"All Is Calm" videos
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Meet the cast!
Notes from the directors
"All Is Calm" Director John Mazurek
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Every once in a while, a book, song, movie or show comes along that changes your life. For me, All is Calm is that show. Although I’ve heard the story, it wasn’t until I listened to an Audible presentation that I learned, as Paul Harvey would say, “the rest of the story.” As I finished the book I received a call from one of my best friends, MJ Harper, who told me that she just listened to an amazing piece of music called . . . wait for it . . . All is Calm. I was listening to the book and she was listening to the music at exactly the same time. Coincidence? I think not. We then and there decided we had to give this show to you.
All is Calm is a true Christmas story. It is a story of humanity. It is a story about how people can persevere and overcome even in the most horrific situations. It reminds all of us that the individuals who fight, no matter what side of the line, are human with human emotions, thoughts and beliefs. In October of this year – just as we were starting rehearsal – I almost lost my mother. I did lose my father. October and November were difficult times. All is Calm, and this amazing cast kept me going. These 18 young people have made me smile and laugh and cry. I thank each and every one of them for all of their time, their energy and their love. I dedicate this show to my father and my brother who are celebrating their first Christmas together with their Heavenly Father. I hope you enjoy this show as much as I do. John Mazurek |
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"All Is Calm" Music Director MJ Harper
When I was introduced to this show, I immediately thought of my friend John Mazurek. I knew that he would be able to do great things with this story and march through the balance of humor and solemnity that is required in a production such as this. He happened to be reading the book at the same time — it certainly felt like stars aligning!
Musically, this story begins at Flanders Field. It travels back to the start of the recruitment process, mixing popular tunes of the times with hymns and traditional pieces. The story is told through unaccompanied vocal production interspersed with letters and poetry, meaning that each soldier must play a multitude of roles and be ready to jump in and out of the choral sound as well as side to side. Audience members will hear British and German, as expected, but our cast also performs in French and Flemish. This is one of the most difficult shows I have ever had the opportunity to be part of. I am blessed beyond all understanding to work with this band of soldier singers performing on stage this evening. Their ability to juggle parts, languages, accents, and emotional weight that this show entails has been inspirational. These high-caliber performers hail from communities near and no so near and vary in ages and musical experiences — much like the real soldiers they are portraying. Be prepared to laugh, to cry, to feel all of the feelings, and to celebrate a pause amidst the cold winter, December 1914.
MJ Harper
Musically, this story begins at Flanders Field. It travels back to the start of the recruitment process, mixing popular tunes of the times with hymns and traditional pieces. The story is told through unaccompanied vocal production interspersed with letters and poetry, meaning that each soldier must play a multitude of roles and be ready to jump in and out of the choral sound as well as side to side. Audience members will hear British and German, as expected, but our cast also performs in French and Flemish. This is one of the most difficult shows I have ever had the opportunity to be part of. I am blessed beyond all understanding to work with this band of soldier singers performing on stage this evening. Their ability to juggle parts, languages, accents, and emotional weight that this show entails has been inspirational. These high-caliber performers hail from communities near and no so near and vary in ages and musical experiences — much like the real soldiers they are portraying. Be prepared to laugh, to cry, to feel all of the feelings, and to celebrate a pause amidst the cold winter, December 1914.
MJ Harper
A special thank you:
A very special thank you to Amanda Minton and the Crawford County Historical Museum for their historical expertise and providing historical artifacts for the lobby.
Like the exhibit? Visit the museum! Wed-Thurs, 9 AM-3PM Fri 9AM-4PM, Sat 10AM-4PM 651 S. Highway 69, Pittsburg, KS 620-231-1440 www.crawfordcountymuseum.com Follow CCHM: |
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