Show Synopsis:
This musical shows three separate stories tied together by the theme of wanting something, getting what one wants, and then failing to want it anymore. The first story is the story of Adam and Eve and their sons Cain and Abel. The second story is "The Lady or the Tiger?" where a princess has to choose between saving her love and watching him marry another, or watching him get eaten by a tiger. The third story is a modern adaptation of Cinderella exploring the perils of fame and remaining true to yourself.
Character:
Snake, a very wise serpent who has already discovered that not all of God's declarations should have to be obeyed.
Song Context:
The Snake tells Eve that the apples on the tree are not "forbidden" at all, enticing her to eat one.
Fun Facts:
1. This musical was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical.
2. In an interview with Playbill, Marc Kudisch (who played the Snake in the 2006 Broadway revival) said that, "There was no way I was going to go out there and just sort of be there. I wanted to be as specific as possible. Everyone is going to have a specific interpretation of what The Snake is like, [and] this is my version. I look for how to communicate outside the lines. There's so much being said without words, and I've done quite a few characters like that. The proprietor in Assassins doesn't say much, but that does not mean that he's not saying anything. The physical presence, a look, a nod, a movement, a motion. . . . I try to find every way that I can communicate what this character is saying, given what his necessity is in the story. I am generally called on to play the crazy, wacky characters, whether that be comedic or serious. I think people have a misconception of things, with me at least."
"Listen closely. Let me fill you in -
About the rich ripe round red
Rosy apples they call ""forbidden fruit.?
What I'm about to say is
Confidential, so promise you'll be mute.
Because if every creature in the garden knows -
They'll come 'round like hungry buffaloes
And in no time there'll be none of those
Precious apples left for you and me.
Now in the average apple,
You're accustomed to skin, seeds, flesh and core
But you will find that these are
Special apples that give you something more.
Why, every seed contains some information you
Need to speed your education. The
Seeds, indeed, of all creation are here.
Why, be foolish my dear,
Come with me
To that tree.
With every sweet and juicy
Luscious bite of this not-forbidden fruit.
You'll see your mind expand and
Your perceptions grow more and more acute.
And you can teach him plumbing and philosophy,
New techniques for glazing pottery,
Wood-craft, first-aid, home economy -
Madam, Adam will be overjoyed!
When he becomes aware of
Your attainments he'll beam with loving pride
And he will say,
""O, Eve, you're
Indispensable! Please, don't leave my side!""
And with your nifty newfound education, he'll
Relish every conversation - why,
You'll be Adam's inspiration this way!
Just an apple a day!
Wait and see!
Come with me
To that tree!
Now!"