Music Meets Drama

Founded in 1988 and now celebrating its 25th year of existence, the Emily Dickinson International Society (EDIS) encourages the continuing study of our great poet's life and works. Their presence is felt in local chapters worldwide, through continued publication of scholarly papers published in journals, sponsoring international conferences and awarding scholarships to promote the continued study of Emily's impact not only in the literary world but on the world stage.   The University of Maryland at College Park hosted this year's international conference from August 8-11th.   A gathering of Emily scholars celebrated "Emily Dickinson, World Citizen"   with research papers, panel discussions, creative presentations and performances by a variety of actors and musicians.     To fit into an evening of Emily Dickinson musical performances, Barbara Dana trimmed "Wider Than the Sky" to 30 minutes highlighting scenes from the show.   Again, w...

"I Told Myself to Sing" is now titled "Wider Than The Sky".   Powerful new avenues have come to Barbara Dana's and my dream of a play with music.   With each revision the show gets stronger and deeper.   Emily Dickinson's spirit and spunk sparkle with intensity and purpose.   On Friday evening June 7th, Hudson Stage Company in Croton-on-Hudson sponsored our staged reading of "Wider Than The Sky".   The newest version of Barbara's brilliant script inspired all of us to new levels of performance.   With songs and music that were further adapted to fit the flow of Emily's journey of accepting her own death, the show was an emotional success for the actors and audience members alike. We welcomed Susannah Jones and Morgan Auld to the cast who found voices for multiples of characters who enter Emily's life.   Elizabeth Morton as Emily delved into the poet's soul with elegance.    Again, Martin Hennessy and I...

Giving of your musical talent for an organization that has been your support group through life-threatening   health issues is a gift of gratitude and a way of paying forward for the people who will need assistance in the future.   This describes my friend, tenor Alex Charles Klebenow, who has organized, produced and performed three concerts benefitting People Living Through Cancer (PLTC) in Albuquerque, New Mexico.    In 2007 Alex was diagnosed with cancer of the groin which metastasized to his spinal column and then his brain.   His fight to hold onto life was won with the help of wonderful doctors, family and friends.   Surviving is only part of cancer recovery.   A patient needs emotional support and a secure place to share as well as express their anger, frustration and issues related to cancer.   Alex found such a place in PLTC and over the past five years since his recovery, he has attended group sessions regularly.   ...