THE 12
Music and Lyrics by Neil Berg
Book and Lyrics by Robert Schenkkan
Full-Length Musical, Ensemble, Religious Interest
90 min | 12 Actors (Any Gender) | Unit Set
Jerusalem. The disciples are in disarray. Torn apart by the unthinkable death of their leader, see how twelve ordinary individuals come together to create one of the most powerful movements ever known.
ABOUT THE 12
After Judas' betrayal and the crucifixion, the disciples hide in the Upper Room, terrified and turning on each other with blame and grief. Simon pushes for vengeance while Peter is paralyzed by guilt over his own betrayal. Mary Magdalene arrives, shunned by the men but resolute in her devotion, clashing with the cynical, disillusioned Thomas. Jesus's grieving mother appears searching for answers, leaving the group with an unresolved question: what now?
News that the tomb is empty spreads hope and confusion through the group, and most of the disciples gradually come to believe Jesus has risen — except Thomas, who demands proof. Peter and Thomas strike a "duel of faith," and through it Peter comes to understand that the disciples were chosen for their ordinariness, and that unconditional love was the core of Jesus's message. Thomas is finally persuaded and rejoins the fold. Just as they find resolve, Thaddeus reveals a vision that they will all die for spreading this message — yet the group chooses to accept that fate together. They welcome Mary Magdalene as an equal, becoming twelve again, and leave the room united in faith to face the world.
ROBERT SCHENKKAN is the author of 14 plays including the Pulitzer Prize-winning, The Kentucky Cycle. Last season, All The Way won the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics, Drama League, Kennedy Prize, and the ATCA/Steinberg Awards for Best Play and broke two Broadway box office records. Its sequel, The Great Society, is headed to Broadway in 2016. Robert was nominated for two Emmys and won a WGA Award for the HBO miniseries, “The Pacific,” and is the co-author of the film, The Quiet American.
NEIL BERG is the composer/lyricist of the hit musical The Prince and the Pauper (LambsTheater). Other: Never Grimm (upcoming Mark Gordon and Raymond Wu, Producers), Grumpy Old Men (Royal Manitoba Theater Center), Tim and Scrooge, voted “one of the best musicals” (NYMF, NYC), The Man Who Would Be King (NYMF, Village Theater), Heidi (Walden Family Playhouse), False Profits (Theater Off-Park, NYC), Percy Penguin (Penguin Playhouse). Graduate of BMI Musical Theatre Workshop, NYC. For Rita and Lucas. www.neilberg.com