American Song play Cycle-INFORMATION

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 and Arthur Yorinks with the help of Tony Rudel and Sigourney Weaver. 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.

Scroll down TO VIEW brief videoS about American Song and scroll further TO LISTEN TO ONE ENTIRE PLAY FROM THE AUDIO PLAY CYCLE

PLAY 6 / SNOW IN TREES 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

PLAY 1 / IRON WILL (1900 - 1909) - a brief excerpt

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.

 PLAY 4 / SWING BLUE (1930 - 1939) a brief excerpt

Against the backdrop of the Great Depression, and the explosion of American media (both radio and film) this play taking place during Christmas in 1938 is a screwball comedy of romance. It’s reflective of the desperate economic times as well as the triumph of jazz in Kansas City, Missouri (sin city at the time), all while the shadow of European misery permeates the horizon.

We’re In the Money (1933) – main song

Music: Harry Warren

Lyrics: Al Dubin

PLAY 10 / SHADOWS ON THE WALL (1980 - 1989) - a brief excerpt

Despite the optimism of political campaign slogans, “Morning in America” portends an insidious and mystifying pandemic as well as the appearance of other societal illnesses taking root in the country which will forever change its character and landscape.