In 2011, Andrew Forsthoefel decided to walk the 4,000 miles from Pennsylvania to California in order to learn the stories and immerse himself in the communities of his fellow Americans. In 2019, a new musical inspired by his story, Passing Through, premiered at Goodspeed Musicals.
In this moment of isolation due to the outbreak of COVID-19, book writer Eric Ulloa and composer-lyricist Brett Ryback reflected on their summer work and how they could use it to create good. Here, they offer 半岛体育 viewers an exclusive 30-minute concert of selections from Passing Through to benefit The Actors Fund.
鈥淪omething about the story of American and the story about human connection within our connection obviously right now is a resounding message. We miss and we crave that connection,鈥� Ulloa says. 鈥淲e thought, 'Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could share the messages of Passing Through with the community鈥攁nd even to go beyond that鈥攂ecause the show is about connection and community, what if we could share the message of Passing Through and also raise money for The Actors Fund, which is trying to help our community during this time when most of us if not all of us are completely out of work?'鈥�The video features messages from director Igor Goldin, choreographer Marcos Santana, and Forsthoefel himself, plus five songs from the musical (including one freshly orchestrated for this performance). Check it out above and consider donating to The Actors Fund.
鈥淭hank you for listening together,鈥� as Forsthoefel says. 鈥淲alk in beauty.鈥�
Song List
1. 鈥淓nd of the Road鈥� performed by Max Chernin accompanied by Brett Ryback
2. 鈥淐ut You Out鈥� performed by Max Chernin accompanied by Brett Ryback
3. 鈥淪tranger on the Side of the Road鈥� performed by Max Chernin and Celeste Rose, accompanied by Brett Ryback and Billy Bivona
4. 鈥淒e Nuevo鈥� performed by Max Chernin, Ryan Duncan, Linedy Genao, accompanied by Brett Ryback and Billy Bivona
5. 鈥淧assing Through鈥� performed by Joan Almedilla, Max Chernin, Mary Jo Mecca, Charles Gray, Garrett Long, Jim Stanek, Linedy, Jennifer Leigh Warren, Reed Armstrong, Celeste Rose, and Ryan Duncan, accompanied by Brett Ryback, Billy Bivona, Andrew Studenski, August Eriksmoen, and Ryan "Drickles" Drickey
