My Book Becomes A Fantastic “Princess Shayna Musical” Collaborative Workshop Experience!

Princess Shayna Workshop Sessions
Yesterday and today, I had the privilage of attending the 3 hour workshop sessions for the Princesss Shayna Musical production that will perferformed at the Raue Center, in Crystal Lake, Illinois, on this coming Friday, August 5th, at 7:00pm.Musical Production
Billy Seger, who is an education instructor at the Raue Center, has adapted my book, Princess Shayna’s Invisible Visible Gift and written the remarkable songs for the production. Billy is collaborating with Evan Swanson, who is orchestrating the music. Jessica Urban, who is the RCSA education coordinator & producer, is managing the production, and Savannah Thomas, who is also is an educations instructor, is also helping with the production.“Brainbow” Musical Cast
The cast is consists of of 14 student who range in ages from 4th grade to 12th grade. The cast includes 2 boys and 12 girls. They all have had some experience
Morning Warm-Ups
Each morning begins with Evan leading the actors through variou yoga posture to stretch and relax their bodies. Then he leads the students through
Practicing Script and Songs
Reading the script and practicing the songs comes next. The students are working on the beginning of the story and the four different villages. Billy has done a incredible job adapting my family fairy tale into this fantastic musical production! Evan’s orchestration of the songs and his collaboration with Billy is superb! The different melodies and rhythms fit each of attributes of the four villages. When listening to the songs I wanted to tap my toes and/or clap my hands to the music. The students have been assigned different characters in the story and/or they are story tellers from the different villages. I loved listening to them harmonize lyrics. Many of the students have used their smart phones to record the music to practice at home.4 Thoughtful Questions

- I like when Shayna and Falcon were singing, it pulled you into it. It was really good. The relationship between the two.
- The King and Queen have great synergy.
- Audrey: If Alexander had to make a decision you can tell he would talk it over with Sylvia before he made a decision.
- What really kind of gets me into it is the piano and doing all the parts together. I love the overlapping and when it all comes together on one thing. I get into the story because of the momentum.
- I got into it when it was “One Way or Another” when we were all singing together and we all had a chance.
- I like the relationship between Sigmund and the King and Queen. He’s happy to be a third wheel.
- You can tell that Alexander really trusts Sigmund and Sylvia trusts Alexander so much she also puts her trust in Sigmund.
- Sigmund wants to make it known that the king and queen are his friends and he’s not their servant.
- A good balance of singing and talking.
- In the prologue and part one, Shayna isn’t born yet? Yes. Part one is a little confusing – is Shayna adopted? Part two clarifies this.
- I don’t like giving people notes. Why does the Wizard always say Rimsiyavyo? It’s weird.
- I think it’s like a eureka moment.
- I explained the meaing behind Rimsiyavyo. It is the Yiddish expression “Oy Vey Iz Mir”; and is “Oh woe is me.” backwards. Look at a problem from a different perspective and discover a solution or answer!
- Meevillian should be more sad about the fact that she didn’t get the king. More ‘I want revenge/heartbreak’ less like ‘ah whatever.
- Is this an acting choice or a script choice? – Billy: I have to make the book clearer.
- So I feel like 1) where is the wizard when he startles him? (Billy: we need to say he lives in the castle). 2) Why did she want to be queen?
- Meevillian is all over the place and it’s confusing when she’s explaining everything. She should be a little more ‘into everything, when she’s saying she appreciates something. It’s kind of catty and not villain.
- Meevillian should be more of a combination of sassy and rude.
Closing Thought
It is unsual for me to be speachless. However, I have been overwhelmed with Joy and Delight listening to my story come to life with such extraordianrily beautiful music and words! My Blue Heartfelt Gratidude to Tim Paul, Richard Karanda, Billy Seger, Evan Swanson, Jess Urban, Savanah Thomas, and all the Student Actors!

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