This is the first effort of its kind -- a bridge between author, producer, and
theatre lovers on the World Wide Web. POPE JOAN is
a new work of musical theatre that will grow and change on its
journey from a local Chicago workshop to the New York stage. The
comments and suggestions that you
make will directly affect the way our web works to translate a theatre
piece to multimedia format. Those same suggestions may affect the evolution of
the show itself. We invite you to join us for an inside look at
the development of POPE JOAN -- The Musical.
Workshop Elements
- The News of the Week
- Production Coordinator Susan Lersch writes a guide which allows theatre lovers a
"behind the scenes view" of what it takes to produce a musical in the
1990s.
- The following essays were written during the workshop production of
POPE JOAN that took place at Chicago's Roosevelt University, May 15-17th, 1997.
- May 17th is the Feast of St. Paschal Baylon, Confessor. St. Paschal was born
in Spain. His youth was spent tending flocks. He entered the Order of St. Francis
at twenty years of age, and became a model of all religious virtues. He died in
1592. Leo XIII declared him protector of all Eucharistic Congresses.
- THE ROLE OF SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION IN POPE JOAN
- Author Christopher Moore explains how his work on POPE JOAN has transformed his spritual
perspective. "I wrote this play to understand the role that
my faith, both in spirit and form, has played and continues to
play in my life."
- POPE JOAN - HOW AND WHY
- Producer Michael Butler explains just how he got involved with this
musical and why it still holds such a strong attraction for him.
- The following essays originated during the Chicago Production
of POPE JOAN, which closed on March, 10, 1996.
- March 10th is the Feast of the 40 Holy Martyrs. Under Emperor Licinuus, in 320, forty
soldiers of the garrison of Sebaste, Armenia, were exposed on a frozen pond for refusing
to sacrifice to idols. All persevered but one, whose courage failed him, and who perished
in a bath of tepid waters prepared for him. Their guard, inspired by their fortitude, took his
place amongst the remaining thirty-nine soldiers and expired with them, also meriting the
crown of martyrdom.
- Pages from Michael Butler's Memoirs
- Producer Michael Butler shares insights from his career in
theatre and more.
- The Producer's Report
- In this candid report, Michael Butler summarizes the successes and failures of the production
of POPE JOAN mounted in Chicago in early 1996. It offers great insight into the business aspects
of theatre.
- Rewriting Pope Joan
- An essay by playwright Christopher Moore, offers some wonderful insights into how he went
about accomplishing the latest rewrite of the script.
Both the original and the current versions of some scenes are
available for review.
- Writing the Score for Pope Joan
- A second essay from the playwright
explains how the score was developed.
- Directing Pope Joan
- Christopher Moore provides some interesting insights into the unique challenges presented
in directing the musical that you wrote.
- A Note on the Scene Design/A Word about the Lighting
- Scenic and Lighting Designer Andrew Meyers discusses some of the challenges he faced in
designing a show with 20 scenes that happens to be set in 857 AD.
- What is a Movement Director?
- Movement Director Angela Allyn explains her role in the POPE JOAN production team.
- A True Company Man
- Company Manager Will Hepp explains why if you never hear of him again it means that he's "doin' the job just
right."
- The Communications Decency Act and Pope Joan
- Webmistress Marian Hank explains the suprising connection between Pope Joan and the
fight to keep freedom of speech alive in cyberspace.
- One Voice
- Mary Beidler, who plays Martine in the Chicago Production, explains her spiritual connection
to the woman called Pope Joan.
- God is in the Details
- Prop Designer Tom Hartman takes you on a whirlwind tour of Chicago stores in
his quest for the perfect props for POPE JOAN.
Care to comment or leave a message? Visit the Pope Joan Post Office
Register now for updates and information!