The Zulu and the Zayda
A comedy with Music in 2 Acts, 18 Scenes. Book by Howard Da Silva and Felix Leon; music and lyrics by Harold Rome ; based on a story by Dan Jacobson.
Cort Theatre, Broadway - 10 November, 1965 (179 perfs)
Synopsis
Set in Johannesburg, South Africa, this comedy is about a lively Jewish grandfather (zayda) whose family hires a native (Zulu) as a companion. Their relationship bridges the gulf between black and white, Africa and Europe, age and youth, but local prejudices interfere. The characters pause to sing a song.
Musical Numbers
- Tkambuza - Johannes
- Crocodile Wife - Johannes
- Good To Be Alive - Zayda and Paulus
- The Water Wears Down the Stone - Johannes
- Rivers of Tears - Zayda
- Like the Breeze Blows - Peter, Joan and Ensemble
- Oisgetzaychnet (Out of This World) - Zayda and Ensemble
- Some Things - Ensemble
- Zulu Love Song - Paulus
- L'Chayim - Zayda
- How Cold, Cold, Cold In An Empty Room - Johannes
- Eagle Soliloquy - Paulus
- Good To Be Alive (Reprise) - Zayda and Paulus
Scenes and Settings
The action takes place in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa, at the present time.
Act I
- Scene 1: Botanical Gardens.
- Scene 2: Grossman Terrace.
- Scene 3: L&G Hardware Store.
- Scene 4: Grossman Dining Room.
- Scene 5: Grossman Garden.
- Scene 6: Botanical Gardens.
- Scene 7: Grossman Terrace.
- Scene 8: Grossman Dining Room.
- Scene 9: Grossman Garden.
- Scene 10: A Hill.
- Scene II: Green Meadows.
Act 2
- Scene 1: A Jail.
- Scene 2: Thc Cemetary.
- Scene 3: Grossman Terrace.
- Scene 4: Grossman Dining Room.
- Scene 5: Hospital Corridor.
- Scene 6: Alley.
- Scene 7: Hospital Garden.