I feel compelled to write about a conversation I had at IRT the other night with an old acquaintance of mine, Tom Alvarez. As we chatted in the cabaret just before seeing The Mystery of Irma Vep, Tom told me about a project he is working on – a new musical which will be presented as a short one hour piece at next summer’s IndyFringe. The plan is to subsequently expand that into a full length Broadway style musical for later production.

This new musical is being put together under the working title “Calder: The Musical” and Tom is collaborating on the project with a musician friend,  Dustin Klein, who joined our conversation later. They both spoke excitedly about the process of creating a show which includes forming a corporation, finding funding, plans for work-shopping the project as well as having an upcoming appearance on WISH-TV 8’s morning program Indy Style next Thursday (2/21/16) at 9 am.

tom-alvarez-and-dustin-klein-by-crowes-eye-photography

Dustin Klein (right) and Tom Alvarez, collaborators of “Calder: The Musical”

A little about the subject matter – Alexander Calder, the American sculptor known as the originator of the mobile and other mechanized pieces originally worked as a mechanical engineer, but he had a life-changing experience aboard a ship which launched him into his remarkable and prolific artistic career. The musical intends to bring his life in art to life as art.

It won’t be until March that any opportunity for local performers will become available when auditions for the work-shop version of the show are held. I understand that from this working cast, the cast for the local premiere of the show will likely be formed. I’ll try to keep you informed – stay tuned.

PS – you can read more about the project here and here .

Photo by Crowes Eye Photography