Music by David Nield. Book and lyrics by Jeremy James Taylor.
Princess Scheherazade is telling the one thousand and first tale to the Sultan - the story of Ali Baba, set in 1930s Chicago. Ali Baba, a street-sweeper, sees some gangsters deposit a haul of jewels in a warehouse manned by the caretaker Sesame. Ali steals the loot and takes it home to his girlfriend, Morgiana. The thieves return to discover Kassim, Ali Baba's brother, grabbing his share, and, led by Carooni, they embark on an plan to find Ali Baba. Just as they think they have caught him, the gangsters are outwitted by Morgiana. The ending is happy for everyone as Carooni is unmasked as Oscar, Ali Baba's father, and is reunited with his mother Fatimoma. Combining a witty script with a brilliant score, this highly acclaimed show is suitable for secondary school and youth groups.
Cast: 6 female, 10 male, chorus
Instrumentation: Reed I (soprano sax, alto sax, opt. baritone sax, clarinet), Reed II (alto sax, clarinet), Reed III (tenor sax, clarinet, bass clarinet), Reed IV (tenor sax, clarinet, flute), 3 trumpets, 2 trombones, piano, bass
Recording: Cassette