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...