Monthly Archives: June 2018

Semifinalists x 2

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I’m pleased to announce that two of my plays – the eerie drama “Harriman-Baines” and the farce “Philosophus” – were semi-finalists in the 2018 Inkslinger New Play Competition sponsored by Southeastern Louisiana University (yep, both plays).

This brings back some memories for me, since my tragicomedy “Encore, Encore” was the second winner of this new play contest back in 2015 and was subsequently given a wonderful student production in March, 2016 (good ol’ Louisiana rainstorms and all).

“Meeeeemories…”

EE SLU Cast and Crew

Congrats to the winners of the contest and best of luck to SLU!

Demo recording – “Here I Is”

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I’m happy to present a wonderful demo recording of one of the songs from the new musical I’m writing with co-librettist and composer Norman L. Berman.

The Burning of the White House

The project – entitled “Paul Jennings & The Burning of the White House” – is an original musical about Paul Jennings, the 15-year-old house slave to President and Mrs. Madison, who discovers his true heroism, strength, and purpose living through one of the most momentous event in the nation’s history –   the burning of the White House.

The demo recorded below is from the end of Act One; the war of 1812 is raging, the British army is approaching the capital, and there is general fear that slaves throughout the country will revolt – but young Paul, as recalled by his older, wiser self, sings to his mistress, Dolley Madison, about his devotion to her, as well as his desire for freedom.

The song uses the wonderful vocal talent of Alvin Chea and Tonoccus McClain.

Many thanks to my collaborator, Norman, for arranging and coordinating this effort!

Demo: “HERE I IS