Principal Characters
XERXES: Lyric Baritone (to a G) Mercurial in
temperament. Average height with rich deep voice. Can be
harsh sounding at times, romantic at others. Mid-40s in age.
HAMAN: Tenor (to an A) Thoroughly dislikable. Arrogant,
pompous, self-righteous, with a whining voice. About 40
years old.
ESTHER: Mezzo (to an F#) About 18 years of age, a bit
fragile, with gentle beauty. Grows stronger, more mature,
and more decisive during play.
VASHTI: Contralto (belt to a D) Mid-30s or older. Quite
strong and determined. Attractive, but not necessarily
beautiful.
MORDECAI: High Baritone or Tenor Mid-40s. Rich,
convincing, cantor-like voice. Gives the feeling of a wise
sage. Always a bit somber.
HEGAI: Baritone Mid-40s or older. Lean, a bit gaunt, quite
"involved", but appearing to be "removed"--as in a good
butler! Always attentive to Esther and Xerxes.
LEAH: Contralto (belt to a B, mix to an E) Mid 40's or
older. A bit matronly.
