DANIEL JOHN KELLEY

This week rehearsals begin for the next step in developing my musical Plagued or How to Escape Persecution at the Hands of an Angry Mob- with music by my partner in crime, Nick Moore. We’ll be presenting this latest incarnation- a staged reading no less- at the Kirk Theatre on Theatre Row on November the 2nd at 7PM.

We’ve got a crackerjack cast (that’s right, they’re crackerjack, deal with it), and have our wonderful music director, Matt Vinson returning- but this time we’ve added a secret weapon! We’ve asked the awesome Peter James Cook on board as director (director of Sailor Man in NYC among other thing) to work with us and help shape the piece. Thus far his advice and wise council have been invaluable in tightening and shaping the script so that we have a lean sleek jaguar of a musical to show people.

I think I’ve mentioned this before, but when creating shows I try to put into them as many things that I love as possible. Just cram them in. The more the merrier. In that respect, Plagued is kind of a dream project for me- it’s got highly theatrical storytelling, big operatic choral numbers, a love story, morbid humor, ludicrous schtick, a dastardly villain, sword fighting, epic tenor singing and, deep down, an encouraging message for people to take with him into their lives, and that I can be proud of putting out into the world. While the message may be delivered in a humorous and horrifying way, and with some skepticism, ultimately it’s something I can get behind. What can I say? People should have the ability to control their own lives. I can get behind that.

So come on, come all, and see the creature/musical myself and composer Nick Moore have spawned.

If you come, do say “Hello!”

I promise to say “Hello” back!

Resonance Ensemble Presents:

PLAGUED
or
How To Escape Persecution at the Hands of an Angry Mob

A Musical

Music by Nick Moore
Book and Lyrics by Daniel John Kelley

Directed by Peter James Cook
Music Directed by Matt Vinson

Staged reading- Monday, November 2nd @ 7PM
The Kirk Theatre on Theatre Row
410 w. 42nd St. btw. 9th and 10th
FREE

In ye olden times, famed troubadour Manny the Rascal is about to be burnt alive for the terrible crime of wife murder. In his defense, Manny tells the epic and fantastical tale of his wife- Sarah the maid- and her unlikely adventure from oppressed servant girl to agent of the deadliest disease mankind has ever known- The Bubonic Plague.

Featuring:

Richard Todd Adams, Jennifer Blood, Brad Harris, Sam Heldt, Carol Hickey, Helen Highfield, Jane Hoffman, Alison Hupp, Thomas Lash, Hakim McMillan, Michael Pesce, Kris Roberts, and Doug Shapiro

Stage Directions: Jenna Weinberg
Guitar: Wayan Zoey
Drums: Alexander Rea