Emily Thompson leads the students in rehearsal

“Cupid’s Bow” is a new, original musical with book and lyrics by Emily Thompson and music by Richard D. Russell. On January 30, a special rehearsal was held by the cast members, who are all students at Central School in East Hanover New Jersey.

What made the rehearsal special was that a few dozen students visiting from China were in attendance. After they listened to “Cupid’s Bow”, they in turn performed songs and other skits for the American students.

“Cupid’s Bow” has its premiere February 12 at 6pm at the Central School in East Hanover, NJ.

American and Chinese teachers line up with students

The Chinese and American students assemble for a group photo

(Click the images for a larger size)

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In the show, a school class visits the museum to follow up on some lessons taught in school. The teacher announces that final projects are due soon. Theodore wishes for some inspiration and accidentally invokes the nine Muses to his side, each of whom want to inspire him. Theodore is annoyed and wishes them away, but in fact they are not allowed to leave until Theodore IS inspired. Only Theodore can see the Muses, but in due time his sister Thea and his friend Hector also accidentally invoke the Muses. The show is all about finding inspiration in spite of traditional education, while at the same time respecting tradition and finding inspiration in it. (Indeed, respecting tradition is an insight into Theodore’s ultimate creative solution!) And along the way, some really good laughs occur.

Here are several pictures from the show. A DVD has been made and can be ordered by anyone wishing to receive a copy.

Before show rehearsal

Theodore sees the Muses for the first time

Thea sings while the boys study the painting

Theodore and Hector

The Muses explain themselves to Theodore

Calliope: “Use Imagination”

Emily Thompson directing a scene

“It’s All Greek to Me!”

“Life Is Better With A Song”

The final confrontation!

The Company takes bows

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Beethoven looks on

Once again my frequent collaborator, Emily Thompson, asked me to lecture to her class of fourth-grade school children. This lecture was held at the East Hanover (NJ) Central School. My talk is about how interdisciplinary thinking can lead to more creativity. I present the example of mixing literature and music, drawing connections between hero mythology and Beethoven’s music. Here’s a picture of me introducing Beethoven.

I presented my lecture pretty much non-stop, six times in a row. I have to give credit to teachers everywhere who do this every day, day-in and day-out. I don’t know how they do it!

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As I mentioned in a previous post, I wrote most of the music for Katrina the Shrew, with book and lyrics written by Emily Thompson Schweer. Emily teaches fourth grade G & T in the East Hanover School District, and one of her projects is SALAD — the Student Actors’ League of Arts and Drama.

I’m pleased to share word that SALAD is an award winner this year of the “Promising Practices” program of the Character Education Partnership. The CEP is concerned with developing good character in schools, and SALAD was cited for its mission of creating a school community and integrating the curriculum. There is more information at the CEP website by clicking here.

Congratulations to Emily!

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Richard D. Russell will have three pieces performed on October 24, 2010 at the Bell and Barter Theater in Rockaway, NJ. Details are on the poster, please click for a larger view. All of the day’s pieces will have a theme tied in with Edgar Allan Poe.

Russell’s compositions include “A Poe Fantasia” plus two new premieres: “Eldorado” and “Annabel Lee” both for voice and piano trio.

There will be a premiere of a new mini-opera by Robert Butts, a re-imagining of Poe’s classic short story, “The Tell-Tale Heart.”

The concert starts at 3pm, and tickets are available for $15 by emailing your total tickets desired to: seasonal.sunday.salons@gmail.com

Tickets at the door are $25, so save $10 by registering early!

A wine and cheese reception is included in the ticket’s cost.

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click for a larger size view

On July 25, 2010 In Mid Air Productions presents its next Seasonal Sunday Salon: “Songs of a Sultry Summer: Surrender to the Siren.” The concert will feature several world premieres, with music by Robert Butts, Robert Cohen, and Richard D. Russell. Maestro Butts is the afternoon’s conductor.

The post “A Law Divine” and songs from “Hades”, on July 25 appeared first on Richard D. Russell.

I was even more delighted that the lyricist, Emily Thompson, performed the work. I was caught unprepared and had only my phone camera with me, so apologies for the quality of the pics! This is Emily singing to the fine tenor, Francisco Santiago, pleading to leave the underworld and return to “where there is light.”

The¬†performance¬†was¬†at the St. Paul and St. Andrew Methodist Church on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, July 10 2009.

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