It began as a story for her child before her daughter was born. And the concept was conceived over long walks by the Hermosa Beach Pier. Evernight: The Musical, was to be a “musical narration” of sorts, a compilation of music influenced by her travels to Japan, her love of the Celtic/Medieval culture, and the dark tales of fantasy read to her by her father. Composer Maia Rodriguez, teamed with recording artist David Schulz, created the world of Evernight and set it to music; much like something out of a Tim Burton film, or a land painted by Brian Froud.
The album took two years to build. Pregnant & spending a lot of time commuting in morning traffic from Redondo Beach to Burbank, Maia was amazed by the incredible talent that wanted to jump on board & help weave the tale. Featured artists on the album have been heard with the Pacific Symphony and the Philharmonie der Nationen in Germany & Spain. It was narrated by voice over talent, Sky McDougall (Passions, MadTV). And thus, with the album completed, the journey was thought to have come to an end.
Until a phone call last June changed all that.
David Schulz, now producer at the Star Theatre, asked if the Evernight world premiere could be hosted at his theatre. And so what was thought to be the end of the book was merely the closing of a chapter. Two and a half years after the birth of her daughter, both Maia & David’s children now sang their hearts out to the original tunes. And in one year’s time, June 2010, this music would come to life onstage.
A whimsical story set in a dark land, the world of Evernight is cursed by the dark fairy, Muiraid, to remain forever hidden from the sun. It follows Bryony—who was tricked by the fairy—thus trading her husband for a pair of rare magical gifts. And so, gifts in tow, and in only her rags and bare little feet, she embarks on an impossible journey across the world to rescue the man she loves. Along the way, she encounters a skeptical fox by the name of Master Sho, and a band of outlandish & merry River Pirates. Together, they join forces in the battle of their lives, learning along the way the true meaning of friendship and love.
It is a love story, exploring the realities of what marriage vows mean, and the sacrifices we sometimes have to make to see them through.
It is a comedy, with the onset of the River Pirates, who aren’t very good at sailing. So they practice on a river barge until they can muster enough funds to purchase their own ship.
It is a tale of friendship. Children and adults will be heart warmed by the charming Master Sho, a clever fox who follows Bryony until the end.
Casting began back in February in Orange County, with a workshop cast meeting every Sunday to build the story and sing the music. It is truly an example of something evolving from nothing. Where once there was no music, now there is a full score. Where once there was only music, now there is a script. Bit by bit, piece by piece, each element was laid out.
“I am bothered by so many new musicals I hear nowadays,” says Maia. “like there has to be a certain musical formula followed that sounds “Broadway”. That works if you like Broadway, but alienates those who don’t. I, personally, am a lover of world music, and I believe that to bring the public to see a musical, they have to be hearing something just more than “Broadway”. They have to hear music that they can relate to. So a touch of folk, maybe some rock, maybe some taiko drums, or a beautiful cello… and melodies that lock into the memory. To me, it’s refreshing. I was a vagabond in my 20’s, so I bring this conglomeration of musical styles to this piece in the hopes that audiences of varied musical tastes will appreciate it.”
And as a final added touch, Maia asked her father, Raul Rodriguez, to paint a picture of this world. Raul, born and raised in Havanna, Cuba, was a talented singer & artist. He spent his career in Cleveland, Ohio, as an accomplished architect. The finished artwork is now featured on the album, and will be displayed at the show’s premiere. A fitting touch, as it was Raul who read the stories of Tolkein to her so long ago, budding her love of fantasy.
For more information, please visit www.evernightthemusical.com
Read more...