Harmony: A New Musical
Harmony is a powerful, sweeping musical that tells the true story of the Comedian Harmonists, a groundbreaking six-man vocal group who rose from obscurity in 1920s Berlin to become one of the world’s most celebrated musical acts. With irresistible humor, tight harmonies, and electrifying stage presence, they captivated audiences across Europe—only to be torn apart as the shadow of the Third Reich closed in. Through the eyes of an older Rabbi looking back on his youth, the musical traces the group’s meteoric rise, their deep bonds of friendship, and the personal and political forces that ultimately shaped their fate.
At once joyous and heartbreaking, Harmony blends dazzling musical sequences with intimate storytelling to explore the cost of art in a world collapsing into darkness. It is a testament to resilience, loyalty, and the power of music to unite even in the most turbulent times. With roles that highlight both comedic flair and emotional depth, Harmony offers directors a vibrant, character-driven production and audiences an unforgettable journey through a chapter of history where harmony itself became an act of courage.
Duration: 140 Min
Roles:
8F, 11M (Can be expanded to 40+)
Setting: Rehearsal Rooms/Apartments, Nightclubs/Performance Venues, Synagogue, Offices, Train Station, Various Flash Locations
Orchestration
Bass
Drums/Perc
Key 1
Key 2
Key 3
Reed
Trumpet
Trombone
Casting
Female
- Mary
- Ruth
- Josephine Baker
- Female Doubler #1 – Ingrid / Young Woman #1
- Female Doubler #2 – Clara / Young Woman #2 / Follies dancer
- Female Doubler #3 – Titus / Young Woman #3 / Follies dancer
- Female Doubler #4 – Follies dancer / rally scene / ensemble
- Female Doubler #5 – Follies dancer / ensemble
Male
- Rabbi (older)
- Young Rabbi
- Harry
- Chopin
- Erich
- Lesh
- Bobby
- Male Doubler #1 – Fritz / Strauss / Border Guard
- Male Doubler #2 – Einstein / Synagogue Rabbi / Ziegfeld MC
- Male Doubler #3 – Standartenführer / Nazi Leader
- Male Doubler #4 – Obersturmführer / Sturmann / Radio Announcer / Frankenhauser
Materials
Cast Script/Vocal Book (CV)
Piano/Conductor Score
Orchestration Books
SFX
Prop List
Videos
“In case you were wondering what it feels like to cry under a mask, there is a good chance you will find out.”
“The show is superbly sung throughout… the numbers are rich and stylish and the story quite enveloping… Manilow and Sussman’s inherent optimism as songwriters gives the show that freedom.”
