"DANIEL" is a musical play about a man who comes face to face with his own emotions. The story is set in 1920s Babylon and told through the tale about Daniel and the Lions.
After a policeman, Archie, introduces the audience to the story (BALLAD OF DANIEL), Act I shows how three office workers from Babylon, Inc. plot to have Daniel, Darius' most trusted advisor, fired from his job and killed. (WHAT DO WE DO WITH A GOODY-GOODY TWO-SHOES?)
The three manipulate Darius, the King Executive Office of Babylon, Inc. into signing a company policy against prayer for 30 days. (I AM GREAT!) Daniel is unable to obey. He prays anyway (DANIEL'S PRAYER) and his coworkers tell Darius, who must now fire Daniel and throw him into the pit with the lions. (DARIUS' NIGHTMARE) Daniel is called to Darius' office and during the confrontation, Daniel expresses his feelings. (THE NIGHT WILL SURRENDER)
Act II opens in a 1920's speakeasy called "The Pits." The room is filled with partying lions—all representing different emotions. Each is dressed in corresponding colors: Sorrow/black, Anger/red, Jealousy/pea green, Despair/blue etc. (THE LIONS OF SUFFERING) Their party is interrupted when Archie arrives to tell them that Daniel is on his way. (DANIEL'S DESCENT) The lions all want to eat Daniel for dinner and take turns trying to kill him. Daniel first encounters his fear. (MAKING A FOOL OUT OF YOU) Fear fails when Daniel stands up to him. Then, Despair tries to seduce him into giving up hope. (DESPAIR) When she fails, Anger sends for Hate.
Meanwhile back at Babylon, Inc. Darius is feeling his guilt and regret. The bratty lion cubs of Guilt and Regret pop up from behind his desk and torment him. (YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE!!!!)
Back at "The Pits" when Hate arrives, Anger and the other lions rally and goad Daniel into feeling his hate towards Darius and those who plotted against him. Hate starts to eat away at Daniel. (POEM DE LA HATE) The policeman, Archie, interrupts and reminds Daniel that he has a choice—to love or hate. He reminds Daniel that faith had conquered his fear and hope had overcome his despair, and now he must choose between hating and loving. Daniel chooses love. (FAITH & HOPE & LOVE/DANIEL'S PRAYER)
Darius comes to the pit in search of Daniel's remains and discovers that Daniel survived. He orders Archie to release Daniel. When Daniel thanks Archie, the audience discovers that Archie was really the angel God had sent to help him. Daniel ascends from "The Pits" to join the cast singing. (PRAISE THE LORD/FAITH & HOPE & LOVE: REPRISE)
About Daniel •
Why Daniel Exists •
Production •
Daniel Merchandise •
Contact Us
Content © 1997-2001 Amanda Jacobs Dean - 716.244.6401
Site design © 2001 Crash Marketing and Media - 919.460.1099