A modern take on Esther’s story
At its core, “Unveiled” tells the story of a young Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and must navigate palace intrigue, personal sacrifice and the weight of responsibility in order to save her people. While Esther’s story has been told many times in various forms, the team behind “Unveiled” wanted to ensure their version gave her depth and agency beyond the traditional interpretations where that is often left out.
“Esther is like a modern Disney princess,” writer Matthew Shead said. “She’s in a world where she's smart enough to know the rules and to navigate the rules on her own terms. There's more to the story than just getting the man. There's a greater purpose in her life.”
The show explores themes of courage, faith and responsibility—ideas that remain as relevant today as they were in ancient Persia.
The journey to bring “Unveiled” to life has been a long one. Writer Glenna Bowman, who first conceived the musical, did years of research to craft an authentic and compelling narrative. She even met with a scholar in Scotland who is an expert on the Book of Esther and ancient Persia.
“I read the biblical account of Esther, but I've also done a lot of research on ancient Persia,” Bowman said. “It was a very secular society. Matt and I have spent hundreds of hours talking about Esther and developing her character and trying to find what her faith journey was like in that secular society.”
The writers were intentional about shaping Esther into a protagonist who has control over her own story.
“In developing her and the story around her, we really thought about the heroine journey—the path she takes, the trials she has to face and overcome, the people she helps,” Shead said. “It was important to make a female centered story where things aren't just happening to Esther. She is taking action and manipulating the pieces [of her life].”
From an initial workshop in New York, featuring Broadway actors, to years of rewrites and collaborations with dramaturgs, the show has evolved significantly.
“[The dramaturgs] helped tell us about the weaknesses [in the show]. We would rip it apart and sew it back together. It was really difficult. Songs were cut, and scenes were split apart,” Shead said.
The music of “Unveiled” is as integral to the storytelling as the script itself. While Bowman initially composed the melodies and lyrics, she worked closely with other musicians, including Ellie Shattles, a pianist and composer, to refine and expand the score.
“Glenna had already written this beautiful duet where [Esther and Xerxes] had clear chemistry and were probably going to get married,” Shattles said. “But where was the song when they fell in love?”
That led to the creation of “Anywhere,” a pivotal addition that deepens the two’s love story.
“It’s amazing,” Shattles said. “It's a more exploratory song, and I think it incorporates my style—how I enjoy composing music—while also respecting and incorporating what Glenna and the other composer have done.”
Bringing “Unveiled” to the stage
The production is set to be staged at the Austin Scottish Rite Theater, a historic venue that provides a rich backdrop for the performance. Director Mark Lit was initially skeptical about joining the project, given the number of Esther adaptations that already exist.
“I said, ‘I'm not interested,’ because there are about 100,000 versions of the Queen Esther story,” Lit said. “Then I listened to it. It's really intriguing, and the music is beautiful. Matt did a wonderful job with the book.”
Casting the show was another unexpected delight. The audition process attracted over 50 talented performers, many of whom could sight read music on the spot. The result is a cast of strong vocalists and actors who bring depth and nuance to their roles. The team is also proud of the technical crew supporting the show.
“Our choreographer, Jesee Smart, is doing amazing things,” Bowman said. “Rodd Simonson is our sound engineer, and Deanna Belardinelli is doing lights. We've got a wonderful crew that are all experts. This is not just community theater. We’re trying to amp up the level.”
While the immediate focus is on bringing the show to life in Austin, the creative team has big dreams for “Unveiled.” The ultimate goal is to take the musical beyond community productions, with aspirations for larger stages, whether Off-Broadway, Broadway or a major regional theater.
“We don’t have $20 million in the bank right now, but we do have big dreams for the show,” Shead said.
With its rich storytelling, compelling characters, and a score that blends depth and emotion, “Unveiled” has all the makings of a production that could make waves far beyond Austin.
Starting March 20, audiences can experience the premiere of “Unveiled” at the Austin Scottish Rite Theater, located at 207 W. 18th St. Tickets are available through the theater’s website or via SoundBeacon’s official site.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
