Information

Show Credits: Book by Tom Greenwald
Lyrics by Tom Greenwald
Music by Andrew Lippa
Book by Andrew Lippa

Description: A truly original musical that takes a look at the complexities of relationships between brothers and sisters and parents and children, set against the background of a changing America between 1950 and 1990, JOHN & JEN is a gem of a show brimming with intelligence, wit and beautiful melodies.

This is the story of Jen and her relationships with the two Johns of her life: her younger brother, who was killed in Vietnam, and his namesake, her son who is trying to find his way in a confusing world. With a cast of only two people, JOHN & JEN is a tour-de-force for two actors who take them from childhood, through adolescence and beyond.

A chamber musical, beautifully scored for piano, cello and percussion, JOHN & JEN is a musical about connections, commitments and the healing of the human heart.

Insight from the experts Staging Tip: DIRECTOR'S NOTE

This is a play about a sister and a brother, a mother and a son, about Jen's journey. It is not about abuse, the Vietnam war, talk shows or single parenting. In telling this story, simpler is better.

The show, as it evolved in readings, workshopps and productions, became simpler anfd more suggestive - leaving more to the audiences' imagination. For instance, we found that it was not necessary to relay to them in which year each scene was taking place - the dialogue and material is enough.

The physical production should also be simple. Two small boxes down left and right, a larger one up center, and two chairs up right and left are sufficient for the entire show. The three boxes contain most of the props for the show. The costumes should be basic, with pieces added on to help establish this period and ages of the characters, and the lighting should move with the show and isolate the action wherever possible.

One thought regarding style: We found that the material worked best when little or no effort was made to "play" a seven-year-old or a nine-year-old or etc. Again - honest, organic moment to moment acting is much more important. The singing, too, should be effortless and relaxed, nothing pushed or forced that makes the audience aware of the fact they are singing. When in doubt - true and unsentimental.

Gabriel Barre
September 1996