17th Annual Student Research Conference
Language & Literature
The Way: A New Musical Based on the Lyrics and Music of Ani DiFranco
Katherine M. Ramatowski
Dr. Bob Mielke, Faculty Mentor
Inspired by the growing trend of developing plots for musicals around the preexisting musical texts of successful popular artists (i.e. Abba's "Mama Mia," Boy George's "Taboo," and Ben Elton and Queen's "We Will Rock You"), this piece was created by borrowing the lyrics and music of contemporary folk musician, Ani DiFranco. Using fourteen of DiFranco's original songs, a story focused on four friends dealing with issues of sexual orientation, friendship, drug abuse, and love in the urban environment of New York City ensued. Although the work was written specifically with filming in mind, key scenes will be performed throughout a summarized presentation describing in detail character development, setting description, and proposed filming techniques.
Keywords: Ani DiFranco, Film, Musicals, Lyrics, Folk, Friendship, Love, Sexual Orientation
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 35-2
Location: VH 1412
Time: 2:45