A new, inclusive musical is in the works and you're invited on the journey
WELCOME TO THE ALWAYS GREENER BLOG
Always Greener is a groundbreaking new musical that asks what people with disabilities want rather than what they need. All roles that call for people with disabilities will be played by actor/singers with disabilities. You're receiving this newsletter because you've been a part of the process or you're a friend. If you would no longer like to receive updates please unsubscribe at the end of this email (but we'll be sad to see you go)!
How It All Started
In 2016 Tellin' Tales Theatre was one of three companies chosen by the Lyric Opera's Chicago Voices Community Created Performances Program to work with a Lyric team to devise an original musical based on the stories of 11 Tellin' Tales Theatre actors. The result was Freedom Out of Order, performed at the Harris Theater to a sold-out audience. Thanks to that fruitful and exciting first collaboration, many members of the Freedom Out of Order team decided to create a second musical, one that represented the disability experience on a universal level.
The Process
To make sure our new musical was authentic from the perspective of the disability community, bookwriters Tekki Lomnicki and Erin Austin invited a team of disabled writers and actors to help us concept the show. In August of 2018, a new composer and lyricist joined our team. Noa/h Fields, who is non-binary and hard-of-heading, brings a new perspective on the intersectionality of the disability and trans experiences.
Readings
In December 2018, 16 actors with and without disabilities participated in a reading of our first draft of Always Greener. Based on feedback from the actors, as well as respected playwrights, directors and disability activists, the writing team embarked on draft two. In February 2019, our Artistic Producer Jacob Watson and Director Thrisa Hodits joined us for a workshop of the second draft. Notes were given, ideas were shared, and plans were made.
What's next
The writing team is hard at work on draft three in preparation for a mini performance at the Tellin' Tales Spring Benefit on May 4th at Mayne Stage—discounted early bird tickets go on sale March 24. Casting will take place during the month of April. Stay tuned for a full production and premiere announcement in our upcoming seasons!