One of the more challenging aspects in the original Book of Esther is how misogyny is dealt with: in the end Haman (Ham) is hung, but the King gets off scot-free. There is no accountability. On one hand, it’s easy to say, “Well, he was the King,” or “We don’t know what happens AFTER the Book, that wasn’t written down,” … Read More
Talent Stadium
Welcome to the gaudy spectacle of “Talent Stadium,” where three contestants elbow each other out of the spotlight, each one louder and more desperate than the last: “Look at my smile,” and then “I’ll tell you what to do” – all vying for the judges’ attention. Then Esther steps up to sing, with the heartfelt song Sometimes. No elbowing, no … Read More
The Gallows
The moment courage finds its voice where speaking up means risking everything, and silence is no longer an option. “The Gallows” is Who Is Esther at its most raw, the point of no return where truth finally takes the stage and there is the moment of accountability. In this challenging scene, the clerks are wearing “finger lights”, the stage is … Read More
Privileged World
In 1920, the 19th Amendment gave American women the right to vote. In Canada, the path was less unified – most women won the federal vote in 1918, but Quebec women waited until 1940, and Indigenous women weren’t guaranteed the vote until 1960. Progress rarely arrives all at once, or for everyone equally. “Privileged World,” from Who Is Esther, asks … Read More
Mo’s Lament
A song that moves like heartbreak set to rhythm. Picture the chorus dancing a rumba behind a scrim, swaying in the shadows while Mo pours out everything he’s carrying. Grief has never looked so beautiful, or felt so raw. The Kingston Fringe run is behind us, but this scene is still just a listen away. Revisit it anytime on Apple … Read More
Perversity
“We don’t fit his mold / are we slaves to be sold? We must stand up to this brave new world. Learn from diversity, give others courtesy. His absurdity / don’t bow to perversity.” “A shot against diversity / perversity, adversity. The crime of being different, the height of all absurdity.” A defiant anthem against racism, and a call to … Read More
Wonderful Day
Ham struts through his neighborhood, drunk on his own self-importance. It’s a pompous mirror to Esther’s earlier, genuine warmth in the same streets. It’s a “wonderful day”… until it isn’t. One confrontation with Mo, and his strutting collapses into a deflated, furious exit. Pride goes before the fall, and this scene delivers it with style. The music stays with you … Read More
Best of the Three
Three candidates. One spot. One too green, one past their prime, and one who’s just right. “Best of the Three” is equal parts funny and pointed, a satirical look at candidates before choosing who is best to lead. Warning, this musical is highly addictive. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook before you find yourself humming it at work.
This Labour Day, We Stand for What’s Right.
Happy Labour Day! As the long weekend settles in, we’re still replaying Zaylzza Govia’s showstopping moment from the Kingston Fringe, where she reminds everyone that she’s not new… and she’s not the same as you. She does represent, a very different view. She stands for what’s right / not might but the light / there are many like her / … Read More
Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created
Don’t be a stranger. Give us a follow on Instagram, Facebook or Youtube so we can stay in each other’s lives. Help bring the musical Who Is Esther to our next stage! Listen to the music, engage on socials, attend events, or share your expertise: scoring, venues, staging, costumes. Every contribution matters. Together, we can take Who Is Esther to … Read More