Melancholy Play
Book and Lyrics by Sarah Ruhl
Music by Todd Almond
March 2018
“Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical” is playwright Sarah Ruhl's first musical based on her 2002 play of the same title. It tells the story of Tilly, whose melancholy is of such exquisite quality that it causes every stranger she meets to fall in love with her. One day, inexplicably, Tilly becomes happy, and wreaks havoc on the lives of her paramours. Tilly’s hairdresser becomes so melancholy that she turns into an almond and it’s up to Tilly to get her back.
Cast and crew
Tara Schaefle as Tilly
Ben Rubenstein as Frank
Jim Ahrens as Lorenzo
Christine Wade as Frances
Ruthie Baker as Joan
Harrison Wade on piano
Mary Alice Hutton on violin
Fangye Sun on violin
Anne Ainomae on violin
Rosa Thompson-Vieira on cello
Directed by Lindsay Fitzgerald
Stage Managed by Krin McMillen
Music Directed by Harrison Wade
Vocal Directed by Christine Wade