Putting the Muse in Musical

The Innovise Guys are once again talking to The Artist's Way author Julia Cameron. This time it's about her new musical, The Medium at Large, written in collaboration with Emma Lively, her long-time creative collaborator. Emma, the Guys, and Julia talk about the show, set to open in previews October 17 and run October 19 through November 16 at the Village Players Performing Arts Center in Oak Park, Illinois at 1010 Madison Street.

The spiritually inspired musical comedy deals with ghosts, romance, and mischief in New York City in 1938. The topic of the play was suggested at a dinner party by a grieving friend, features a medium character inspired by long-time friend and mentor Max Showalter, and stars renowned Chicago and Tony nominated actor John Herrara. Emma Lively observed, "The idea of the ghosts is incredibly rich -- leaving much room for mystery, inspiration, and humor. Our goal with this unusual love story is to remind the audience that we're never a lone, and those who have passed on are still with us." In the interview, the nature of inspiration is explored – “Many songs came to me complete with words and music”, said Julia. Adds Emma, “Yes, we believe that creativity is out there and artists are those who tap into that source and bring it into being.”

The playwrights and composers speak of the nature of collaboration, creative process, development, and of the fun, the play, and the humor that inspires their work. They also invoked the spirits of Rogers and Hammerstein. Artist’s Way devotees may find the play especially appealing, but it is a truly human play with universal themes of loss, love, connection and coping – with a lightening comfort – about those we hold dear who have passed on. The artists acknowledge that their blithe sense of humor infuses the work – so it should leave the audience “inspired and hopeful”. For more information and tickets, find it at www.village-players.org or by calling 866-764-1010. Sample video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=25lSoeETp3U