A Write Teacher(s) Spotlight: If It Only Even Runs A Minute, 11th Edition

Hello Beautiful People, 

Prepare yourself for a gush fest.

A gushy, mushy, love type of fest.

Tonight, I had the honor and pleasure of attending the eleventh edition of the If It Only Even Runs A Minute concert series, the brain child and masterpiece of Jennifer Ashley Tepper, Kevin Michael Murphy, and Caleb Hoyer. 

My. Heart. Is. So. Full.

Full of hope,

Full of inspiration, 

Full of love,

Full of happiness.

I am not one to get misty eyed, but I did this evening. Multiple times. 

I can only hope that my words will do this beautiful piece of musical theater magic the justice it deserves.

First things first, let me explain what the If It Only Even Runs A Minute concert series is about…

If It Only Even Runs A Minute is an award-winning concert series that celebrates rare songs, behind-the-scenes tales, and inspiring photos from “underappreciated musicals”, or for those of you who are not familiar with that term – flops. Underappreciated sounds so much better, doesn’t it?

The series, which was created by Jennifer Ashley Tepper, Kevin Michael Murphy, and Caleb Hoyer, has had ten concerts so far, tonight was the eleventh installment.

Tonight, April 22, 2012, a rather impressive crowd gathered at Le Poisson Rouge to see the eleventh edition of If It Only Even Runs A Minute, as they had been on a ten month hiatus, for Kevin Michael Murphy, one-third of the terrific trifecta is currently on tour with The Book of Mormon. Before the first light cue, before the first note was sung, before the first slide was shown – you could just feel the excitement and anticipation of the crowd…

…and it was awesome.

Tonight featured performances and stories from Loni Ackerman, George Lee Andrews, Bertilla Baker, Renee Claire Bergeron, Margery Cohen, Marlene Danielle, Andre De Sheilds, Brandon Victor Dixon, Jake Epstein, Daniel Everidge, Scott Gagan, Danielle Gimbal, Christopher Ketner, Cale Krise, Kelvin Moon Lah, Brynn O’Malley, Michon Peacock, Monet Julia Sabel, Amanda Michelle Savan, Kacie Sheik, Bret Shuford, Ryan Speakman, Larry Spivack, Taylor Trensch, and Freida Williams…

…and they featured the shows of A Broadway Musical, Georgy, Greenwich Village USA, Haarlem Nocturne, La Strada, The Last Resorts, Rockabye Hamlet, The Scottsboro Boys, Soon,  and Starting Here, Starting Now.

If I wrote about how much I loved each and every story and song and person up on the stage tonight I’d have my first novel…which is a bit long for this article.  So, I applaud all of you.  I am in awe of all you.  I was moved by all of you.  As my dear friend Joe Iconis said in regards to this evening, “I am so inspired and lucky to know so many incredible artists.” I have to echo his words. 

I must also pay tribute to those who brought tears to my eyes and goosebumps to my skin. 

Kacie Sheik, it’s as if Bernadette Peters herself was upon the stage this evening.  I cannot imagine anyone else who could have done that song justice, but I do not even want to start comparisons of any nature, for your presence, your performance, your heart, and the strength of your voice was outstanding. Like any good songstress, you told a story and took the whole room on a journey with you. You took my breath away, and I have no doubt the rest of the crowd felt the same way.

Loni Ackerman, George Lee Andrews, and Margery Cohen...I am a better playwright, actress, director, teacher, and person from sharing the same space as you all tonight.  There are no words that will do my admiration justice. Know that I am grateful to have had the chance to see you all, to hear you all, and I have most certainly learned so much from  you all. 

I could have listened to Scott Fagan speak for hours. The history that he has lived through, the things that he spoke about, the stories I’m sure he has yet to tell, it was amazing. And yes, I’m going to go for the pun, but I sure hope someone uncovers the rest of them Soon. 

André DeShields…there are no words, other than thank you, thank you, thank you. Watching you tonight was a bit of Broadway magic…brought downtown. It was outstanding. Absolutely outstanding. 

 

 

This concert would not be possible without Jennifer Ashley Tepper, Kevin Michael Murphy, and Caleb Hoyer, and so, it is only fitting to give them the words of praise that they deserve.  You all have created something truly beautiful. So many shows are magical and beautiful and wonderful and they moves people and change lives…and yet, if the dollars and cents don’t reach that tally, if the producing Gods don’t agree, and if for some reason all the stars do not align, that masterpiece closes.  And it’s not fair.  And it’s sad.  And our hearts break a little bit, because we can all see it, the message, the importance, the heart of the art in it, and it’s so frustrating when that is not enough, for it should always be enough…

…but…

You three have given these pieces a chance to live again. To breathe again. To be again.

And that dear friends, is a beautiful thing.

That dear friends, is what art is all about.

I am humbled to know you all.

Live, Love, Learn,

Megan & The Write Teacher(s)