Musical I'm Writing--Conversation about Art as Catharsis

Cafe Society
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Hi Cafe Society,

I wanted to share with you a piece from a musical I am writing about my own journey through Spinal Cord Injury. 16 years ago, at 21 years of age, I was paralyzed by a drunk driver and I have spent years trying to cope with my grief. Three years ago, I decided to create art (i.e. a musical) because as a musician, the creation of art makes sense as a response to adversity. All lyrics and music are composed by me.

Here’s a YouTube link for you to listen to the opening song, “Life Behind The Wheel”, if you like.
There’s nothing to see, because I’ve only recorded the audio and put in a title card.

Here’s the context:

“Life Behind The Wheel” is the opening song of “Facing the Music.” It introduces the main character, Isaac, as the show opens. Isaac, a pianist, is getting ready for a typical day full of rehearsals and concerts. The character can be described as outgoing, sarcastic, friendly, very talented, and even a bit too confident. During the course of the song, Isaac is getting dressed, packing his keyboard equipment in his car, and driving to his parents’, Rachel and Kevin, to pick up his laundry. Isaac expresses his love for his crazy and unconventional life, with wry humor but also genuine reflection regarding the path his life has taken.

I’d love to start a conversation about the viability of a musical like this, given the subject matter. I know there have been plenty of other people who have created music in response to their own personal challenges. One that comes to mind is the musical “A New Brain” by William Finn. I intended my own story to provide some sort of catharsis and help me learn to humanize and forgive the drunk driver. (The two main characters of the show are based on me and the drunk driver).

This post is not intended as self-promotion, just to initiate a discussion on people who use art as catharsis. Though I will admit, I kinda like the song and thought you all might too.

And incidentally, I would like to know what Broadway composer you think this piece is reminiscent of? I was going for a specific style.

Thanks for listening!

pianodave

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My interaction with music rarely goes beyond “Yeah, I like that”, so I can’t do much to help initiate the discussion or name the Broadway composer (though if it was a pub quiz or I had a gun to my head I might say Sondheim). But I do want to say that I liked it. Based on your description and this song I’d consider watching such a musical.