Search - Gary William Friedman :: Sheba

In 960 BCE, the legendary Queen of Sheba, Ni-caul, visits the great King Solomon to propose a trade agreement that is desperately needed to save her nation. In exchange for a protective alliance, she offers the King untold wealth from the spice trade monopoly she controls. They fall in love, and the forces of jealousy, hatred and prejudice erupt. Matt, Solomon's royal Egyptian wife, becomes infuriated and must prevent any child from being born to Ni-caul and Solomon that would prevent her son's claim to the throne. She plots to murder Ni-caul and cast the blame on Hiram, Solomon's closest friend. Ni-caul is put on trial, and the two opposing nations are on the verge of war. Solomon must decide the fate of the woman he loves. When this musical tale by Sharleen Cooper Cohen (book and lyrics) and Gary William Friedman (music) was produced by the Jewish Repertory Theatre of New York in 1996, SHEBA enjoyed critical and audience acclaim. Held over by popular demand, it became the most successful show in the JRT's 23-year history.