Paradise Found is a musical based on the Joseph Roth novel Die Geschichte von der 1002. Nacht (The Tale of the 1002nd Night). The musical's book is by Richard Nelson, with lyrics by Ellen Fitzhugh set to the music of Johann Strauss II. It premiered in 2010 at London's Menier Chocolate Factory in a production co-directed by Hal Prince and Susan Stroman.
Production history In an interview, Hal Prince said that the musical would "center on a Middle Eastern ruler who travels to Vienna in search of romantic 'inspiration,' and the machinations that occur when he demands a rendezvous with a noblewoman who turns out to be the empress of Austria." It had been planned to bring the musical to Broadway after its premiere in London. Early readings featured John Cullum, Mandy Patinkin, Shuler Hensley, Judy Kaye, Emily Skinner, Rebecca Luker and Kate Baldwin.
Paradise Found opened in London on May 26, 2010, after previews starting on May 19, at the Menier Chocolate Factory and closed on June 26. The musical was directed by Prince and Susan Stroman (who also choreographed), with scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Judith Dolan and arrangements and orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. The cast featured John McMartin as the Shah of Persia, Mandy Patinkin as a Eunuch, Shuler Hensley as the Baron, Judy Kaye as Frau Matzner and Kate Baldwin as Mizzi.
Songs Source: CurtainUp
Act 1 Overture Once and Now - Shah, Eunuch, Grand Vizier Train Station - Company Perfect Love - Eunuch, Girls Feeling Good - Mizzi, the Baron Ev'ry Little Bit - Soap Manufacturer's Wife, Eunuch, Customers The Bat - Instrumental Faces Like Flow'rs - Eunuch, Women, Men Fanfare/Marziale Instrumental Empress of Fantasy -The Baron, Eunuch Without Desire - Eunuch, the Baron, Frau Matzner, Shah
Act 2 Never Better - Mizzi, the Baron, Eunuch, Frau Matzner Save This Empire - General, Gossips, Women, the Emperor, Chorus Feeling Good (Reprise) - Mizzi, the Baron The Same Lovely Vienna - Customers How Could You Know - Frau Matzner, Customers What Are They? - Baron Mizzi Ve Made Em-per-ess - Baron Trummer Perfect Love (Reprise) - Eunuch, Wives Finale Without Desire - Eunuch, the Baron, Frau Matzner, Mizzi, Chorus Feeling Good - Baron, Mizzi, Harem Women, Women, Men Save This Empire - Company
Critical response As reported by The New York Times, critics "cited flaws in pretty much every aspect of the musical." The British Theatre Guide reviewer noted that "'Paradise Found' is a serviceable light comedy musical but with the talents available, many visitors might have hoped for an evening a little closer to Paradise."
Cast 2010 Menier Chocolate Factory Premiere Shah of Persia: John McMartin Eunuch: Mandy Patinkin Baron: Shuler Hensley Frau Matzner: Judy Kaye Mizzi: Kate Baldwin Grand Vizier: George Lee Andrews Soap Manufacturer's Wife: Nancy Opel with Amanda Kloots-Larsen, Lacey Kohl, Herndon Lackey, Daniel Marcus, Jim Poulos, Martin Van Treuren, and Pamela Winslow Kashani
References
External links Listing, theatermania.com