The Sound of Music
Music by Richard Rogers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse
Directed by Dr. Frank Tortorella
Musical Direction by Richard Barnett
On June 6, 7, and 8, 2008 STEMM presented this musical favorite about a family in Austria on the brink of World War II. With such classic songs as Do Re Mi, My Favorite Things, Climb Every Mountain, and others, this was truly a treat for the whole family.
Fiddler on the Roof
Music by Jerry Bock
Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Book by Joseph Stein
Directed by Joe Scholz
Musical Direction by Richard Barnett
Choreography by Luci Hughes
On June 8, 9, and 10, 2007 a truly multigenerational cast of ages 8 to 80+ presented the popular musical about a Jewish milkman in turn of the century Russia. The story centers around Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and religious traditions while the world and civilization around him change rapidly. He must cope with the actions of his three older daughters and with an edict of the Tsar that upends his village.
Click HERE to see photos from the performance.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed by Dr. Frank Tortorella
Musical Direction by Rich Barnett
On June 7, 8, and 9, 2006 the Choir Connection of St. Edward Church presented the popular Andrew Lloyd Webber musical that tells the story from the book of Genesis of Joseph and his coat of many colors. With Luci Hughes as the Narrator, Zack Rogers as Joseph, and Kevin Reynolds as the Pharaoh, and a wonderful wacky intergenerational cast with ages 8 to 60+.
Click HERE to see photos from the performance.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!
Written by Barbara Robinson
Directed by Dr. Frank Tortorella
Musical Direction by Rich Barnett
On December 18, 2005, the Choir Connection of St. Edward Church presented Barbara Robinson’s comical yet touching play based on her own best selling and widely read children’s book “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”
The action takes place over several weeks as Grace Bradley reluctantly takes over the role of directing her church’s annual Christmas pageant. Although she encounters many obstacles including having to deal with the Herdmans, the most horrible kids in school who decide to participate in the Christmas Pageant despite the fact they have never been to church before, she vows to make it the best Christmas pageant ever.
Click HERE to see photos from the performance.
Dave Brubeck
On May 6 and 7 2005, legendary jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck joined the choir of St. Edward Church and members of the Richmond Symphony in performing his Pentecost oratorio “Voice of the Holy Spirit: Tongues of Fire” to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its premiere. Russell Gloyd conducted with baritone soloist James Weaver. Dave Brubeck was also joined by Bobby Militello on sax and flute, Michael Moore on bass, and Randy Jones on drums for a set of jazz favorites.
In 1985, the choir of St. Edward’s, under the direction of Rich Barnett, was chosen to perform the world preview of “Voice of the Holy Spirit” as well as at the world premiere at the National Pastoral Musicians Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Click HERE to see photos from the performance.
St. Edward at St. Edward:
The Musical, The Sequel, The Return of the King!
Written and directed by Dr. Frank Tortorella
Musical direction by Richard Barnett
In October 2004, as the church celebrated the Feast of St Edward the Confessor, the Choir Connection of St. Edward Church presented the annual musical comedy revue of parish life. Dr. Frank Tortorella put pen to paper once again setting lyrics to tunes from such Broadway shows as Camelot, Fiddler on the Roof, A Chorus Line, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and more. Through the years there have been numerous productions of “The Show” at St. Edward Church, other parishes, and Diocesan celebrations.
Click HERE to see photos from the show.
Godspell
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by John-Michael Telebak
Directed by Dr. Frank Tortorella
Musical Direction by Rich Barnett
On April 23, 24, and 25, 2004 the Choir Connection of St. Edward Church presented John-Michael Telebak and Stephen Schwartz’s musical based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew. Godspell is the retelling of the life of Jesus and the parables through hilarious skits and a variety of musical numbers ranging from vaudeville to gospel to pop. With a lively main cast of youth and a spirited intergenerational chorus, Godspell helped add a special spirit to the Easter season. This also marked the first full scale musical theater production at St. Edward Church for Rich Barnett since returning as full time Music Minister.
Click HERE to see photos from the show.