Always Remember World Premiere

We hope you can help with our greatest and most challenging project ever - that has, during these times become even more challenging. Please read to the end of our story to see the gifts we would like to send you for your kind contributions!

2020 TIMELINE OF OUR ORIGINAL PREMIERE EFFORT

MARCH 8: Still hoping that the show would go on, this was the last date that the company was able to rehearse.

MARCH 10, morning: The Miramar Cultural Center, acting upon advice from the Town of Miramar, assured us that Miramar would be open for business. With Purel at every entrance and exit and a highly informed staff, "Always Remember" was good to go. (Of course, we were sure that the good people at the Miramar Cultural Center were acting upon the best advice available at that time.)

MARCH 10, evening: With four cases of the Coronavirus at the port, a news report declared that Broward County was under a state of emergency.

MARCH 11: The directors of Always Remember" met to discuss the crisis. For the safety of the public and for the members of our company, the unanimous consensus was to cancel the show.

MARCH 12 - 15: Planned arrival of "Always Remember" players from out of state and abroad. Out of 14 travelers, only 1 was not able to make alternate arrangements.

MARCH 15: The CDC issued guidance recommending against any gathering of 50 or more people for an eight-week period. For reference, we were planning to enjoy four sold-out performances, with 750 people in each of our audiences.

MARCH 18: Thousands of spring-breakers flock to Florida beaches despite warnings about keeping social distance.

MARCH 26, THE PLANNED DATE OF OUR WORLD PREMIERE: The total number of reported confirmed cases in the United States surpasses that of China with over 85,000, making it the country with the highest number of Coronavirus patients, in the world. We took solace in knowing that we made the right decision early enough to prevent spread of the disease and further travel disruptions.


We're raising funds for the eventual live theatrical world premiere of Always Remember and urgently need your help. Any donation will make an impact.

TODAY'S CHALLENGE

Over the years, we have presented small concerts and showcases in the development of "Always Remember." With a cast, orchestra and crew of around 100 people, we are doing everything we can to eventually ensure the success of this world premiere.  And, this is where you come in!

The campaign to raise funds for the world premiere begins anew. Every donation received will be used to pay much needed advance costs, such as props, scenery, promotions, transportation and costumes. We would love to know that everyone reading this message will be able to attend the show in the not-too-distant future. Meanwhile, please be sure to visit our website:

Always Remember 

Since you're here now, you can enjoy this short video, recorded in rehearsal:

In this excerpt from the melancholy ballad, "Anne Frank," Manolo (Mauricio Villanueva Espinosa) will break your hearts. While Teresa (Marinel Cruz) does not sing this song in the show, you have the opportunity to hear her lovely voice here, standing in for the part of Anne Frank.

We are grateful for any and all help. You can also support the effort by sharing this campaign and the show's website with your circle of family, friends and colleagues.

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us.

Please read on if you would like to enjoy a preview of the musical's story...

SYNOPSIS OF "ALWAYS REMEMBER"

ACT I

The musical begins on the current day, Christmas Eve, 1981, in the Miami home of the Santos family. From the first monologue by Maria Elena, who narrates throughout the story, a flashback takes the audience to Cuba in December of 1967. The first act covers two years (1967 – 1969), showing the hardships suffered by the Cuban people under the Castro regime, focusing upon the Santos family and their plan to leave the country. In a tumultuous scene at the Havana Airport, the family is violently separated from each other.

ACT II

(1970 – 1972) The Santos family is trying to survive their separation in Havana and Madrid. With limited letters and only occasional phone calls, they are working on a plan to reunite. Desperation sets in for two of the family members, who attempt to escape Cuba on a raft. One is captured, the other set adrift on the ocean.

INTERMISSION

By the end of the second act, the Santos family are further separated, in Havana, Madrid, Miami and even Moscow. Due in great part to a terrible conspiracy and betrayal, communication lines are breaking down between them. A tearful good-bye takes place at the Madrid airport.

ACT III

 (1978 – 1981) Uncertainty abounds for the Santos family. Each deals with the pain of being torn apart in their own way. The 1980 Mariel boatlift plays an important part in this story, with several of the characters barely missing each other. A tearful reunion takes place at the temporary refugee shelter (a.k.a. “the tent city”) under Interstate 95 in Miami. At the end of the show the Santos family have all reunited, except for one. They are celebrating Christmas together. As the story catches up to Maria Elena’s narration, the fate of this lost family member is revealed.

More information about our non-profit partner, Fire Haus Projects Inc...

Fire Haus Projects is a non-profit organization based in Miami, Florida dedicated to creation, presentation, archiving and education in the arts. They work with diverse artists, educators, arts professionals and organizations to enhance the community. Their projects include concerts, exhibitions, workshops, gallery tours, interdisciplinary collaborations - and, of course,Always Remember !


We want to thank you for your kind support!
For your tax-deductible contributions, we will send you a gift with our great thanks! You can further show your support by showing these gifts to your friends, family and colleagues - and tell them about Always Remember. Please note: All of these great gifts proudly bear the Always Remember logo.

Donation levels and gifts

If you are a U.S. resident, don't worry about postage. We'll take care of it.
We very much welcome donors outside the U.S., but please ask about our extra mailing costs.

