Adapted from the words of Gertrude Stein by director Frank Galati, this chamber musical weaves Stein’s philosophy on writing and her relationship with Alice B. Toklas into a tale told through movement and music.
This one-act chamber musical features an eclectic, original score by Stephen. It explores the romantic world of Stein: her capricious love affair with language, with self-expression, and with her lifelong companion Alice B. Toklas. Celebrating the worlds of literature, art, theater and music, the premiere was a co-production between About Face, the noted Chicago LGBTQ+ theater, and Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Stephen co-orchestrated the music with Brad Haak.

WINNER of 2 JOSEPH JEFFERSON AWARDS, including BEST NEW MUSICAL

5 JOSEPH JEFFERSON AWARD nominations

World Premiere – About Face Theatre at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL, on March 14, 2006

“TOP TEN – BEST OF THE YEAR”

-Time Out Chicago

“Bold, remarkable and thoroughly fascinating! Not to be missed. A gorgeous score…The singing is exquisite.”

-Chicago Tribune

“The freshest piece of musical theatre to be seen in the windy city in some time.  Stephen Flaherty’s music is inventive and sparkling.”

-Broadwayworld.com

“A beautiful and eccentric show, adapted and directed by Frank Galati, and set spinning by way of an exquisite score by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics drawn from Stein’s writings.”

-Chicago Sun Times

Production Gallery

Photos courtesy of About Face Theatre

Show Press

About Face Theatre and the Museum of Contemporary Art
Chicago, IL
(For About Face: Eric Rosen, Artistic Director; Heather Schmucker, Producing Director)

Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Gertrude Stein

Adapted and Directed by Frank Galati
Based on the writings of Gertrude Stein
Choreographed by Liza Gennaro
Music Direction by Tom Murray
Music and Vocal Arrangements by Stephen Flaherty
Orchestrations by Stephen Flaherty and Brad Haak

Set Design by Jack Magaw
Costume Design by Michelle Tidal
Lighting Design by Chris Binder
Sound Design by Rob Milburn
Production Stage Manager, Jonathan Templeton.


CAST
Cindy Gold                              Gertrude Stein

Christine Mild                         Young Gertrude Stein
Jenny Powers                          Alice B. Toklas
Zach Ford                                Ensemble
Cristen Paige                           Ensemble
Harriet Nzinga Plumpp           Ensemble
Travis Turner                           Ensemble
Bernie Yvon                             Ensemble

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Show Credits

About Face Theatre and the Museum of Contemporary Art
Chicago, IL
(For About Face: Eric Rosen, Artistic Director; Heather Schmucker, Producing Director)

Music by Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics by Gertrude Stein

Adapted and Directed by Frank Galati
Based on the writings of Gertrude Stein
Choreographed by Liza Gennaro
Music Direction by Tom Murray
Vocal Arrangements by Stephen Flaherty
Orchestrations by Stephen Flaherty and Brad Haak

Set Design by Jack Magaw
Costume Design by Michelle Tidal
Lighting Design by Chris Binder
Sound Design by Rob Milburn
Production Stage Manager, Jonathan Templeton.

Cindy Gold  Gertrude Stein
Christine Mild  Young Gertrude Stein
Jenny Powers  Alice B. Toklas
Zach Ford  Ensemble
Cristen Paige  Ensemble
Harriet Nzinga Plumpp  Ensemble
Travis Turner  Ensemble
Bernie Yvon  Ensemble