Curtain Call Announces American Harmony Prize
By: BWW News Desk
Curtain Call is proud to announce the return of The American Harmony Prize, an annual award that introduces diverse new works of musical theater to Fairfield County, Connecticut, audiences.
The goal of the American Harmony Prize is to celebrate new musicals that explore our country's many ethnic, religious and gender identifications. The inaugural award was given to Jip: His Story, a family-friendly musical that focused on a moment in the history of Black Americans. Before a rapt crowd this past February, over half of whom came from outside the immediate Stamford area, a cast comprised of professionals from the New York stage and talented local actors breathed life into this wonderful adaptation of the acclaimed novel by Katherine Patterson. The musical was written by Californians Danny Duncan and Emily Klion, and Ms Klion was on hand for the event."My experience with Musical Mondays was incredible. Jip: His Story, received a fabulous reading by group of first-rate singers and actors. The artists worked with me to produce the best possible performance of my work. I was amazed at how much they accomplished in a short period of time. Everyone at the theater was so nice and accommodating and the level of artistry was very impressive. I really felt lucky to be the first recipient of the American Harmony Prize. As a playwright and composer, it was thrilling to hear my work performed so well. Thank you, Curtain Call!" – Emily Klion, music & lyrics, Jip: His Story
The second annual American Harmony Prize will showcase a new musical that dramatizes an aspect of the experience of Jewish Americans. In addition to a cash award of $250.00, a sixty-minute version of the winning musical will be performed as the centerpiece of Musical Mondays @ Curtain Call, a series of new musicals presented in concert, on a Monday evening (t.b.a) in February, 2009.
