The musical 'King David' is a fascinating tale of ambition, creativity, and adaptation. Originally conceived as a grand musical to celebrate the 3,000th anniversary of Jerusalem, it eventually found its way to Broadway as a concert event. This journey from an idea to a stage production is a testament to the resilience and vision of its creators.
Conception and Initial Plans
The idea for 'King David' was born in 1994 when producer Andre Djaoui envisioned a musical to commemorate
Jerusalem's 3,000th anniversary. Djaoui's vision was to stage a spectacular production at Sultan's Pool, an archaeological site turned concert arena in Jerusalem. He described it as the most dramatic production ever staged, aiming to convey a message of inspiration, hope, and peace to the world. The initial plan was for the show to tour worldwide, including stops in Los Angeles, Broadway, and the West End.
Djaoui approached Alan Menken and Tim Rice, both renowned for their work in musical theater, to bring this vision to life. Menken, known for his success with 'Beauty and the Beast,' and Rice, famous for 'The Lion King,' were the perfect duo to craft the music and libretto. However, despite the promising start, the project faced challenges that delayed its progress.
Challenges and Evolution
As the project developed, logistical and financial hurdles emerged. Meeting dates became difficult to arrange, and the project languished. Menken and Rice had other commitments, with Menken working on Disney's 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' and Rice exploring other projects. The grand vision of a full-scale musical had to be reimagined as a concert or oratorio due to the limitations of the chosen venue.
By December 1995, Disney had joined as a producing partner, and the project was re-announced as an Israeli concert. However, the planned debut in Caesarea, Israel, was canceled due to security concerns and the incomplete score. The opportunity to stage 'King David' at the newly renovated New Amsterdam Theatre in New York arose, marking a significant shift in the project's trajectory.
Broadway Debut
In May 1997, 'King David' premiered as a concert event at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre. Directed by Mike Ockrent and featuring a talented cast, including Roger Bart and Stephen Bogardus, the production was a limited engagement. The concert was not fully staged, but it showcased the music and story of King David, drawing from biblical tales and David's Psalms.
The journey of 'King David' from its initial conception to its Broadway debut highlights the adaptability and determination of its creators. Despite the challenges, the musical found its place on the Broadway stage, offering audiences a glimpse into the life of one of history's great heroes.