$25 - A comfortable and durable polyester and cotton mask that can be washed and reused often, or...
             Delightful ceramic tile refrigerator magnet, hand-crafted by Amy Anderson
             (1 & 7/8" square)
$40 - A comfy, white polyester T-shirt, or...
             Delightful ceramic tile drink coaster, hand-crafted by Amy Anderson
             (4 & 1/8" square)
$50 - Mask + T-shirt, or...
             2 masks, or...
             Refrigerator magnet + tile

$75 - Any of the three items above

$100 and above - Please do the math! We'll be happy to send you a great combo of gifts, based upon your donation level! 
$500 - Any combo of 4 items AND a 30-minute live private video conversation with Marilyn Morales, creator of "Always Remember." Donor may select up to 10 email participants who can join in this conversation.
(This conversation will take place anywhere in the world over the "Zoom" platform, except where prohibited.
We will cover telecommunication costs up to $100 US.)

$1,000 - Any combo of 8 items AND a 1-hour live private conversation with Marilyn Morales, creator of "Always Remember." Donor may select up to 20 email participants who can join in this conversation.
(This conversation will take place anywhere in the world over the "Zoom" platform, except where prohibited.
We will cover telecommunication costs up to $200 US.)

$2,500 - Any combo of 20 items AND a 2-hour live private conversation with Marilyn Morales, creator of "Always Remember." Donor may select up to 50 email participants who can join in this conversation.
(This conversation will take place anywhere in the world over the "Zoom" platform, except where prohibited.
We will cover telecommunication costs up to $500 US.)

$5,000 - 1-day private meeting with Marilyn Morales, creator of "Always Remember," and Kirk Whipple, her husband, arranger and musical director. Since you are able to donate $5,000 US, you will also be required to pay for all transportation, lodging, meals and other incidental costs to be agreed upon. (Performance not included. This offer is prohibited in all countries where Ms. Morales can not speak freely, i.e. Cuba.)

$10,000 - 3-day private meeting with Marilyn Morales, creator of "Always Remember," and Kirk Whipple, her husband, arranger and musical director. Your donation level will also be rewarded with a concert performance by the Whipple-Morales Duo at one or two pianos. Since you are able to donate $10,000 US, you will also be required to pay for all transportation, lodging, meals, instrument and venue procurement, piano tuning and other incidental costs to be agreed upon. (This offer is prohibited in all countries where Ms. Morales can not speak freely, i.e. Cuba.)

$20,000 - 1-week private meeting with Marilyn Morales, creator of "Always Remember," and Kirk Whipple, her husband, arranger and musical director. Your donation level will also be rewarded with a concert performance by the Whipple-Morales Duo at one or two pianos. Whipple will also prepare a meal for you and up to 12 guests, which will include Ms. Morales. Since you are able to donate $20,000 US, you will also be required to pay for all transportation, lodging, meals, instrument and venue procurement, piano tuning, costs of the meal prepared by Whipple and salaries of three professional culinary assistants, as well as other incidental costs to be agreed upon. (This offer is prohibited in all countries where Ms. Morales can not speak freely, i.e. Cuba.)

$50,000 - 3-week private meeting with Marilyn Morales, creator of "Always Remember," and Kirk Whipple, her husband, arranger and musical director. Your donation level will also be rewarded with TWO concert performances by the Whipple-Morales Duo at one and/or two pianos. Whipple will also prepare THREE meals for you and up to 12 guests at each meal, which will include Ms. Morales. Additionally, TWO of the leads from "Always Remember" will perform at ONE of the command performances at the venue of your choice. Since you are able to donate $50,000 US, you will also be required to pay for all transportation, lodging, meals, instrument and venue procurement, piano tuning, costs of the meal prepared by Whipple and salaries of three professional culinary assistants at each meal, as well as other incidental costs to be agreed upon. (This offer is prohibited in all countries where Ms. Morales can not speak freely, i.e. Cuba.)

$100,000 - Let's get real. You are THE lead sponsor of the live theatrical world premiere of "Always Remember," and we want to take great care of you and your guests. So, here we go...
6-week private meeting with Marilyn Morales, creator of "Always Remember," and Kirk Whipple, her husband, arranger and musical director. As lead sponsor of the world premiere, you will also be able to sit in on production meetings that will be taking place during this time. Your donation level will also be rewarded with FOUR concert performances by the Whipple-Morales Duo at one and/or two pianos. Whipple will also prepare SIX meals for you and up to 12 guests at each meal, which will include Ms. Morales. Additionally, FOUR of the leads from "Always Remember" will perform at TWO of the command performances at the venue of your choice. Since you are able to donate $100,000 US, you will also be required to pay for all transportation, lodging, meals, instrument and venue procurement, piano tuning, costs of the meal prepared by Whipple and salaries of three professional culinary assistants at each meal, as well as other incidental costs to be agreed upon. (This offer is prohibited in all countries where Ms. Morales can not speak freely, i.e. Cuba.)

Please note that all rewards that involve travel are subject to international law and will be reviewed on a case by case basis. It is the intention of the producers of "Always Remember" to fully  honor every commitment - to the best of our ability. We thank you for your kind understanding during these challenging times. We will work very hard to fulfill rewards with each and every of our donors!

Please stay in touch with us. We are hoping to roll out more Always Remember products soon!

After you make a donation, please email us your mailing address here, so we may send a thank-you gift to your doorstep.
If you are making a major donation, please also email us your phone number, so we may contact you personally to make all special arrangements.

Thank you for your kind and generous support!

Musically yours,

Marilyn Morales & Kirk Whipple