“ESTHER – Queen of Persia” was a 2005 production by the Moscow Community Theatre of Moscow, Idaho.
The songs, lyrics and libretto are © 2005 by Myron Schreck. All rights reserved.
Overture
In Shushan — sung by two narrators
In Shushan – Shushan – Center of the Oriental World. In Shushan – Shushan – Palace of the Royal Persian Court. The time when Achash-vay-rosh was King. And beautiful Vashti his Queen.
Now King Achash-vay-rosh was honored, respected and loved. His Kingdom extended from India to Ethiopia. For decades his people enjoyed wealth & peace. The Palace was lively with parties and feasts. But some men were secretly planning political intrigues.
The King told Queen Vashti to come to his party and dance — (a sultry dance). But Vashti was modest and did not obey his command — (She wouldn’t dance). So King Achash-vay-rosh was angry and sore. The rules of the Kingdom must not be ignored. So he banished poor Vashti from being in Court anymore.
The King’s chief advisors advised him to marry again: “The Kingdom needs someone to sit on the throne with the King.” They gathered the fairest young girls in the land – from Egypt and Persia and far Turkistan. And each one was given a magical chance to be Queen.
In Shushan – Shushan – There lived a tiny tribe of Yehudim. They came from far away in Babylon — And one girl was Esther – whose parents had died. She lived with her cousin – the wise Mordechai. He cared for her, taught her, and raised her as if she was his child.
The King’s men took Esther so she could compete to be Queen. They were not aware that she was from the tribe of Yehudim. Don’t say you’re Yehudi – advised Mordechai. Just keep it a secret, you don’t have to lie. Be brave and fear not; remember that God’s by your side.
In the Palace – in Shushan – Esther was given new clothes. And bracelets – and lots of necklaces — And rings for her fingers and rings for her toes – one ring for her navel — and one for her nose – with diamonds and rubies in settings of silver and gold — — — — In Shushan!
Quiet Simple Life – sung by Esther, accompanied by other contestants
I don’t want to be a Princess. I don’t want to be a Queen. All these baubles and beads – they don’t mean a thing to me. I only dream – of a quiet, simple life
I was always chasing rainbows. The wind in my hair. A child without care, with nothing to fear. Now tell me where is my quiet, simple life.
I wish my mother were here – to hold my hand – she’d understand me. She’d help me conquer my fear – and make the pain — all go away …
I would gladly trade my beauty – my skin and my smile – my hair and my eyes – and wear a disguise — if I could just find – a quiet, simple life.
Some say it’s magic – the King wants to give me a chance. But I think it’s tragic – That I can’t just be who I am.
I would gladly trade my beauty – my skin and my smile – my hair and my eyes – and wear a disguise — if I could just find – a quiet, simple life.
Do It To Them – Haman’s Song – sung by Haman, of course
I learned when just a child – to always use a smile and conquer all resistance with a ruse. Pretend to be a friend – but always in the end – stab ‘em in the back when no one looks
I’m not an honest man – I’ve never said I am – I only want to get along in peace. A simple phrase just sums up my philosophy. Do it to them …… before they do it to me
My father taught me man was born to evil – And we must always struggle – with the devil – And so he beat me whenever I forgot to pray –But I was stubborn – and I often … disobeyed. He never trusted me; he counted every cent. He always questioned me and doubted what I said. But I was cunning with my lies – He never found out about my crimes – and on the day I learned he died – I wasn’t sad
I’m not a loving man – I’ve never said I am –I only want to get along in peace. A simple phrase just sums up my philosophy – Do it to them …… before they do it to me
The voices that I hear — inside my mind. Assure me that — no one is ever truly kind. Everybody’s selfish – always out to win. No such thing as charity. No such thing as sin. My enemies surround me –and they lie in wait – To see if I am careless – if I’ll make mistakes. They want to rob me of my riches – and slander my good name. But No! – I won’t be frightened. And No! – I won’t be shamed.
I’m not a trusting man – I’ve never said I am – I only want to get along in peace. A simple phrase just sums up my philosophy – Do it to them …… before they do it to me
I’m not a noble man – I’ve never said I am – I only want to get along in peace. A piece is what they’ll get — while I take all the rest — and keep the best – Yes keep the best for me. I’ll take it from them – before they take it from me. Yes, I’ll do it to them – before they do it to me.
Babylon – sung by the Chorus of Yehudim merchants in the marketplace
Down by the banks of the rivers of Babylon, Down by the Babylon shores. There did we lie – Oh how we cried — Remembering Jerusalem
Down by the banks of the rivers of Babylon Down by the Babylon shores. We hung our harps in the branches of the willows — Refusing to play them anymore.
For there, the people who had captured us, asked to hear us sing our joyful songs. “Sing a song of Jerusalem.” (They said) “Sing a song of Jerusalem.” How can we sing our holy songs in this strange and foreign land?
