Book and Lyrics by Bill Nelson
Music by Anna K. Jacobs
Heath is a gay farmer who’s making his way in a rural community where homogeneity rules. When his city-born partner, Julian, talks him into joining a spirited group of gay guys who meet once a week to sing, Heath discovers a love for making music and a kinship he didn’t expect. But his world is turned upside down when the group decides to perform in public, threatening everything that matters to him, including the life he’s made with the man he loves.
HARMONY, KANSAS received its world premiere production at Diversionary Theatre in 2012. The show has been nominated by the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle for three 2012 Craig Noel Awards for Outstanding New Musical, Outstanding New Score, and Outstanding Direction of a Musical. It also won four 2012 SCENIE (StageSceneLA) Awards, including Best World Premiere Musical.
HARMONY, KANSAS features a cast of 7 men.
Audio
HARMONY, KANSAS (recorded live at Ars Nova, NYC)
Lyrics by Bill Nelson
Music by Anna K. Jacobs
Featuring: Nick Cearley, Joel Esher, Bryan Scott Johnson, Eric William Morris, Keith Potts, Bryan Charles Rooney, Arri Simon, Paul Victor, Bruce Warren, Joe Longthorne, Mike Maloney, and Luke Redmond.
Musical Direction: Katya Stanislavskaya.
Gallery
HARMONY, KANSAS at Diversionary Theatre
Photos by Michelle Caron/Ken Jacques/Ana Pines
Press
“A tuneful and touching story.” – Bill Eadie, Talkin’ Broadway
“Makes your heart sing with joy.” – Carol Davis, Examiner.com
“A funny, warm-spirited, ultimately touching evening.” – Jeff Smith, San Diego Reader
“Gently comic, one-of-a-kind show.” – James Hebert, U-T San Diego
“The sound of these seven fine voices blending in glee club/1950s jazz harmonies make the show a must-see.” “A human story with well-written and brilliantly acted characters.” – Jean Lowerison, SDGLN
“Jacobs’ music ranges from beautiful a capella anthems (sometimes in six-part harmony), to romantic ballads, choral hymns, folk tunes and country-western infused laments.” “Bound to please future audiences around the country.” – Anne Marie Welsh, North County Times
“Succeeds on so many levels that it’s hard to know which to talk about first.” “Jacobs’ catchy melodies and Nelson’s clever lyrics announcing the arrival of an important new musical theater-writing team.” – Steven Stanley, Stage Scene LA
History
Productions:
- Diversionary Theatre (dir. James Vasquez), CA, 2012
Workshops/Readings:
- Goodspeed Musicals Festival of New Artists, CT, 2012
- Singing OnStage Productions, NYC, 2011