- Myths and Hymns
-
Myths and Hymns (originally known as Saturn Returns) is a song cycle by composer Adam Guettel, based on Greek myth and lyrics found in an antique hymnal.[1]
Myths and Hymns was first performed Off-Broadway at the Public Theater on March 31, 1998 and closed on April 26, 1998 after 16 performances. It was directed by Tina Landau with a cast of 6 performers that included Annie Golden, Michael-Daniel Tapiaramos, Jose Ilana and Bob Stilman.[2][3] Myths and Hymns is structured as a revue, with no through plot. Performed in concert format, it concerns the relationship of humans to gods, past and present. [4] The songs range from electronic jazz and piano ballad to gospel and musical theater.
Contents
Song list
A cast recording was released by Nonesuch on March 30, 1999. The performers on the recording include some of the off-Broadway cast, and also include others who were not in that production. Performers include: Adam Guettel, Audra McDonald, Mandy Patinkin, Kristin Chenoweth, Vivian Cherry, Billy Porter and Theresa McCarthy.[5][6]
Songs on the recording in its final form:
- Children of the Heavenly King
- At the Sounding
- Saturn Returns
- Icarus
- Migratory V
- Link
- Hero and Leander
- Sisyphus
- Come to Jesus
- How Can I Lose You?
- Awaiting You
- The Great Highway
- There's a Land
- Saturn Returns (Reprise)
European Premiere
The show had its European premiere at the Finborough Theatre, London, on 22 April 2007, and was scheduled to run a further two performances on 29 April and 6 May. Due to popular demand the show was scheduled for two further performances on 30 April and 7 May. Directed by Tom Cooper, the cast featured Leon Craig, Ashleigh Gray, Hazel Holder, Craig Purnell, David Randall, and Caroline Sheen.[7]
"... This is musical theatre that is challenging, compelling and compulsive... there is an astonishing intelligence and physicality throughout... bring yourself to it - as the fiercely committed cast of Tom Cooper’s production do - and it one of the most rewarding experiences you can have..." Mark Shenton, "The Stage"[7]
- Song list
The show's order followed that of the score rather than the recording:
- Prometheus
- Saturn Returns
- Icarus
- Migratory V
- Pegasus
- Jesus the Might Conqueror
- Children of the Heavenly King
- At the Sounding
- Build a Bridge
- Sisyphus
- Life is but a Dream
- Link
- Hero & Leander
- Come to Jesus
- How Can I Lose You?
- Awaiting You
- The Great Highway
- There’s a Land
- Saturn Returns (Reprise)
References
- ^ Gutman, Les."Review of 'Saturn Returns: A Concert' ", curtainup.com, ca. April 9, 1998
- ^ Lortel Internet Off-Broadway Database listing for "Saturn Returns: A Concert", lortel.org, accessed February 20, 2009
- ^ Hetrick, Adam."Guettel's Myths and Hymns Will Be Seen in Canada in 2009", playbill.com, December 1, 2008
- ^ Cain, Scott.Review, Cincinnati, Myths and Hymns, talkinbroadway.com, December 1, 2000
- ^ Recording listing amazon.com, accessed February 20, 2009
- ^ Suskin, Steven."On the Record:Little Me, Charlie Brown and especially, Adam Guettel", playbill.com, March 21, 1999
- ^ a b Myths and Hymns listing at the archive of the Finborough Theatre finboroughtheatre.co.uk, accessed February 20, 2009
External links
- "Review:Myths Made Potent Through Stylistic Somersaults,The New York Times, April 10, 1998
- Time Magazine, May 17, 1999
Adam Guettel musicals Floyd Collins · Love's Fire · Saturn Returns · The Light in the Piazza
Categories:- Song cycles
- Musicals based on religious traditions
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