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 some examples of the plays:

SHADOWS ON THE WALL (1980 - 1989)

an excerpt

written by Arthur Yorinks, directed by Jim Simpson

In the so-called Reagan era, against the backdrop of the scourge of AIDS and growing financial inequality throughout the country, this play shifts between New York City and a suburban household in the Midwest illuminating love and loss while revealing the underbelly of a growing existential crisis in America.

True Colors (1986) – main song

Music & Lyrics: Billy Steinberg, Tom Kelly

Performed by Catherine Russell

Cast:

Max Gordon Moore, Linda Powell

music arrangements/pianist – Cecilia Coleman / flute - Lou Marini

live performance recorded at The Greene Space / 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

IRON WILL (1900 - 1909)

written by Arthur Yorinks, directed by Jim Simpson

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 afterhours club in San Francisco and Ellis Island in New York City, this play illuminates the forging of the melting pot of America through the various lives of a Chinese laborer, the son of an African American freed slace, an Irish grandmother and her granddaughter, and an Eastern European Jew.

Give My Regards to Broadway (1904) – main song

Music and Lyrics by George M. Cohan

Performed by Catherine Russell

Cast:

Reg E. Cathey, Francis Jue, John Keating, Dana Ivey, Stephen DeRosa, Aedin Moloney, Judith Mutunga, with Mike O’Brien

music arrangements/pianist – Cecilia Coleman

sound design and recording – Bill Moss

recorded at Avatar / NYC


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