Birds of Paradise: Musical Information & Synopsis
Synopsis
Birds of Paradise follows a community theatre group called the Harbor Island Players. When a professional actor offers to direct and star in their musical adaptation of Chekhov’s The Sea Gull, their lives are turned upside down. As they rehearse, things escalate, as their egos and passions begin to mirror the characters they play. Birds of Paradise is a metatheatrical show with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations about the nature of art, ambition, and the human condition.
Musical Information
Musical Type: Late 20th Century (1987)
Cast Size: 8
Genre: Comedy / Drama / Romance
Setting: “Present” / USA (New York)
Creative Team
Music/Book: David Evans
Lyrics/Book: Winnie Holzman
Cast Albums
Original Off-Broadway Cast (1987)➝
Licensing
Birds of Paradise is available to license through Music Theatre International.
Australasia Licensing
Europe Licensing
International Licensing
Tags
1980s, Animals, Comedic, Dramatic, Metatheatre, Original, Romantic
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Last Reviewed: March 5, 2026