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Overview

Synopsis

The plot concerns a dashing rebel leader whose band of freedom fighters, the Riff, threaten the safety of a French outpost in the Moroccan desert. In reality, the Shadow is Pierre, unassuming son of French General Birabeau. Margot, a French girl soon to be married at the fort, is in love with the Red Shadow, little suspecting his true identity. Pierre, in disguise, kidnaps her in order to reveal his love for her. Eventually, when the Red Shadow is unable to battle General Birabeau face-to-face, his identity is discovered and he and Margot live happily ever after.

Show Information

Lyrics
Category
Musical
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
Genres
Romance
Cast Size
large
Ideal For
Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters, Large Cast

Characters

Showing 8 of 17 characters

Character Portrayals

See StageAgent members who have performed roles in The Desert Song.

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Songs

  • High on a Hill – Sid and Riffs
  • The Riff Song – Pierre, Sid and Riffs
  • Ho, Bold Men of Morocco – Sid and Riffs (not in original Broadway production)
  • Margot – Paul and Soldiers
  • I'll be a Buoyant Girl – Susan
  • Why Did We Marry Soldiers? – Girls
  • French Military Marching Song – Margot and Chorus
  • Romance – Margot and Girls
  • Then You Will Know – Pierre and Margot
  • I Want a Kiss – Paul, Margot, Pierre and Chorus
  • It – Susan, Bennie and Girls (lyrics by Edward Smith)
  • The Desert Song – Pierre and Margot
  • Finale – Ensemble (includes Azuri's Dance)
  • My Little Castagnette – Clementina and Girls
  • Song of the Brass Key – Clementina and Girls
  • One Good Boy Gone Wrong – Benny and Clementina
  • Eastern and Western Love
  • a) Let Love Go – Ali and Riffs
  • b) One Flower in Your Garden – Sid and Riffs
  • c) One Alone – Pierre and Men
  • The Sabre Song – Margot
  • You Love Me – Pierre and Margot (not in original Broadway production)
  • Farewell and reprises – Pierre and Men
  • All Hail to the General – Margo, Paul, Birabeau and Girls
  • Let's Have a Love Affair – Susan, Bennie and Girls
  • Finale – Ensemble

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.