Down by the banks …
If I should e’re forget Jerusalem, Let me lose the use of my right hand. Let my tongue be stuck to the roof of my mouth — If I ever forget Zion… If I fail to place Jerusalem — At the forefront of my joys
Down by the banks …
Destiny – sung by the King, and Haman and Esther, and two narrators
Everything is coincidence — Every moment of your life. Call it fate or call it accident — Call it anything you like. If you want to know your destiny – Go see a Priestess or a Prophet. But even knowing what the future will be – Is there any way to stop it?
It’s Destiny … an invisible hand . It’s Destiny … and we’re all part of the plan
It’s Destiny … from your first breath of life. It’s Destiny … every day, every night … ‘Till the moment you die.
It’s Destiny … and it’s existed for ages. It’s Destiny … and every moment it changes.
It’s Destiny … an invisible hand. It’s Destiny … and everything … Yes, everything … Yes, even a King. Must be part of the plan.
Vashti’s Choice – sung by the exiled Queen Vashti
My father was an Indian Raja. My mother was the daughter of a Queen. I grew up in a palace filled with servants, who catered to my every want and need. I studied royal protocol and etiquette. I learned to play the flute and dance & sing. But when I tried to study math & literature, they told me I was not allowed to read.
Did I have a choice? – Could I ever refuse? I was too young to comprehend what I was going to lose. In a world ruled by men, what do girls know of freedom? And if they ever consider resistance, where would it lead them? Where would it lead them?
I learned when I was ten that I was promised… to wed the future Ruler of Shushan. I did not know his name or what he looked like … or even the location of his land. “But the marriage has to be,” my father told me,”to bind our families and keep our powers.” He did not care that I’d be sad and lonely; or that my mother cried and begged for hours.
Did I have a choice? – Could I run away? I was a quiet & shy little child told to obey. In a world ruled by men – who treat women like chattel. Yes, we’re bought and we’re sold, ignored when we’re old, and constantly told we don’t matter. No, we don’t matter.
I’m the first wife of King Achash-vay-rosh. I married him when we were just eighteen. I served the Kingdom well; the people loved me. For twenty years I relished being Queen. I bore the King three sons to safeguard the future. I nursed and held them close until they were three. But Princes aren’t permitted in the Harem. And so my darling sons were taken from me.
Did I have a choice? Did I dare to say no? And if I tried to break free of my chains, where could I go? In a world ruled by men, what do they care about women? Yes they give us respect – but put chains round our necks – and make sure we know what’s forbidden. There’s so much forbidden
It was easy being Queen – Very little was demanded of me — Just be pretty for the king – And now and then dance – Whenever he commanded me. But I wanted more from life – than the splendor of the Palace. I had questions needing answers – leading far beyond the Royal Harem
Soon the parties and the games began to bore me. And the men were more abusive with more wine. So the last time the King asked me to dance for them – I summoned up the courage to decline. I knew the King was angry – but he cared for me. I knew I’d lose my crown and be divorced. But it all turned out much better than I imagined — He set me free when he banished me from Court.
Did I have a choice — and the right to say “No?” No, I risked being punished and beaten for being so bold. In a world ruled by men, who demand we believe them. If we ever decide to resist them, we’ll gain our freedom. Someday — We’ll gain our freedom.
Thirteen – sung by the daughter of the King and Queen Vashti
It used to be easy just dressing each day, throwing some clothes on and washing my face. Then something happened. I don’t know just how. But Everything is different now.
Now I’m more careful washing my hair, choosing the shoes and the clothes I should wear. Everything needs to be stylish and clean … Now that I’m turning thirteen
My friends in the Harem, we all dress the same. We sing the same songs and we play the same games. We’ve put away dolls and we’ve put away toys; and started to think about cute young boys. The older kids tease us; they all call us fools. They think they’re so special, they think they’re so cool. Kids can be heartless; kids can be mean; when you’re just turning thirteen.
Sometimes I sit all alone in my room, arranging all the things I collect. And listening to my favorite tunes so often so I’ll never forget them.
My Parents don’t notice; They think I’m a child. I’m still a bit silly; and still a bit wild. Not yet a grown up; I’m somewhere between; I’m just a girl turning thirteen.
Sometimes I lie in my bed late at night, won’dring what the future will hold. Will I be famous? Will I be wise? Will I be courageous and bold? Who knows?
But now I must learn how to weave & to sew. Although I am older, there’s more room to grow. Not yet a grown up. I’m stuck in between. I’m just a girl turning thirteen. I’m just a girl turning thirteen.
If He Loves You – sung by Esther and Queen Vashti
How can I tell if he cares for me, beyond being one of his wives? How will I know if it’s love he feels? Oh please – tell me what are the signs? Yes, I feel at ease – when I’m at court – And I glimpse his gentle stares. But when I’m gone – I wonder – does he care?
