Inspiring, beautiful and poignant are just some of the words Katrinah Carol Lewis uses to describe the upcoming Songs for a New World at Firehouse Theatre.
The show, which runs Thursday, January 15th through Saturday, January 17th at 7:30 p.m. is best described as a “song cycle,” says Carol Lewis, the show’s director and associate artistic director for Firehouse Theatre.
“It’s a series of songs of people that are in a moment of decision, change or discovery,” she says. “Every song is about a person moving into something new.”
The show, written by Jason Robert Brown in the 1990’s, originally opened off-Broadway, but has been staged around the world.
Firehouse chose to feature Songs for a New World in January to engage audiences and do a little fundraising at the same time. “We wanted to put on an inspiring show. I think there is so much in the world today that feels heavy. This piece doesn’t ignore that part of life, but it’s an uplifting piece,” says Carol Lewis.
“The show has a lot of energy around it,” she adds. “At Firehouse, we celebrate new works, and this is a nice congruency.”
Songs for a New World differs from most productions because it doesn’t have a plot. It’s about people at a pivotal moment—the moment of decision.
“It’s a lovely piece to share at the beginning the New Year,” Carol Lewis says. “Some of the songs feel like they are weaving together pop, gospel, and jazz, but each song has its own feel and energy.”
The show has a lot of variety, but it “feels cohesive. It feels like a musical score,” she adds. “It is uplifting, soulful, fun, and it can get quirky and surprising in some instances.”
Characters in the show range from a young man who dreams of becoming a famous basketball player to Mrs. Claus who feels neglected, especially the closer to Christmas it gets.
The show was originally written for four voices, but Lewis decided to invite more members of the theatre community to join the production.
“I wanted to bring together some of my favorite Richmond singers,” she says, noting there are nine singers in addition to a band of five musicians. “The music is gorgeous and the sound will be full.”
Featured singers are Nesziah Dennis, Zakiyyah Jackson, Durron M. Tyre, Matt Shofner, Anne Michelle Forbes, Katrinah Carol Lewis, Debra Wagoner, Ally Dods, and Elle Meerovich, who also serves as musical director of the show.
The show is one of several January projects at Firehouse. Other projects include a silent auction and raffle, cabarets and a short run of the musical Penelope.
“We hope to inspire audiences and patrons to support us,” Carol Lewis says.
At Songs for a New World, Lewis expects audiences to be surrounded by “beautiful music and storytelling,” she says. “Each piece is its own new world, but there is an emotional through line at the end. That is the part that is so appealing.”
