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Through A Glass, Darkly (musical)
Encyclopedia
Through A Glass, Darkly is an oratorio for men's chorus and three soloists composed by Michael Shaieb, commissioned by the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus
. The story concerns the problem of methamphetamine
abuse in the gay community. It premiered on March 29, 2008 at the Ted Mann Concert Hall in Minneapolis, and was videotaped for subsequent broadcast on PBS and a DVD released in June 2008.
Through A Glass, Darkly follows a night in the lives of three young gay men: Sebastian, a burned-out Wall Street stockbroker addicted to crystal meth; Billy, a young man he picks up in a bar and turns on to the drug before seducing him; and Zack, Sebastian's boyfriend, who waits at home wondering what has become of his partner. When Sebastian stays out all night repeating old behavior, Zack resolves that he has had enough and leaves Sebastian, lamenting the end of their relationship yet hopes for Sebastian's recovery.
The three main characters (who are never referred to by name in the lyrics) act out the story, while the remainder of the chorus serves as the classical "Greek chorus," narrating and interpreting the story.
until August 1, 2008.
Subsequent performance rights were available through FatLab Music, New York, NY.
In June 2009, the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C.
, performed the East Coast premier at Lisner Auditorium
, featuring Tim Tourbin as Sebastian, Philip Lee "Peelee" Clark as Billy, and Justin Bank as Zack. In April 2010, the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus
performed the show at the Arden Theatre
, featuring Matt Geyer as Sebastian, Justin Scott as Billy, and Albert Fernandez as Zack. In June 2010, the New York City Gay Men's Chorus
performed it as the centerpiece of its concert, High.
-- a new musical in the style of 1960s beach party movies.
Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus
The Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus is a GLBTA choral group in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. The all-male chorus sings a variety of songs arranged for TTBB, ranging from Broadway show tunes to Latin motets to original compositions specially commissioned by the Chorus or written by its members.With...
. The story concerns the problem of methamphetamine
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant of the phenethylamine and amphetamine class of psychoactive drugs...
abuse in the gay community. It premiered on March 29, 2008 at the Ted Mann Concert Hall in Minneapolis, and was videotaped for subsequent broadcast on PBS and a DVD released in June 2008.
The story
The three main characters (who are never referred to by name in the lyrics) act out the story, while the remainder of the chorus serves as the classical "Greek chorus," narrating and interpreting the story.
Songs
- Opener -- Sebastian, Billy, Zack and Chorus
- Stay A While -- Sebastian, Billy and Chorus
- Transitions -- Chorus
- Just Another Night -- Sebastian, Billy, Zack and Chorus
- The Ordinary Things -- Chorus
- Makin' It -- Chorus, off-stage Announcer
- Let's Pretend -- Chorus
- Any Minute Now -- Billy, Zack
- Did You Know? -- Chorus
- We Hope -- Chorus (a capella)
- Messages -- Chorus
- What Problem? -- Sebastian, Chorus
- If You Only Knew -- Zack, Chorus
Performance Rights
Exclusive performance rights were held by the Twin Cities Gay Men's ChorusTwin Cities Gay Men's Chorus
The Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus is a GLBTA choral group in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. The all-male chorus sings a variety of songs arranged for TTBB, ranging from Broadway show tunes to Latin motets to original compositions specially commissioned by the Chorus or written by its members.With...
until August 1, 2008.
Subsequent performance rights were available through FatLab Music, New York, NY.
In June 2009, the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C.
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. , is one of the oldest LGBT choral organizations in the United States. With more than 225 singing members, it is also one of the largest...
, performed the East Coast premier at Lisner Auditorium
Lisner Auditorium
Lisner Auditorium is an auditorium, located on the campus of The George Washington University, at 730 21st Street, Northwest, Washington, D.C.. It is named for Abram Lisner, a trustee of the University who donated the money for its construction....
, featuring Tim Tourbin as Sebastian, Philip Lee "Peelee" Clark as Billy, and Justin Bank as Zack. In April 2010, the Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus
Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus
The Philadelphia Gay Men's Chorus is a choral organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1981, it is one of the oldest gay men's choruses in the United States, and is a cultural fixture in Philadelphia. The Chorus is affiliated with the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses...
performed the show at the Arden Theatre
Arden Theatre Company (Philadelphia)
-Introduction:The Arden Theatre Company is a full-service professional regional theatre located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offering the highest quality theatrical and educational productions and programs to artists, audiences and students of the greater Philadelphia region. The company includes...
, featuring Matt Geyer as Sebastian, Justin Scott as Billy, and Albert Fernandez as Zack. In June 2010, the New York City Gay Men's Chorus
New York City Gay Men's Chorus
The New York City Gay Men's Chorus is a choral organization in New York City that has been presenting an annual concert season for more than three decades.-History:...
performed it as the centerpiece of its concert, High.
Other Works by Michael Shaieb
Go-Go BeachGo-Go Beach (Musical)
Go-Go Beach is a new stage musical in the style of a 1960s California Beach Party film, such as those starring Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon. The show has book and lyrics by John Wimbs and music by Michael Shaieb and Brent Lord...
-- a new musical in the style of 1960s beach party movies.