Origin
Sign In My Cart
Search
alphabetical author index
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Fugitive Songs

Fugitive Songs is a 19-song journey across American that spotlights people on the run, offering a new sound for a restless America.

More information

Description

  • Musical Revue / Cabaret
  • Cabaret
  • 90 minutes

  • Time Period: Contemporary
  • Target Audience: Teen (Age 14 - 18), Adult
  • Cautions: Intense Adult Themes, Strong Language
  • Orchestra Size: Small/Combo

  • Performance Group:
  • Large Stage, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Blackbox / Second Stage /Fringe Groups, College Theatre / Student

  • Accolades:
  • Nominee! Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revue (2008)
Award-winning songwriters Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen's Fugitive Songs is a 19-song journey across America, featuring a multi-ethnic ensemble (3 men, 3 women) between the ages of 20 and 40. This innovative song cycle, conceived as half-musical/half-hootenanny, spotlights people on the run: a disgruntled Subway sandwich employee, a jilted ex-cheerleader, a pair of Patty Hearst fanatics, a stoner forced to rob a convenience store against his will, and many others.

Blending traditional folk music with contemporary pop and gospel, Fugitive Songs offers a new sound for a restless America. This eclectic score provides exceptional material for a wide range of experienced singers, and delivers poignant and thought-provoking lyrics that capture each character's "reasons to run."
REVIEWS:

"Powerful... a song cycle tailored to anyone who has ever thought of shucking his job, his mate or his life to start anew."

 Variety

"Fugitive Songs is a fluid song cycle that centers on the theme of flight: specifically, running away... from home, from lovers, from troubles, from whatever. The show, therefore, has a picaresque quality akin to a modern musical rendition of Jack Kerouac's On the Road."

 Talkin' Broadway, The Siegel Column

"The show is an excellent showcase for the five golden-voiced actors who bring its songs to life. But the real stars of Fugitive Songs are Miller and Tysen, who have created a tuneful, genuinely evocative score. Miller’s music features soaring harmonies with elements of folk rock, bluegrass and old-fashioned theatre music, and is backed up by a piano and terrific four-piece band. Tysen’s lyrics have moments of real wit and walk the line between rock and theatre with ease."

 Curtain Up

"Some of the songs are upbeat and funny and some are melancholic. But what makes Fugitive Songs work is the beautiful marriage of well-crafted songs and the harmonious vocals of [the] actors."

 Broadway World

"During several of the songs I found myself thinking, ‘Wow, I could listen to this for days. DAYS!"

 Columbus Underground

Premiere Production:

Fugitive Songs was originally produced by Dreamlight Theatre Company in New York City. Fugitive Songs opened March 9, 2008 at the 45th St. Theater in NYC, under the direction of Joe Calarco, with musical direction by Justin Mendoza.

Characters

  • Casting: 3M, 3F
  • Casting Attributes: Ensemble cast, Flexible casting, Non-Traditional casting, Roles for Multicultural Casting, Expandable casting
  • Chorus Size: No Chorus

  • GAVIN - (20-30) Lonely man suddenly inspired to travel cross country, capturing photographs of a world he never thought he'd see. Eventually finds new love with Barrett.
    Rock/pop Tenor, up to a G.

  • MATT - (20s) Cynical young man coming to terms with adulthood. Hits the road by bike and car. Holds up a gas station against his will, eventually lands a minimum wage job at a fast food chain.
    Rock/pop Tenor, up to a G.

  • JOSHUA - (20-40s) Bar stool philosopher. Moves to NYC for a girl right before she dumps him. After stumbling across America, he vows to be a voice of positive change.
    Rock/Pop Bari-tenor, up to a G.

  • ALYSHA - (30-40s) Finds herself continually trapped in stagnant relationships, but fears growing old alone. Dreams of being kidnapped like Patty Hearst.
    Strong belt, up to a D, good mix above that.

  • KAREN - (20s) Spurned young woman, sassy, beautiful, with the whole of the world ahead of her. Chases her boyfriend through the woods after he misses her birthday.
    Strong belt up to a D, good mix above that.

  • BARRETT - (20s) An old soul with a strong connection to nature. She ends up walking across the country eventually finding new love with Gavin.
    Strong belt, up to a D, good mix above that.

    • Related Works