Hello and welcome to this week’s Musical Monday! After a rather enjoyable and surprising Academy Award show last night, I am 100% looking forward to getting to our awards season, the Tonys!!! This week, I highlight a musical that was a Best Musical nominee, but did not take home the beloved trophy. The year is 1997, and this musical hasn’t been seen in New York since. Let’s go!
Musical Monday date: 2/25/2019
Musical: Juan Darien
Book, Music, and Lyrics: Elliot Goldenthal and Julie Taymor, Elliot Goldenthal, and Elliot Goldenthal
Broadway Run: November 24, 1996 - January 5, 1997
Awards Won: None
Other: Juan Darien would serve as Julie Taymor’s Broadway debut. She is credited with Direction, Book, Scenic design, Costume design, Puppet design, and Mask design. She was nominated for Best Direction of a Musical and Best Scenic Design.
Fun Fact: At just 49 performance, Juan Darien had the shortest run of all the 1997 Best Musical and Best Play nominees.
Juan Darien does have a cast recording, so if you’re feeling adventurously obscure this week, go ahead and give a listen to this Tony-nominated score. Next week will round out the 1997 awards season with one of the most beloved flops in modern musical history. Until then, go see a show!
