AND THE GLORY

by John Kelly

FULL LENGTH PLAY. Handel's latest work has been rejected by London audiences. He accepts an invitation to go to Dublin and work there. While there he decides to present his new oratorio, Messiah. Musical talent seems lacking in the city, but Handel discovers one of his favorite singers, Susannah Cibber, is visiting with her brother. He convinces her to join Messiah. Susannah, however, comes with baggage. She is...

FULL LENGTH PLAY. Handel's latest work has been rejected by London audiences. He accepts an invitation to go to Dublin and work there. While there he decides to present his new oratorio, Messiah. Musical talent seems lacking in the city, but Handel discovers one of his favorite singers, Susannah Cibber, is visiting with her brother. He convinces her to join Messiah. Susannah, however, comes with baggage. She is not only a famous actress, she is infamous. Her husband (the son of the noted London theatre manager Colley Cibber) took her to court for infidelity – an infidelity he himself instigated. Susannah was divorced and lost custody of her children. Having a woman such as she appear in Messiah is deemed sacrilegious – at least by the Dean of St. Patrick’s Church, the Reverend Jonathan Swift (of Gulliver’s Travels fame.)
Eventually Messiah is performed - quite successfully. The reputations of Handel and Susannah are saved.

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AND THE GLORY

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  • Eric Roberts: AND THE GLORY by John Kelly
    “

    The play examines reputation and status around one great piece of music. The play establishes clear stakes and consequences for the characters as the worlds of art and church mold together.

    The play examines reputation and status around one great piece of music. The play establishes clear stakes and consequences for the characters as the worlds of art and church mold together.

    ”
  • Ky Weeks: AND THE GLORY by John Kelly
    “

    Examines a great work of music through the act of its creation, telling a story of collaboration, truth, faith, and passion. Kelly captures the historical characters with a warm feel and particular care to their nuanced connections both to each other and the work that's at the center of this play.

    Examines a great work of music through the act of its creation, telling a story of collaboration, truth, faith, and passion. Kelly captures the historical characters with a warm feel and particular care to their nuanced connections both to each other and the work that's at the center of this play.

    ”
  • Monica Cross: AND THE GLORY by John Kelly
    “

    John Kelly takes a historical look at the creation of one of the most iconic pieces of music: Handel's Messiah. This play deals with the rivalries and scandals that nearly keeps Handel from completing this great work, but at the same time, the play looks at the transformative and redemptive power of music. This play humanizes these historical figures and pays homage to the masterful composer who created The Messiah.

    John Kelly takes a historical look at the creation of one of the most iconic pieces of music: Handel's Messiah. This play deals with the rivalries and scandals that nearly keeps Handel from completing this great work, but at the same time, the play looks at the transformative and redemptive power of music. This play humanizes these historical figures and pays homage to the masterful composer who created The Messiah.

    ”
6 total: 2 Women - one late 20s, one middle aged (NOTE: late 20s actress must be a strong classical contralto)
4 men - one (lead) late 50s, one 40s, one 20s, one late 70s (wheelchair-bound) (NOTE: Wheelchair bound character to be played by a wheelchair bound actor if one is available.)