Well, yes … If he loves you, he’ll know when you’re away. And he will rush to you – and welcome you – day after day. If his love is constant and sure – honest through and through – then he will sacrifice to share his life with you …
There will be moments – when you will feel angry. So disappointed – because he’s ignored you – so you lash out with words, wanting to hurt him – so bad. Sometimes you’re anxious; sometimes you’re lonely. Sometimes you cry just because you’re in pain. So you scream – call him names – just so you can make him feel ashamed
But … If he loves you – he’ll understand, and he will hold you close and gently stroke your back with his hands. If his heart is steadfast and strong – and his love is true – then he will sacrifice to share his life with you …
There have been times when I’ve laughed at him, as if he were a fool. It was just something he said or did – I didn’t mean to be cruel. But I’ve said some things – I now regret. I’ve scorned and criticized. I’ve caused him pain – I’ve seen it in his eyes.
But … If he loves you – nothing you say can make him love you less – show bitterness – or turn you away. If his love is destined to be – and his passion true– then he will sacrifice to share his life with you …
Cast the Lots – sung by Haman
I will cast the lots. – I will toss the dice. And fulfill my des—ti—ny I will wipe them all off from the earth. All those awful Yehudim. I will round them up – burn them at the stake – and throw their ashes in the sea. And the whole wide world will know my name. I’ll have power and glory and wealth and fame. I’ll see Mordechai — die in shame. Or my name ain’t … Haman.
Now I’ve cast the lots, and I’ve tossed the dice – to fulfill my des—ti—ny. Now I know the day they all will die – all those awful Yehudim. I will take their homes. I will take their gold and throw their children in the sea. And the whole wide world will know my name. I’ll have power and glory and wealth and fame. I’ll see Mordechai — hang in shame. Or my name ain’t … Haman.
In His Hands – sung by Esther and Mordechai’s wife, Yael
How can I approach him, as simple as I am? If he fails to welcome me, I’ll perish where I stand. Wealth and honor, wisdom and power – are all at his command. He decides who lives or dies — My life is in his hands
What words have I to plead with him, to open up his eyes? To help him feel some sympathy, and see through all their lies. If I could speak with the voice of an angel — Perhaps I’d have a chance. But I’m a child whose tongue is tied – and he’s the king of a powerful land. My life is in his hands — My life is in his hands
If I could pray for a miracle from Heaven – If God should chose to intervene. But how can I pray for a miracle? – Do we deserve to be redeemed? My life is in God’s hands – My life is in God’s hands
You need no words to pray to God – no special songs or poems. For God can see inside your heart – if you’re sincere, God knows. Wealth and honor, wisdom and power – are not what God demands. But acting fair and compassionate – and caring for the less fortunate. These are the things God expects of us – to carry out the Holy Spirit’s plans.
Our lives are in God’s hands — Our lives are in God’s hands
Second Chance – sung by the King and Esther
How does she do this to me? She makes me feel like she’s the only one around. How does she do this to me? I want to give her my kingdom and crown. Her eyes reveal her hopes and fears. Her lips express thoughts so sincere. And every time she’s near me — I feel a change.
How does she do this to me – every time that she walks through the door? I find it hard to believe – I want to be a better King than before. And rid my land of hate and war – heal the sick – and help the poor – and oversee the nation’s laws …. equitably.
My heart has lost control – my heart has no choice. I feel it leap at the sound of her voice. And Just like a child. …. I feel anxious and shy. And now it seems I’ve found … a second chance. I never thought I’d get … a second chance. She came into my life … my second chance. How did she do this for me? How did she do this for me?
How does he do this to me? I’ve succumbed to the love that he feels. He makes me feel like a Queen, although it’s hard to believe it is real. His actions prove how kind he is – his gentle touch – his tender kiss. I’ve found my home in his — and it pleases me.
My heart has lost all control – my heart has no choice. I feel it leap at the sound of his voice, and just like a child, I feel anxious and shy. And now it seems I’ve found … a second chance; I never thought I’d get … a second chance. He came into my life … my second chance. How did he do this to me?
A Time For Peace – sung by the entire cast
A time for peace — a time for love — a time for sacrifice and trust. A time for faith to vanquish fear — A time for hope to reappear … With one little smile — as precious as a star — you can fill an empty heart – with joy — And light the darkest night
A time to weep — a time to cry — for all the pioneers who died … Trying to build a better place — and conquer prejudice and hate. If we can share — a moment of trust — we can create — a world that is just — and build a better land — to last us for all time
A time to seed — a time to grow — a time to reach a new plateau — to go beyond mere tolerance – and show respect for difference. The cries of a child — so innocent and pure — so helpless but so sure — Such truth — From out of the mouths of babes …
So take my hand — and we will seek — a place where everyone feels free. And we will sing — and we will dance — and give the world a second chance. The time has arrived — the moment is now — If there’s a way — We’ll find it somehow – and build a better land — to last us for all time.
Myrrh ~ Songs by Myron Schreck 