Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical by Sarah Ruhl and Todd Almond
“Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical” is playwright Sarah Ruhl's first musical based on her 2002 play of the same title. It tells the story of Tilly, whose melancholy is of such exquisite quality that it causes every stranger she meets to fall in love with her. One day, inexplicably, Tilly becomes happy, and wreaks havoc on the lives of her paramours. Tilly’s hairdresser becomes so melancholy that she turns into an almond and it’s up to Tilly to get her back. The show's music by Todd Almond is magical, with singers accompanied by strings and piano. This is the Minneapolis premiere of this lovely show, which was first produced in New York City in 2012. If you have never seen one of Ruhl's plays, it is time to correct that. She is a two-time Pulitizer prize finalist, a Tony Award nominee, and a MacArthur "genius" grant awardee. If you are already a fan, this is a rare opportunity to see her only (but hopefully not last) musical as she makes the case for the "defense of melancholy".
Cast & Crew
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Tara Schaefle
Actor, Dancer, Instrumentalist, Singer ... -
Jim Ahrens
Actor, Director, Dramaturg, Singer ... -
Ruthie Baker
Actor, Dancer, Instrumentalist, Singer ... -
Christine Wade
Actor, Instrumentalist, Music director, Singer ... -
Benjamin Rubenstein
Actor, Singer, Music director, Vocal/dialect coach