Been reading about the importance of the opening number. It has to be big, inviting, and probably upbeat.
What character would open a Good Omens musical? I’m not sure what the unofficial one does, but I would think it’d either be God or Agnes. They don’t need to serve as proper narrators of the show, like The Narrator in Into the Woods, but they’re so omniscient in the show and book. They should be full-fledged characters.
I’ve been mulling over an opening number for a few days after listening to Little Shop of Horrors’ Skid Row (Downtown) and Heathers: The Musical’s Beautiful. I’m getting a sense that opening numbers should probably(?) feature the ensemble. So I’m imagining God opening, then the angels are introduced. Then Beelzebub and the demons. The number is meant to highlight the grandeur that is the world at the beginning, with two great opposing powers and their soldiers ... and then there’s Aziraphale and Crowley, the black sheep of both lots.
God would open, and the actor would obviously be female:
current scribbles
At the Beginning
GOD (bouncy, mighty, singing): We can start at the beginning Let us start at the beginning This is my planet, I made it with love In seven days (approximately)
We should start at the beginning Welcome all to the beginning About six thousand years ago, give or take From the present day
Full of love and green, welcome to Eden No need to know between wrong or right Marvel at my creation Oh, how lovely What a wonderful sight Here, in the beginning
===
GOD (bursting with loving pride, singing): Here are my angels! Michael, Uriel, Sandalphon! And Gabriel! And let’s not forget My guardian angel, Aziraphale!
[The spotlight shines onto the stage where AZIRAPHALE is supposed to be standing. AZIRAPHALE is not there.]
GOD (clearing throat, singing): Aziraphale!
[The spotlight shifts, returns to an empty space.]
GOD (clearing throat, loud, singing): Aziraphale!
[Nope.]
GOD (singing, with growing urgency): Azira, zira, zira, zira-
[AZIRAPHALE comes running onto the stage, noisily and almost skipping, in a tremendous hurry. He’s doing his best to smooth out his robes as he hops into place.]
AZIRAPHALE (spoken): Yes, yes, sorry, so sorry! I’m here, Lord! I’m here! Dreadfully sorry! I made it!
GOD (spoken): Aziraphale! Guardian of the Eastern Gate! We’re so happy you could join us.
GABRIEL (snidely): Thrilled.
AZIRAPHALE: It’s no trouble, not at all! I was a little -- sidetracked. I tripped over a serpent on the way here!
URIEL: A snake?!
SANDALPHON: Was it the demon?!
GOD: We don’t have time for this chatter! I want to make sure Aziraphale here is introduced.
(singing) Aziraphale, Lowly Principality
AZIRAPHALE (spoken) Happy to be here my Lord!
GOD (singing): Guardian of the Eastern Gate My wonderful angel, bursting with love-- Next time, please, don’t be so late!
AZIRAPHALE (panicked): I’m so sorry!
GOD (spoken): And I forgive you. (singing) One of my most loyal, Surely by now you’ve won an award.
AZIRAPHALE (sheepish): Well, you know. All in a day’s work-!
GOD (singing): Protector of Eden, bearing strong wings and--
[GOD pauses, looking at AZIRAPHALE up and down. She walks over and circles AZIRAPHALE, examining.]
GOD (singing, unsure): ... One flaming sword. (spoken) Aziraphale, where is the flaming sword I gave you?
AZIRAPHALE: Flaming sword! What flaming sword?
MICHAEL: Standard issue.
GABRIEL: You didn’t lose that, did you?
AZIRAPHALE: Oh he--heav--oh, absolutely not! I am very sure I left it near my post. Yes. I was in such a hurry to get back, you understand.
GABRIEL: How do you-?
GOD (embracing AZIRAPHALE): Of course I understand. I know you would never lose a flaming sword.
[AZIRAPHALE takes a moment to look smugly satisfied in GOD’s arms behind her back, giving GABRIEL and the Gang a little smirk. GABRIEL rolls his eyes.]
