Roadwyrk
film_stage_television
Most everyone knows Shakespeare's popular story of Twelfth Night. Like its brilliant predecessor, A Wild Thing is a comedy/drama about the pursuit of love - what it is and what it definitely is not - from Violet’s quest for love in its truest form, to Malcolm’s utterly narcissistic version.
In adapting the original play to the 1960’s, my job has been largely one of translation: of language, of character, of ideas and circumstance, with a persistent search for thematic connection - to illuminate our own time through the lens of 60‘s culture and conflict.
Characters:
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Feste, Shakespeare's wise clown, has become Jackie Lee, a veteran, Black blues singer.
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Orsino is now Morrison, a reclusive rock star, moody and mercurial.
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Violet and Sebastian are twins of color from good family and education.
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Malvolio, is Malcolm Butler III, a financial planner with an attitude.
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Daughter of a judge, Olivia is the local town beauty, whose brother was killed in Vietnam.
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Antonio is now Antonia, a tough biker chick who takes crap from no-one.
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11 principals: 7 men 4 women + ensemble
The all original score is influenced by iconic artists and sounds of the period. There are demos of most of the 25 musical numbers., including a recent session with legendary sax player, Lou Marini (original Saturday Night Live Band, Blues Bros., etc).
For selections of book & music or the complete libretto and score, please contact Michael or Mark. CONTACT
The composer sings "Brother Blues" from the score of A WILD THING.
A short clip from the Finale, featuring legendary sax man, Lou Marini (original Saturday Night Live Band, Blues Bros., etc).
SYNOPSIS: A young woman, Violet, survives a storm at sea which has claimed the life of her twin brother. Alone and heartsick, she dresses in her brother’s clothing and sets out to make a new life, finding work with Morrison, a reclusive rock star who has fallen for Olivia, the town beauty. Olivia soon falls for Violet (disguised as a boy), while Violet has herself fallen for Morrison. This unrequited love triangle and other happenings on her journey, lead Violet to realize that disguise comes with consequences. In the end, she learns to stand up for herself in a new way, and all love problems are resolved... with the understanding there will always be storms on the horizon.
LYRICS (excerpts)
#1. A WILD THING -- Jackie Lee & Company
LOVE IS A WILD THING
THERE AIN’T NO CURE
ANGEL OR DEVIL
NEVER KNOW FOR SURE
HEARTBREAK HOTEL
JUST AROUND THE BEND
AND THEN YOU’RE ROLLIN’
ON THE RIVER AGAIN
LOVE IS A WILD THING
BIG WHEEL TURNIN’
AND THE NIGHT BIRD SING
MAD HEART YEARNIN’
BAD MOON BURNIN
LOVE IS A WILD THING
#4. BROTHER BLUES -- Toby, Maria
WHAT A PLAGUE OF MY NIECE
TO TAKE THE DEATH OF
HER BROTHER THIS WAY
WHAT A PLAGUE OF THIS YEAR
TO STEAL THE BREATH OF
MY NEPHEW AWAY
WHAT A PLAGUE OF THIS WORLD
TO FIND ANOTHER
YOUNG SOLDIER TO SLAY
WHAT A PLAGUE OF MY SOUL
TO WALK THE GROUND
WHERE THEY LAID HIM AWAY
#9. I AM THE MAN -- Violet
I AM THE MAN
IF IT BE SO AS TIS
SHE'S UNDER SOME DELUSION
WHAT MY GENDER IS
SOMEHOW IT FILLS A
NEED INSIDE OF ME
LIKE TAMING RIVERS
TO MY DESTINY
OR CLINGING TO MY
BROTHER'S MEMORY
#24. HELTER SKELTER -- Malcolm swears revenge.
ONE DAY I WILL COME BACK
AND ALL YOUR PAISLEY
HEARTS WILL CRACK
YOUR PRECIOUS PURPLE HAZE
I’LL PAINT IT BLACK
I’LL BE THAT COLD METALLIC
RINGING IN YOUR EAR
TO EVERY THING
THAT YOU HOLD DEAR
I WILL BRING FEAR
AND ALL THE LAND WILL SWELTER
AS THE PEOPLE CRY FOR SHELTER
WHEN THEY PLAY MY
REVOLUTIONARY GAME
HELTER SKELTER
HELTER SKELTER