Death Takes a Holiday (Musical)
by Maury Yeston, Thomas Meehan, Peter Stone

Death Takes a Holiday (Musical) Book Cover
Death Takes a Holiday (Musical) Cover

Highlights

120 mins 1920s Ensemble Cast Opportunity for Spectacle Period Costumes

Awards & Recognition

Drama Desk Award

Nominee: Ten 2012 Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical, Music, Book and Lyrics

Synopsis

Just after World War I, the loneliest of souls arrives at an Italian villa disguised as a handsome young Prince.

For the first time, Death experiences the joys and heartbreaks of life.

Death Takes a Holiday began as a 1929 play by Alberto Casella.

In 1934, the play was adapted into a beloved film starring Fredric March as Death disguised as a debonair nobleman.

In 1998, the film was remade as Meet Joe Black , starring Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins.

Press Reviews

"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

Characters

Character
DEATH / PRINCE NIKOLAI SIRKI Tenor, Bb2-G4

Male, Mid 30's (Range: Tenor, Bb2-G4)Tired of taking people's lives, he is unable to comprehend why all men fear him. Curious to know what it means to "live." After pausing at taking Grazia's life, he decides to take "holiday" under the disguise of Prince Nikolai Sirki.

DUKE VITTORIO LAMBERTI Baritone, D3-E4

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 (Lamberti's wife)

Female, Mid 40's (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 Soprano, G3-G#5

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 Bari-Tenor, D3-F4

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 Mezzo Soprano B3-D5

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 Baritone, B2-E4

Male, Mid 70's (Range: Baritone, B2-E4)Evangelina’s Doctor in residence, and an intimate old friend of the family as well.

ALICE

Female, 26 (Rage: 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 Tenor, Db3-G4

Male, Mid 20’s (Range: Tenor, Db3-G4)An American army aviator, Corrado’s best man and best friend.

DAISY FENTON (Eric's sister) Mezzo Soprano, A3-F5

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 Baritone, F2-E4

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 Ensemble/Part Flexible

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

LORENZO Ensemble/Part Flexible

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

CORA Ensemble/Part Flexible

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

Videos

Beyond Broadway: "Death Takes a Holiday"

Publication

ISBN-13 9780573704055
ISBN-10 0573704058

Death Takes a Holiday (Musical) is a play written by Maury Yeston and published by Concord Theatricals .

Community Reviews

No community reviews yet

Rating

5.0

2 ratings · 8 reviews

Review

Buy Play

Performance Rights

Available for Licensing
Amateur Only
Fee: Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.

Restrictions: Major Markets Only (US) / Standard Restriction (UK)

Apply for Rights

Similar Plays

Plays with similar themes, style, and content.

More from Maury Yeston

More plays from Maury Yeston that we think you'll enjoy.