American Song play cycle
A groundbreaking 13 play cycle written by Arthur Yorinks, each inspired by a Great American Song, uncovering America from 1900 to now. Steeped in history, these fictional narratives take place decade by decade and are inspired by the lyrics of an American song written in that decade. The American Song Play Cycle was originally developed through a series of workshops at The Flea Theater under the direction of Jim Simpson along with the work of producer Bruce Fagin. Early support for the cycle came from the American Express Foundation, The Jerome Robbins Foundation, The McMullan Family Fund, Martin Porter, Cherrie Nanninga and Reno Capello, and CBRE. The audio recordings were produced by Airwayv.
Here are examples of some of the plays:
Iron Will (1900 - 1909)
written by Arthur Yorinks, directed by Jim Simpson, Bruce Fagin - producer
The entire play takes place on one April day in 1907, the day in which the highest number of immigrants to America arrived at its shores. Shifting between an after hours club in San Francisco and Ellis Island in New York City, Iron Will illuminates the forging of the melting pot of America through the various lives of a Chinese laborer; the son of an African-American freed slave; an Irish grandmother and her granddaughter; and an Eastern European Jew.
Give My Regards to Broadway (1904) – main song
Music & Lyrics: George M. Cohan
Performed by Catherine Russell
Cast:
Reg E. Cathey, Dana Ivey, Francis Jue, Stephen DeRosa, Aedin Moloney, Judith Spears Mutunga, and John Keating
music arrangements/pianist – Cecilia Coleman
sound design and recording – Bill Moss
recorded at Avatar, NYC
Snow in Trees (1946 - 1949)
written by Arthur Yorinks, directed by Jim Simpson
It is 1947 and the war (World War II) is over. The battles have been won. But for some, and particularly for one Black American soldier, a battle is still raging. Having been discharged with the infamous “blue ticket” (no GI Bill, no benefits) – Samuel Jones is in a fight for his life back in West Virginia. With the shadow of the Holocaust lingering (as recounted by Samuel’s friend), and racism rampant, secrets once held tightly are suddenly revealed with devastating results.
Cabin (1946) – main song
Music: Paul Bowles
Lyrics: Tennessee Williams
Performed by Catherine Russell
Cast:
Brandon Dirden, Mandi Masden, Kianne Muschett, Alfredo Narciso, Jennifer Van Dyck
music arrangements/pianist – Cecilia Coleman
sound design and recording – Bill Moss
recorded at Avatar, NYC