Why Queen Esther?
The story of ESTHER, as historically recorded in the Old Testament, was told and retold to me as a little girl. Born during the depression, I grew up during WWII. Many times, I fancied myself as the beautiful maiden who, by her courage and cunning, would save my people from annihilation. Well, I wasn't called on to do that. But I never lost my admiration for someone who did!
I wrote, staged and conducted the first version of this musical, which I called OH ESTHER, about 20 years ago, with a small but enthusiastic group of young singers. The orchestra consisted of a piano, piccolo, and drums. Following this illustrious beginning, I put the play in a dark place, hoping, I suppose, that it would age like fine wine. It didn't!
Meanwhile, my fascination for musical theatre has never diminished. I've seen the Best of Broadway , The Best of London, and other "bests" for many years. Several years ago, while in NY, attending a performance of Sunset Boulevard, I decided ESTHER's time had come, and I returned to Annapolis, dug through the boxes, found her, and began work.
Why now?
Perhaps I am not the only theatre lover who perceives that there is a dearth of inspiring, challenging, and uplifting themes offered in new works which I am seeing on the stage.
As I began working on this story again, I became convinced that this incredible account of one woman's courage at a strategic time in the lives of her people, the Jews, serves up a challenge for all of us.
The Feast of Purim, chanted every March in Synagogues all over the world is the celebration of her story of determination and hope. I hope that when you see a production of QUEEN ESTHER, you will readily understand why!
After completing the stage play, I reviewed the lyrics and music, and knew that ESTHER would indeed remain an orphan without the introduction of an informed composer who is active in today's theatre. After many months, I found a very talented composer/performer and conductor in New York, William Whitefield. He liked the script, and shared my excitement of the story. We both agreed that this story needed to be sung, enjoyed, and celebrated. He has brought to this work the expertise that it needed. We have spent more than three very intense years of work to bring QUEEN ESTHER to you.
-- Lenora Webb