“Lightkeepers: A New Musical” is an original work written and directed by Aaron Hall and features music and lyrics written by Gabe Von Oven.
Gabe Von Oven and Aaron Hall met while they were a sophomore and freshman in college, studying theatre. They both had a passion for creating art and decided that they wanted to take on the larger task of creating a musical, not just a musical, but a historically-based musical, or anything that was based on a movie or a book. With a new world, new characters, and a new fresh story, using just their imaginations.
“Lightkeepers: A new musical” is set in the fall of 1938 at Grantlin Bay Lighthouse. Otto, the lighthouse keeper, faces unexpected challenges when two young men, Mac and August, arrive as prisoners for him to keep.
One day in the midst of a terrible storm, two women arrive with a secret mission of their own. As relationships develop, the truth starts to surface and be revealed. So, Otto must make the decision of solitary life or to embrace companionship.
Let me introduce you to the cast of characters:
OTTO: Conor Finnerty-Esmonde; HARVEY: Jeff Stringer; AUGUST: Judah Fox; MAC: Carlin Campbell; VIOLET: Jackie Zliczewski; CARMEN: Autumn Romines, and WRIGHT: Luke Merrick.
The BOOK is written by Aaron Hall. MUSIC and LYRICS written by Gabriel Von Oven; DIRECTOR is Aaron Hall; STAGE MANAGER is Melanie Ernst; MUSIC DIRECTOR is Dion Castro; CHOREOGRAPHER is Kelsey Hall; SOUND DESIGN by Judah Fox; PRODUCER is Nick Haney; PROJECTION DESIGN by Aaron Hall. This is all copyrighted.
The project/production had been almost three years in the making. In September 2021, Gabe and Aaron started brainstorming ideas for a completely new and original musical. That brainstorming was soon followed by countless outlines, endless sessions of writings, rewritings and conversations. They conducted a few public readings and now they finally saw it onstage for the very first time, in front of a live audience on September 9, at the First Baptist Church in Branson, MO.
While that night was a large milestone for them, it was also a great building block that takes them forward to their best journey. Going into it they knew it would have flaws, but they did an outstanding job. Their progress will come slowly, but they are so excited to have been able to get through it with a great production that was well received by all that was in attendance. They will reach their ultimate goal and grow stronger through the process of all that goes with doing such a production.
Aaron and Gabe would like to thank all of the cast, the crew, and the church, as it was a first for them. And thanks for the support of a dream that they have. All the cast worked tirelessly and willingly to make it happen. Aaron stated that, "The cast were the real stars of the show for coming together just months before and making it a successful show; he is very proud of them all." He also wanted to say, "Thank you to all that was in attendance, and hoping that the story took you in and wrapped you up in the time and music, just as it did the cast. It is such a great gift to be able to imitate our Creator through this Act of Worship and Creativity. We give him all the grace, thanks and glory." And if you were in attendance, you are now an Honorary Light-Keeper!
Since the showing, they have been completing other stepping stones. They have met with several industry professionals and received valuable feedback on what to pursue next.
I have listed the suggestions below:
To create four to five professional made demos, create sheet music, arrange orchestration arrangements, and create an official website. This will help them with further and future endeavors.
But they will need your help. They have set up a GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/58ae5126 . This is where you can donate to help them. You may find them on Instagram: lightkeepersmusical.
I, Luanna, thought that this joint effort in the making was a great musical, and I am inspired that they will go on to big things. I look forward to seeing what they can do and am happy to know that they will do good things.
Comments