Show Synopsis:
Zorba, a Greek fisherman, loves life and tries to live it to the fullest, and travels to Crete with the American Nikos, who has inherited a mine on the island. Zorba falls in love with Hortense and Nikos falls in love with the village widow, who Pavil also loves. Both of their women die and the mine collapses, but Zorba shows Nikos (and the audience) how to continue to enjoy life.
Character:
Leader, a storyteller who commands attention by telling tales and moves the story of Zorba around from one stage to the next; of no specific gender or age.
Song Context:
In a social parlor in Greece, the Leader proposes a story to pass the time - specifically, the story of Zorba the fisherman. The villagers begin to argue about what life is what makes life worthwhile.
Fun Facts:
1. This musical was based on the 1964 film Zorba the Greek, which was adapted from Nikos Kazantzakis's novel of the same name.
2. Lorraine Serabian originated the role of the Leader on Broadway, and it was the first time she originated a role on a Broadway stage. She was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
3. The central theme of this musical, captured in this opening number, is the importance of siezing the day and living as if death is right around the corner.
"Life is a glass of rum!
No!
Life is a sip of sage!
No!
Life is the taste of raki flowing warmly from the cup!
Shut up!
Life is a walnut leaf!
No!
Life is an olive tree!
No!
Life is a scented melon-breasted woman when her lips are red and full?
No!
Life is a barbered, planted orchard and two lovers passing by it!
Life is my fist in your face if you don?t keep quiet!
What did you say?
I said, ?Life is my fist in your face if you don?t keep quiet!?
Oh? Oh? Oh! Oh!
Wait. I will tell you.
Life is what you do while you?re waiting to die,
Life is how the time goes by!
Life is where you wait while you?re waiting to leave,
Life is where where you grin and grieve!
Having if lucky, wanting if not,
Looking for the ruby underneath the rot,
Hungry for the pilaf in someone else?s pot,
But that?s the only choice you?ve got!
Life is where you stand just before you are flat!
Life is only that, mister,
Life is simply that, mister,
That and nothing more than that!
Life is what you feel,
?Til you can?t feel at all,
Life is where you fly and fall!
Running for shelter, naked in the snow
Learning that the tear drops any where you go
Finding its the mud that makes the roses grow
That?s the only choice you know!
Wait! Once again?
Life is what you do while you?re waiting to die.
This is how the time goes by!"