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Title
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David's Rock program
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Description
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This three-page program is for a rock opera called “David’s Rock” directed, written, and choreographed by Claude A. Boyd from 1983. The program provides a synopsis of the opera, includes a complete list of the characters, musicians, production staff, special thanks, and list of future performances.
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“David’s Rock” is a dramatic musical that received coverage from the Philadelphia Inquirer in its Philadelphia performance (Keating 1983), and also was performed in Connecticut, New York City, and Vermont. According to the program, a brief synopsis is as follows: (Act 1) There is a battle between the Philistines and Isralites that lasts 40 days. The Philistines appear with a giant Goliath, intimidating the Isralites to flee. A young Israelite boy David is a shepherd sent by his father to feed his brothers. David flings a stone saving the Isralites from the Philistines, killing the Goliath. David receives immense gratitude and praise. A character named Jonathan gives David his sword and robe. King Saul becomes jealous of David and puts out a warrant for his life. David escapes, and while doing so meets a helpful, beautiful girl named Abigal. King Saul asks David for forgiveness. David goes to the land of the Philistines. (Act 2) David leads the Isralites to battle, they win, and he becomes king. David becomes very power hungry, loses everything, and realizes he was wrong just like Saul.
Claude Alexander Boyd (1953-November 12, 1984) was an accomplished theater director, choreographer, and musician. In addition to “David’s Rock,” Boyd was the director and choreographer of “Empress of the Blues” based on Bessie Smith, and was involved with dancing and acting in “The Wiz,” “Dance Theater America,” “Walt Disney on Parade,” and “Captain Kangaroo” (Philadelphia Daily News 1983). Born to Jean (née Mallory) Gooding of San Diego, California and Kenneth Boyd of Norfolk, Virginia, Boyd was raised in Newport, Rhode Island and San Diego, California prior to moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1982 (Find a Grave 2016, Caust-Ellenbogen and Gubicza 2012). He had two brothers and two sisters (Find a Grave 2016). His partner was named Jeff Davidson (Caust-Ellenbogen and Gubicza 2012). He was very involved in his church and school community prior to beginning his career in the arts (Find a Grave 2016). In his adult life, he was involved in Philadelphia LGBT activism groups such as Black and White Men Together, and various performing arts organizations (Caust-Ellenbogen and Gubicza 2012). He passed away from AIDS (Caust-Ellenbogen and Gubicza 2012).
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Contributor
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John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives at William Way LGBT Community Center
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Date Created
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1983
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Creator
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Boyd, Claude A.
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Rights
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http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-RUU/1.0/
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Identifier
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Ms. Coll. 20
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Language
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eng
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Format
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Text
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Extent
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3 pages
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Spatial Coverage
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Philadelphia, PA
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Is Part Of
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Claude A. Boyd papers, 1966-1985 [bulk 1980-1982]
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Subject
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Philadelphia (Pa.)
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Rhode Island
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AIDS activists
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Musical performance
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African American artists--20th century
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African American choreographers
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Performance programs
