." - Pamela Sommers, The Washington Post
Year composed: 1987
Duration: 00:03:15
Ensemble type: Opera/Theater:Music Theater
Instrumentation: 1 Alto Saxophone, 1 Piano, 1 Violin, 1 Double bass
Instrumentation notes: Actor: David Margulies; Singer: Thomas Young; Conductor/Pianist: Ray Leslee