Ranting Details

Won't You Stay?

Yesterday was a special moment in the world of composer Ryan Scott Oliver and bookwriter BT Ryback: a closed table reading of Darling, their musical deconstruction of JM Barrie's beloved Peter Pan. Many fans, including myself, have fallen in love with various songs from the show during performances of Rated RSO (the final third of which is made up entirely of material from Darling), but this reading was the first time I was able to hear the music in the context of the story.  Of course, I'm not allowed to disclose too much, but I will say that musical theater fans have something very special coming their way! I can't wait to see how it develops.  But for now, I leave you with a few pictures...

(The cast reads through the script)

(Katie Gassert)

(Morgan Karr)

(Jay A. Johnson)

(Caissie Levy)

(Andrew Kober)

(Lindsay Mendez)

Triptych: Park Play

A Little Video Gushing

Anyone who has been reading the Rant for a while knows that I tend to gush when it comes to my friends at University of Michigan.  With graduation just around the corner, I couldn't be more proud or excited that they are making the journey to New York in May.  Until then, I have a few YouTube videos that were just posted to tide me over. 

First up are two of my best friends, Michael Lowney and Jessica Hershberg, singing the glorious duet "Say It Somehow" from one of my favorite musicals The Light in the Piazza. 

Next is Max Kumungai singing "Muddy Water" from Big River, which he performed a full production of earlier this year in Ann Arbor.  Gives me chills every time!