LET’S TALK ABOUT ‘SINGING REVOLUTION’
INTERVIEW: TONY SPINOSA
A new musical is making its world premiere in LA this winter. Presented by Dreamtone Productions in association with NewYorkRep, the new musical Singing Revolution: The Musical sets a tale of star-crossed lovers against the beautiful, moving and timeless true story of Estonia’s 1987 peaceful uprising against the Soviet Union. Featuring a crowd-pleasing Europop score by Tony Spinosa, who also directs; book and lyrics by Spinosa and James Bearhart, opening night is set for Saturday, January 15 on the Main Stage at Hollywood’s Broadwater Theatre, where performances will continue through February 20.
“When I first learned about Estonia’s ‘Singing Revolution,’ a light bulb went off in my head,” says Spinosa. “People literally singing as a shield against Soviet attacks is a story I knew I needed to tell.” In this Tin Pan L.A. exclusive Tony Spinosa discusses his inspiration, his creative process and why audiences should see this new musical.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE SINGING REVOLUTION IN A NUTSHELL?
Singing Revolution is a contemporary musical featuring a crowd-pleasing, Europop score. It is a tale of star-crossed lovers against the beautiful, moving and timeless true story of Estonia’s 1987 song-filled, peaceful uprising against the Soviet Union. The worlds collide when the leader of the resistance movement falls in love with the Soviet commander’s daughter.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS SHOW? WHY TELL THIS STORY?
There were several historic events that inspired the musical. The events that encompass the Singing Revolution began with the First Spontaneous Night Song Festival, where 300,000 Estonians gathered at the Song Festival Grounds for three days to sing together in peaceful protest against the Soviet occupation.
Then there was the Baltic Chain, which was a human chain of 2 million people that stretched from Tallinn, Estonia, to Riga, Latvia, to Vilnius, Lithuania… a 400-mile chain of 2 million people singing for their freedom. There was an attack on Toompea Castle, their government building, where Estonians flooded the streets of Tallinn and surrounded the building until the Soviet attackers retreated. The video footage of this event looks like a powder keg waiting to explode; however, the Estonians maintained their peaceful behavior and sang until the Soviets left the government building.
And finally, the standoff at the Tallinn TV tower, where the Soviets were attempting to cut off all communication between Estonia and the rest of the world by destroying their radio communication. Once again, the Estonians banned together to keep the Soviet soldiers at bay until they retreated. The power of peaceful protest in all of these events became the backbone of this musical. Why tell this story? Because it speaks to our current times and resonates with many important themes that remain in our world today.
Photo by Jenny Graham
WHEN WRITING THIS PIECE WHERE DID YOU START?
Researching the historic events of the Singing Revolution was the first step. There is a documentary about the revolution that was created by James and Maureen Tusty that presents a complete picture of the events that happened during the years 1987-1991 that was most helpful. I was also invited by Estonian President Toomas Hendrick Ilves to visit Estonia and interview the leaders of the revolution, most of whom are still alive today.
WHAT INFLUENCED THE MUSIC FOR SINGING REVOLUTION?
In creating the score for the show, I wanted to resonate with the youth of America. I see how shows like Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen and Come From Away are attracting younger audiences, so I decided to create a europop score for the show. I think it is important to keep American musical theatre a thriving art form and reaching our younger audiences is the key.
Adam Wylie play Vladimir Lenin,
Mikhail Gorbachev and Josef Stalin
Photo by Jenny Graham
WHEN DID YOU START WRITING SINGING REVOLUTION? HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU TO WRITE THE SHOW?
The inspiration for this musical came to me in July of 2014. The show has gone through many incarnations over the years. However the book for the show really started to take shape when James Bearhart joined the team in October of 201and we turned these historical events into a character driven love story.
WHAT HAS HELPED YOU SHAPE SINGING REVOLUTION THE MOST?
The team of designers that we have for the World Premiere. I always believe that when I direct a production, I surround myself with people who know more than me, and with the creative process of creating a new musical, the A-list creative team that we have assembled has transformed this musical beyond my expectations.
Photo by Jenny Graham
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT IN THE SHOW?
There are so many wonderful moments in the show that it is difficult to choose just one. Without giving anything away, I am always moved by the finale to the show as we complete the journeys of our main characters. I find this moment musically beautiful, and emotionally extremely satisfying.
WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT THIS SHOW?
The messages and themes of the show excite me the most… the power of peaceful resistance, the ability to have social justice and how every act of kindness can change the world.
Photo by Jenny Graham
MORE INFORMATION:
WHO:
• Book and Lyrics by Tony Spinosa and James Bearhart
• Music by Tony Spinosa
• Directed by Tony Spinosa
• Musical Director: Brent Crayon
• Choreography by Tracey Benson
• Starring Lucas Alifano, James Everts, Krista Feallock, Michael Scott Harris, Bella Hicks, Anthony Marciona, Peter Van Norden, Renée Wylder, Adam Wylie
• Featuring: Emily Abeles, Melanie Au-Yeung, Lacey Beegun, Mitchell Lam Hau, Thomas Hollow, Brandon Kallen, Marissa Ruth Mayer, Chet Norment, Brandon Keith Rogers, Michael Swain-Smith, Kelsey Lee Smith,
• Musicians: Brent Crayon and Jennifer Lin on keyboards; Carlos Rivera on bass; John Ballinger on guitar; Emiliano Almeida on drums
• Produced by Racquel Lehrman, Theatre Planners
• Presented by Dreamtone Productions in association with NewYorkRep
• Sponsored in part by the Estonian American National Council
WHEN:
Previews: Jan. 13 and Jan. 14
Performances: Jan. 15-Feb. 20:
• Thursday at 8 p.m.: Jan. 13 ONLY (preview)
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Jan. 14 (preview), Jan. 21, Jan. 28, Feb. 4. Feb. 11, Feb. 18
• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Jan. 15 (Opening), Jan. 22, Jan. 29, Feb. 5. Feb. 12, Feb. 19
• Sundays at 3 p.m.: Jan. 16, Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6. Feb. 13, Feb. 20
WHERE:
Broadwater Theatre Main Stage
6320 Santa Monica Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90038
TICKETS:
• General Admission: $40
• Previews: $30
OTHER:
Proof of vaccination is required for admission. Masks must be worn throughout the performance.
