ALEXANDER is an anti-war book musical based on the life of the great conqueror as seen through the eyes of his faithful servant, Bagoas, a Persian eunuch. The musical follows the inner journey of a man tortured by ambition and inflamed by a desire to implement Democracy, the political manifesto of his teacher, Aristotle, throughout the known world. Alexander’s outer journey from Macedonia to India is well-documented but his inner torment and eventual descent into madness and melancholy is less well-known. I have fused modern and ancient costumes to create a linear connection to modern times and used the device of a narrator, Dionysus, to show how war never serves anybody and when one tyrant falls another will soon take his/her place unless there is redemption.
ALEXANDER – Alexander the Great is the son of King Philip II and Olympias. He ages from 18-32. He is driven, ruthless, cunning, charismatic, brilliant, energetic, superstitious and convincing. Rock Tenor
HEPHASTION – grew up in the palace of Pella with Alexander. He is of noble birth, loyal to Alexander and in love with him all his brief life. He ages from 18-32. Tenor•
OLYMPIAS – Alexander’s exquisite, ambitious, ruthless mother. Almost certainly had her husband King Philip II murdered to clear the path for her son. Head of the Dionysian cult and rules Macedonia when her son leaves at the age of 20 to conquer the world. Mezzo-Soprano
BAGOAS – beautiful eunuch Alexander acquires from Darius’ harem when he conquers Persia. Bagoas is of royal blood, cultured, intelligent, in love with Alexander and loyal to his vision of democracy. He ages from 16-30. Counter Tenor
ROXANNE – 16yr old princess of Sogdiana Alexander marries. She is aggressive, spoilt and sexy. It may well have been a political marriage but there is some evidence to suggest Alexander was fascinated by her oriental beauty and feistiness – at least for a time. Mezzo
DIONYSUS/PHILIP II – DIONYSUS is the hermaphroditic God of wine. Slovenly, acerbic, wise, honest, witty and streetwise lackey of Zeus. PHILIP II is Alexander’s debauched warrior father. A heavy drinker and womanizer coming to the end of his life and power. His relationship with Olympias is fraught with tension. N/A
SOLDIERS/PRIESTESSES double/triple as civilians, Queen Sisygambis, harem of Darius, camp followers. Strong harmony ability.
N/A. Fully orchestrated backing tracks are available.