Thanks to my pal Mel, we have several e-interviews to share with you over the next few days about the upcoming premiere of the musical comedy Courting Disaster, which makes fun of judges, lawyers and litigants, all without fear or favor.
To kick things off, we have some comments from the composer and musical director of the show, Mark Scarpelli:
Q: Tell us a little bit about the writing of Courting Disaster.
Mark: I met Jeremy Eisler (Author of Courting Disaster from Mississippi) through a mutual friend here in Charleston and we corresponded entirely through the Internet. The music for this show was written March - October 2009. Rewrites were happening up to a few days ago (a week before the opening).
Typical process for writing music for Courting Disaster:
*Wake up drink coffee and walk the dog.
*Improvise on piano ideas for musical numbers
*Drink more coffee
*Demo ideas into a draft recording
*Invite friends in to sing and record character vocal parts
*Drink more coffee
*Make mp3's and PDF's of music and send to Jeremy for critiquing
This was an ongoing process that continued off and on for about six months. The production has 19 musical pieces not counting incidental music. All lyrics were written by Jeremy. The music is very song-like with a variety of styles ranging from ballads to rock to tangos. All six characters sing. There doesn't seem to be any one character who sings more than the other. It is truly an ensemble piece. This premiere performance consists of a rhythm section (drums, bass, piano) with a number of solos, duets and ensemble pieces.
Q: What made you want to be part of this show?
Mark: Doing original theatre is a rush. I love the sense of accomplishment you get from an opening night performance. The cast for this particular show is quite amazing. I've worked with most of them in other local productions and they work their ass off and give 110 percent. Plus working with Kelly Strom is inspiring. She is a positive ball of energy and her enthusiasm is infectious. I love working with her and am honored to have her as our director for this premiere event.
Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?
Mark: Timing, timing timing... As in all comedy.
Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?
Mark: Come support original theatre AND Kanawha Players. This KP production workshop (on the corner of Washington Street East and Beauregard in Charleston) is a beehive of creative activity. This past Sunday alone there was simultaneously, Courting Disaster tech rehearsal in the Theatre/Sanctuary, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) in the basement rehearsal space and auditions in the board room for an upcoming summer production. This place is a wonderful space for productions. It does need a lot of attention and money to assist and bring to life the structures incredible potential. I recommend ya'll attend KP shows... especially this premiere of Courting Disaster.
Mark, thanks for taking to time to talk to us. The show takes the stage this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, May 30.
All performances will be at the Kanawha Players Theater, located at 309 Beauregard Street in Charleston, WV.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 304-343-7529. Cost is $16.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and children under age 17. For more information go to www.kanawhaplayers.org.
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