TUT: The New Musical

By Steve Alex Demas

Egypt, 1922: In the Valley of Kings, a glorious tomb was found. America, 2022: On the 100th anniversary of King Tut's discovery, we are pleased to release this special edition libretto! With melodies, lyrics, and book by Steve Alex Demas, TUT: THE NEW MUSICAL is now in development and option-ready! Treasure, superstition, and royalty form the mystique of Tutankhamun - The Boy King. His life and death are simply the start of a bigger tale. It would take the wealth of a "modern-day pharaoh" to liberate Tut from the desert. That story provides all the intrigue worthy of a king. With equal parts dialogue, poetry, and song, it's historic, epic, and romantic! Time to dig in! / Steve's other works include Sex, Drugs, and Starships, a sci-fi novel, The Price of Magic, a fantasy/horror anthology, Glib: Fun with Selective Sociopathy, and ROSWELL: THE MUSICAL. He lives in the Northeast.

• Language: English
• Publisher: SD&S
• Release date: Oct 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215372234

Steve Alex Demas

Steve Alex Demas is a media producer with more than twenty-five years of experience in television production, corporate communications, and medical education. He endeavors to offer readers an assortment of genres – each laced with copious amounts of irony and farce. Steve’s other works include Sex, Drugs, and Starships, The Price of Magic, a fantasy/horror anthology, and Glib: Fun with Selective Sociopathy. 

Book preview

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I wish to thank the following characters for their contributions to TUT: THE NEW MUSICAL.

Laurie, my wife, whose tireless enthusiasm saw me through many a re-write. It was L’s advice that substantially contributed to the completion of ACT II. She’s proof of modern treasures!

Lady Fiona Carnarvon (of Highclere Castle), whose husband is related to the 5th Earl, George Herbert. It was he who bankrolled the discovery of King Tut’s tomb. Lady Carnarvon’s emails provided valuable details about Lord Carnarvon’s travel to Egypt in the 1920s.

Keith Herrmann (former musical director on CATS, and TONY nominee for Romance, Romance), for the first round of lead sheets and piano compositions. R.I.P. Keith.

Jerry La Rosa (sound engineer at De Wolfe Music Library and Random House Audio Books), for the second round of arrangements.

Chelsea La Rosa, whose outstanding vocal talent first brought Lady Evelyn to life! Chelsea is a classically trained opera singer, whose professionalism made our first recording session effortless and stirring.

Skipp Tullen (of Tullen Sound Recording), whose recording expertise helped our demo shine. One could always rely on Skipp to mix practical advice into the conversation, with as much proficiency as he mixed tracks! R.I.P. Skipp.

My brother, John, whose outstanding cover art evokes all those elements befitting both a musical and a tale about Tut. John’s lengthy and diverse career as a Creative Director, as well as his artistic skill, give our show a striking face to present to the public.

Our entertainment lawyers, both friends and family, whose acumen gave us full confidence to play in the big leagues.

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For project updates and general inquiries, please contact us at [e-mail]

FOREWARD

That perennially favorite pharaoh, King Tutankhamun, has been resurrected and dissected for nearly a century. Although the artifacts in his tomb exemplify our vision of ancient Egypt’s majesty, it was equally his curse that fixed him in the public consciousness. His was a world of riches, power, and supernatural intrigue - all set against a backdrop of palm trees and pyramids. 

During the initial stage of this musical’s development, our backdrops included a rustic recording studio, costume shops, a Victorian home where auditions played out, the New York office of a dubious financier, and a rooftop writing station!

On completion of the script, we assembled a development package: character concepts, a technical team, and a demo. We then attended various events to generate interest with producers and investors. Considering how challenging the road to production can be, one of our potential backers suggested electronic publishing as a way to get the word out. As a result, our team agreed to release this offering well in advance of a theatrical debut.

As of this writing, we are in contact with a new round of producers - a younger set, for whom trite revivals are to be set aside in favor of fresh projects. TUT: THE NEW MUSICAL is long overdue for the stage. With stunning sets and wardrobe, dynamic compositions, and the potential for a merchandise boon, we hope to soon engage a backer whose financial vigor can match our creative vision. In the interim, we present this libretto as a prelude to premiere night.

Jack Murchison, Associate Producer

SONGS

The Old Museum (Old Howard Carter)

Sleeping with Bats (Young Howard Carter)

A Bit of Adventure (Lady Evelyn and Lord Carnarvon)

Diggin’ Up a Figure Who’s Elite (Young Howard Carter, Gaston Maspero, Theodore Davis)

Remsen’s Lament (Remsen the Butler)

We’re Off to Egypt (Lady Evelyn, Lord Carnarvon)

We Are Parisians (Two Drunken Frenchmen)

Recollections (Old Howard Carter)

Dust Off Your Determination (Carter, Carnarvon, Evelyn & Company)

Six Seasons in Egypt (Carter, Carnarvon)

Take Me Away, Mr. Adventure (Evelyn)

Remsen Complains (Remsen the Butler)

Statues of Gold (Carter, Carnarvon)

Tut Arises (Tut)

White Linen (Remsen, Soumaya)

Mummies and Souls (Carter)

Carnarvon Dies (Evelyn)

Spooky (Remsen)

It Begins as a Symptom (Re-is)

Regrets (Old Howard Carter)

Ode to Cremation (Maids)

ACT 1

OVERTURE

LIGHTS UP

OLD HOWARD CARTER moves through a darkened museum wing. The space is filled with a variety of Egyptian artifacts. Many are covered with sheets. As Carter proceeds, he yanks the coverings off several items. The objects tower over our main character. Orchestra STRINGS SWIRL as Carter recollects....

OLD CARTER

Standing in the old museum,

staring at the ancient bones,

this historic mausoleum

echoes with a somber tone.

Relics chipped and broken

reek of eons long since passed,

secrets I was searching for -

obsession, to the last.

If mummies could talk,

if only they’d talk,

the stories they’d tell

from the land...

the tales would be told,

in deserts of old,

of pyramids

stony and grand.

If mummies could talk,

if only they’d talk,

they’d beckon me

in their direction,

and help me to find,

their tombs left behind,

and contribute

to mankind’s collection.        Music begins.

OLD CARTER

I WAS JUST SEVENTEEN

WHEN MY JOURNEY BEGAN

I REMEMBER THE SCENE

THROUGH THE EYES OF A YOUNGER MAN

COPYING HIEROGLYPHS SLOWLY, DID I

WITH DEVOTION - EACH MOTION -

WAS UNDER THEIR WATCHFUL EYES...

He approaches a golden chariot and gives it a

Reviews for TUT

[Lois · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm psyched! Love musical theater and the concept. Would recommend if you like theater or history.