CHRISTMAS IN MARCH AT THE HUMAN RACE

Cast & Creative Team for A Christmas Memory

Rehearsal of A Christmas Memory

For one week in March, it really felt like Christmas at The Human Race. That is because we were lucky enough to be working with composer Larry Grossman, lyricist Carol Hall, and book writer Duane Poole on their new musical, A Christmas Memory. Based on the delightful short story by Truman Capote, this beautiful "slice of Americana" musical is on the road of development – heading for its world premiere next December at Theatreworks in Palo Alto, CA.

"We supply the writers with a place to live, work and rehearse their show," said Kevin Moore, Human Race Executive Director. "We give them actors so they can hear it, and a small, educated audience so they can get feedback. Then we get out of the way and let the magic happen."

At the first gathering, the writers told the handful of actors that tonight would be the first time they've heard anyone sing or say their words – except for the writers. The actors included 11 year-old Jeremy Cleary as "Buddy" and 13 year-old Ilana Frankel as his neighbor, "Nelle." The adult actors included Deb Colvin-Tener, Jamie Cordes, Reneé Franck-Reed and Kevin Moore.

By the end of the week – and only 15 hours of rehearsal with the actors - the writers had been able to hear their entire show, make changes, and hear it again with their producing team. We were also able to share portions of the show with our Board, Sponsors and Producers' Circle members.

Larry, Carol & Duane are now in a great position to take their show to the next level. We wish them lots of success!!!

TRUMAN CAPOTE'S A CHRISTMAS MEMORY MUSICAL BEING DEVELOPED IN DAYTON

The Human Race Theatre Company continues its mission to develop new musicals this March when the writing team of Larry Grossman, Carol Hall and Duane Poole will be in residence working on their new musical A Christmas Memory – based on the short story by Truman Capote.

"I have been talking with fellow producer, Jayson Raitt for a while about this show," said Kevin Moore, Human Race Executive Director. "It is one of my favorite stories, and when he told me he was developing a musical version, I said count us in."

And what a team he has put together! Larry Grossman has numerous Broadway musicals to his credit: Minnie's Boys, Goodtime Charley (7 Tony nominations), Snoopy!!! The Musical, A Doll's Life and Grind (7 Tony nominations), which won him a Drama Desk Award for his music. Carol Hall is best known as the composer/lyricist for her Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning musical, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Duane Poole has written and produced over 50 television series and movies, including the 1997 TV movie of A Christmas Memory with Patty Duke and Piper Laurie.

With Duane in California and Larry & Carol in New York, putting them in one space together is a huge boost for their creativity. During their stay in Dayton, the writers will work with Human Race actors – who will allow the writers to hear the lines and songs for the first time.

"This is a great working exercise," said Moore. "We will be contributing to the future of this show - which will have its world premiere next December at TheatreWorks in Palo Alto, CA."

Supporters of The Human Race's Musical in Development will get a chance to meet the artists and hear select moments of the show at a reception. This program is funded by the Miriam Rosenthal Memorial Trust Fund, the Ohio Arts Council Innovation Grant, the Monarch Genesis Fund of The Dayton Foundation, the National Fund for New Musicals, and The Producers' Circle.

For information, contact Kevin Moore at 937-461-3823 ext. 3115, or email Kevin@humanracetheatre.org.

Tony Award Winner Developing Musical at The Human Race

Brian Yorkey, recent Tony Award-winning lyricist/ bookwriter for the Broadway musical Next To Normal, will be working on his "next" musical, Play It By Heart, along with his co-writers David Spangler (composer of Nefertiti and Artistic Director of The Lovewell Institute) and Jerry Taylor (Nashville songwriter/producer). Their Residency in Dayton is all part of The Human Race's Musicals in Development program, which has received major funding from the Miriam Rosenthal Memorial Trust Fund.

"This musical was previously developed at the Village Theatre in Washington and has had a production in Nashville," said Human Race Executive Director Kevin Moore. "The team all moved on to other projects. This will be their first chance to get back together to work on the show, with hopes for a production in the near future."

Play It By Heart is the story of a country music top female star battling her family and a changing industry. "It's the quintessential story of a family in country music," stated co-writer Jerry Taylor.