MP3 Original Ohio Cast - Summer of My German Soldier - a new musical
LIVE recording of the WORLD PREMIER of SUMMER OF MY GERMAN SOLDIER - the musical based on the award winning novel by Bette Greene. Inspirational songs like "NO GREATER LOVE", "WHEN GOD WHISPERS HERE" & "AND I SHALL LIVE" and many more.
20 MP3 Songs
POP: with Live-band Production, SPIRITUAL: Inspirational
Details:
After a successful workshop of Summer of My German Soldier at the University of Dayton in 2001 there was a lot of support to do a full production of the show. Bette Greene, the author of the award winning novel (the 1973 New York Times Book Of The Year) that the musical is based on, was in attendance for the workshop as well as the world Premier in Ohio.
This recording was done live, over three shows, during that world premier. Over 30 members in the cast and countless numbers in the wings and pit, helped make “German Soldier” a huge success.
The book and lyrics as well as the shows director is by David Brush and music and arrangements by Jim Farley.
David Brush earned his B.S. in education from Wright State University and his Music Education degree from Judson College. He taught Vocal Music, English, and Theater for six years and directing and writing for the stage for nearly seven.
As an actor, David is the recipient of the Irene Ryan Scholarship Award for his role in The Wild Goose. Brush also earned Ohio State honors for the title role in The Elephant Man.
David''s directing credits include , The Secret Garden, Children of Eden, Fiddler on the Roof, Steel Magnolias, Footloose, West Side Story, My Favorite Year, Seussical, Tick, Tick, BOOM!, The Last Five Years, Chess and the world premier production of Summer of My German Soldier and The Big Picture which he wrote both book and lyrics for.
Jim Farley has written music and lyrics for hundreds of songs ranging from pop to jazz to blues to musical theater. In addition, Jim has headlined with local and national bands as composer, arranger and performer. He has also served as manager and agent and has recorded several albums. His music has been recorded my numerous artists, both locally and nationally. Jim also does arranging and music transcription for publishers, songwriters & high school show choirs.
His arranging for theater includes "Eye Of The Storm" by E.H. Milam in Washington, D.C., The Children''s Safety Musical & CD by Bill Calhoun
Jim''s work for the theater includes Summer of My German Soldier and The Big Picture.
Summer of My German Soldier tells the story of a young Jewish girl (Patty Bergen) in Arkansas during WWII. The story begins with in present time (Prologue: Learning How To Swim) before flashing back to the events that happened leading Patty to this point in time. The town people gather to see the train bring the prisoners into town. (Most Unusual Day) Afterwards, Patty goes home to tell Ruth what she has seen (I’ll Get There & The Daydream). Ruth sends Patty to her parent’s general store where Patty’s parents discuss the trials of raising a daughter such as Patty. (Thinking of the Children) The prisoners are brought into the store by guards to by hats to keep them cool while working in the fields. This is when Patty meets Anton for the first time. Anton speaks English to her and buys pencils and tablets from Patty. Mr. Bergen sends Patty to the bank and she stops by to see her friend, Edna, to tell her about the boy she just met. (The Truth About Boys) That night Anton escapes and Patty sees him running alongside the railroad track and offers him a safe haven. Patty, only 13, becomes flustered when around this older boy. (Not Enough Words) She convinces Anton to stay hidden and she will provide for him. (Confusion/Stay Here) Patty’s abusive father beats her… Anton witnessing this comes out of his hiding place for only a moment… but long enough to be seen by Ruth. Father retreats into the garage, only feet below Anton’s hiding area, and agonizes over his daughter. (The War At Home)
Act II opens with Patty in present time again. (I’ll Get There – reprise).Flashing back, Ruth confronts Patty about Anton… wondering why she would do such a thing. (He Talks To Me) Ruth is torn between aiding Anton, the enemy, and the fact that her own son is in Europe fighting them. (No Greater Love). The next morning, Ruth fixes breakfast for Patty and Anton and discusses the situation. (Politics and Hearts) Anton knows that he must leave so not to endanger Patty and Ruth. That night, Patty brings Anton what little money she can to help him get along. Anton gives Patty his most prized possession, a ring. (Anton Leaves/Stay Here reprise) Days pass, no word from Anton. Patty’s younger sister, Sharon, is doted on by her father as being the next Shirley Temple. (Smile Your Cares Away) Government investigators show up in town asking questions about the escapee, Reiker. When they come into the Bergen’s store, it’s made known that Patty had befriended Anton by selling him items including a broach that he used during his escape. Patty’s abusive father tries to reason his anger with Patty. (Her Eyes). When it is discovered that Patty has harbored Anton, Harry Bergen is enraged. Ruth tries to defend Patty, but only gets fired in the process. (And I Shall Live) When told that Patty will be going to home for juveniles, her mother tries to cope with the situation as Patty is led away. (Thinking of the Children / The Mob / And I Shall Live –reprise) Ruth visits Patty in the juvenile home. Patty realizes she must have the strength to carry on, on her own. (Stay Here 3 / When God Whispers Here / I Am Not Afraid) Ruth leaves Patty standing on her own.
Bette Greene made comments at the close of the opening night from her seat in the theater which are included.