It's about one moment. It's about hitting the wall and having to make a choice... or take a stand... or turn around and go back. These are the stories and characters of today, the Songs for a New World. The first musical from Tony Award winner, Jason Robert Brown (Parade, Bridges of Madison County), this moving collection of powerful songs examines life, love and the choices that we make.
Brown transports his audience from the deck of a 1492 Spanish sailing ship to a ledge, 57 stories above Fifth Avenue, to meet a startling array of characters that range from a young man who has determined that basketball is his ticket out of the ghetto to a woman whose dream of marrying rich nabs her the man of her dreams... and a soulless marriage.
Welcome to Morris Hills’ Production of Songs for a New World
Songs for a New World is a song cycle and this show has no storyline running all the way through. Each song is situated in a different time and place, with each character on the brink of a big life change! Songs for a New World sits on a boundary within musical theatre, neither a traditional musical nor a concert. It was described in a 1998 review as “an abstract musical, there is no specific location other than the natural ambiguity of the human heart and mind.” However, each song places the characters in similar situations, turning points, taking them into unchartered territories of life. Each song is inevitably about the hope for a better tomorrow. A universal message we could all use right now.
I am so proud of this cast. They took on this show with ease and enthusiasm during a difficult year. This production would not be possible without the talented and devoted creative team, the dedicated cast, crew, and pit band, the support of local businesses and patrons, the assistance of parents and community members, and encouragement and enthusiasm from the Morris Hills High School administration and faculty. This was a tremendous undertaking (our first streamed musical!) for all and we thank you, the “audience”, for sharing in our accomplishments. I am always impressed by the team effort of our students in the Morris Hills Theatre community, but this group is truly remarkable. They should all be commended for their efforts. Bravo!
To the Seniors - Thank you for all of your hard work! I have enjoyed being your director for the past four years! Time certainly does fly! Best of luck in your future endeavors! “A new world just around the corner. . . “
To the audience- Thank you for supporting the arts! We are so happy to share our story with you!
“Hear my song
It'll help us get through til tomorrow
Hear my song
It'll help us survive all the pain
Hear my song
It's the one thing I have
That has never let you down”
Sincerely,
Mrs. Amy Calzone, Director