ZARA and Nerestan, Christian slaves, had grown up in the palace of Osman, Sultan of Turkey. Zara was but a baby when she was brought to the palace. In fact, the only proof that she was a Christian lay in the ornamental cross she wore. Consequently she had found no difficulty in accepting the Moslem faith. Nerestan, however, though but a young lad when captured, took his obligations to Christianity and his fellow slaves seriously. Two years before the opening of the play he had secured from the Sultan permission to go to France to seek ransom for his comrades, promising on his honor to return.
After his departure, Zara, budding into a lovely womanhood, fell deeply in love with the splendid young Osman. When she discovered that her love was requited and that Osman would make her his only wife and empress, her happiness was complete. On the day of her appointed nuptials, Nerestan returned from his long absence. He had been able to secure ransom for ten Christians only, but was willing to become again a slave if Zara were included in the ten. Even the hundred slaves freed through the Sultan's generosity, Nerestan included, did not make up for his bitter disillusionment when he found that Zara was about to marry the Sultan. He was gravely disappointed, too, that the Sultan had not felt it politic to release the aged Lusignan, descendant of the ancient kings of Jerusalem.
Zara, however, pleaded so successfully for the old man that presently she was enabled herself to conduct him, a free man, to join Nerestan's party. Through the cross she was wearing as an ornament, Lusignan recognized her as the baby daughter lost in the sack of Jerusalem by the Moslems. By means of certain scars, he likewise identified Nerestan as his son.
Horrified at the thought of Zara's proposed marriage to a Moslem, the two men obtained from her the promise that she would be baptized that day in Nerestan's presence and follow the priest's instructions. They also made her swear to keep the whole affair secret from Osman until they were gone.
Zara's plea that their nuptials be delayed for a day roused Osman's suspicions. The interception of Nerestan's letter bidding Zara meet him that night convinced the Sultan that she was faithless. Going himself to the appointed place, he stabbed the girl and had Nerestan seized. Only then did he learn the story and, unable to forgive his own lack of faith in his beloved, stabbed himself with the dagger that killed her.
Broadway star Nick Cartell – currently headlining as Jean Valjean on the national tour of Les Misérables – has released his new album A Thousand Spotlights on CD and in streaming and digital platforms today, Friday, July 26.
Tony Award nominee Mary Bridget Davies’(A Night with Janis Joplin) new studio album Don’t Compromise Yourself: The Very Best of Mary Bridget Davies is out now. Listen now!
Center Stage Records will release the concept recording of LIFELINE, the new musical written by Becky Hope-Palmer with music and lyrics by Robin Hiley.
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The original cast recording of MY TRUE LOVE, an Off-Broadway musical by Ben Boecker, will be released on July 19, 2024. The show features a pop comedy score and explores themes of love, consent, and empowerment.
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Theatrical licensing for the musical, String, with book by Sarah Hammond, and music and lyrics by Adam Gown, is now available, alongside the release of its six-song original studio cast recording
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PS CLASSICS released two new tracks from the album JEFF HARNAR sings SAMMY CAHN: THE SECOND TIME AROUND, featuring guest artists CLINT HOLMES, MOIPEI, and NICOLE ZURAITIS. Learn more!
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Amnon Kabatchnik's new book, 'Murder in the West End: The Plays of Agatha Christie and Her Disciples,' explores the works of Agatha Christie and her followers. Now available in hardcover and trade paper.
On Friday, July 26, 2024, Academy Award-winning composer Kris Bowers and GRAMMY Award-winning violinist Charles Yang are spotlighted on a heartfelt new album, For A Younger Self, featuring the talented musicians of the American Youth Symphony (AYS) conducted by Carlos Izcaray.
Nick Cartell – currently starring as Jean Valjean on the national tour of Les Misérables – has released “It All Fades Away,” the new single from his upcoming album A Thousand Spotlights. Listen now!
Serge Clivio releases the album SERGE AND FRIENDS, featuring 14 tracks from live shows in NYC. The album includes personal stories, duets with talented friends, and supports Cancer Research.
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Jeff Harnar's new album, JEFF HARNAR SINGS SAMMY CAHN: THE SECOND TIME AROUND, features six new tracks and guest appearances by Clint Holmes, Moipei, and Nicole Zuraitis. Learn how to purchase.