Show History

History

Inspiration

In the Beginning is a musical comedy with a book by David Hahn and a score by Tony winner, Maury Yeston (Nine, Grand Hotel, Titanic). It is a humorous take on the events of the Old Testament, from the viewpoint of a group of wanderers who did not "make it into the Bible." In his book, Hahn tracks the group, from getting ejected out of the Garden of Eden, to discovering the Ten Commandments, to a reveal that connects to the story of Cain and Abel.

Productions

In the Beginning first featured the partnership of bookwriter, Larry Gelbart, and composer, Maury Yeston, in December 1988 for a production at the Manhattan Theatre Club, then titled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. After the production was not so well received, Gelbert broke off from the show, and Yeston tried a second version of the show under the title, History Loves Company at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre in Chicago in 1991.

In the Beginning premiered at the Maine State Theatre in August 1998.

Cultural Influence

• The song, "New Worlds," has been licensed for sheet music by Cherry Lane Music Company.