Damon's Song [Shala Hadra]

Westport, CT: William F. Brown, 1976. First Draft script for the 1979 musical, here under the working title "Shala Hadra," with annotations in manuscript pencil on eleven pages. "Damon's Song" opened December 5, 1979 at the Rodale Theater in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

William F. Brown is a playwright best known for writing the book to the 1974 Tony Award winning musical "The Wiz," adapted from L. Frank Baum's 1900 children's novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." Austin Roberts is a singer and songwriter best known for the 1975 hit single "Rocky," and wrote the music and lyrics for the 1981 musical "Rachinoff."

In 1610 in the imaginary English shire of Westumber, the hopeless romantic Lady Beth must choose between three suitors, professional athlete Michael, rhinestone cowboy devil Shala Hadra, and a shy but lovable minstrel Damon, all set to contemporary (1970s) country western and Elizabethan music.

Goldenrod titled Studio Duplicating Services wrappers. Title page present, dated April 1976, noted as FIRST DRAFT, with credits for Book by William F. Brown and Music and Lyrics by Austin Roberts. 89 leaves, with last page of text numbered 2-6-39. Mimeograph duplication, rectos only. Pages Near Fine, wrapper Very Good plus, bound with two gold screw brads.

[Book #158300]