From the book writer of Wicked and the composer of Children's Letters To God comes this rollicking, emotion-filled, "slice of life"-- about love, fame, and the perils of community theatre. Birds of Paradise, a hidden gem of a show, is Winnie Holzman's earliest Off-Broadway work and offers a glimpse into the wit and insight of one of the industry's most clever authors.
The Harbor Island Players is an amateur theatre group whose lives are turned upside down when a down-on-his-luck professional actor offers to direct and star in one of their productions: a musical version of Chekhov's The Seagull. As they rehearse, their egos and passions start to mirror the characters they play. The approach of opening night drives everyone into a fever pitch until a sudden plot twist makes them all re-evaluate their choices, both on stage and in life.
Birds of Paradise is self-aware yet heartfelt, with a tuneful, memorable score and characters whose eccentricities and secret yearnings will delight and surprise the audience. A true ensemble piece, this musical is a perfect choice for groups looking to showcase their best talent.
