We’ve written a number of shows together, typically for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade, but this year, for the first time, we’ve added a 2nd grade show.

The second grade show is “It Takes a Rainbow” which tells the story of young, brown lizards who feel safe at home and never want to travel. Eventually they leave move on and explore, discovering colored frogs and learning the value of a multi-hued world. I’ll post pictures of the premiere performance, which will be this Thursday, May 9.

At the same time, rehearsals are under way for “The Winner Takes All.” This is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” set in a modern day middle school. Much like Shakespeare’s original, there’s a real sense of rivalry between the boys and girls, so this is a fun show. However, I still have so much music to write! The children are rehearsing their dialogue, and are awaiting my score, which is only about 75% done. This show will premiere on June 6, so I’ve got some catching up to do.

(You should be able to click the images for a larger view.)

Emily Clare Thompson directs the finale. (The group at left is the choir.)

Emily Clare Thompson directs “It Takes a Rainbow”

The boys do a reading of “The Winner Takes All”

The post New Spring Musicals to premiere appeared first on Richard D. Russell.

Joey Moschella and Julianna Scerbo

In early July the Daily Record of New Jersey featured an article about Katrina the Shrew, focusing on my collaborator Emily Thompson-Schweer. There’s more updated Shakespeare to come from the two of us, but for now, here’s a link to the story:

http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011307130004

The post The Daily Record covers “Katrina the Shrew” appeared first on Richard D. Russell.

Emily is the G & T teacher at this school, and every year she presents a musicalized adaptation of a Shakespeare play. The performances are presented by her 4th Grade group, the Student Actors’ League of Arts and Drama, also known as SALAD.¬†I’m delighted to be joining her for the first time in writing music. I was very impressed by the huge number of students who participated–all of whom rehearse during lunch recess or after school.

Here are several pics from the show.

Padua School of Arts

Alexandra Altonjy, pianist, with Emily Thompson Schweer and students

The cast performs the title number

The cast performs, “That’s the Way to Deal with a Shrew”

The post Katrina The Shrew premiere appeared first on Richard D. Russell.

The script is by “Willa Shakeschweer,” the nom de plume of Emily Thompson Schweer, who teaches at the school. Emily also wrote the lyrics to the show, while I contributed the music. I’ve collaborated with Emily before in several performances at In Mid Air Productions.

The post “Katrina the Shrew” to premiere June 2 appeared first on Richard D. Russell.