Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (musical)

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a musical adaptation of John Berendt's 1994 non-fiction novel of the same name. The novel, a bestseller, chronicles a variety of colorful characters and events surrounding the 1981 shooting of Danny Hansford by Jim Williams in Savannah, Georgia.

The musical adaptation made its world premiere at the Colonial Theatre in Boston in June 2023. The score features music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, and the book is by Taylor Mac. Direction was by Rob Ashford.

The musical aims to capture the unique atmosphere and eccentric personalities presented in the novel, focusing on themes of Southern Gothic, class conflict, truth, and justice. The plot generally follows the main narrative arc of the book, exploring the murder trial of Jim Williams and the interactions between him, journalist John Kelso (a stand-in for Berendt), and the diverse residents of Savannah. Characters such as Lady Chablis, a transgender performer, play significant roles, contributing to the portrayal of the city's vibrant and unconventional culture.

The musical's reception has been mixed, with some praising the score and performances, while others have criticized the book and adaptation for struggling to capture the nuances and complexities of the source material. Its success as a stage adaptation ultimately hinges on its ability to translate the novel's unique blend of crime, social commentary, and local color into a compelling theatrical experience.