Mother's Word: A New Musical Song Cycle

History of the Project

 

In May of 2019, we premiered a song cycle at La Cañada Presbyterian Church for a soprano, an actor, and a pianist that explored transformative moments in the lives of mothers from the Bible. The staged work included seven songs and two monologues, bringing a new dimension to women whose stories were recorded by the male authors of scripture.

 

For the event, we partnered with Elizabeth House, a non-profit organization in Pasadena that provides shelter and services for pregnant women experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and other sources of trauma. We received a freewill offering for the organization and invited staff members from Elizabeth House to speak to the audience about their work.

 

The women involved with the creation of Mother’s Word, all professional artists in the Los Angeles area and mothers, felt this project could expand and continue to support organizations dedicated to helping women in need of parenting support.

 

To that end, we have expanded Mother’s Word to include 17 characters from scripture, performed by three singers, an actor, and a pianist. The stories capture pain, grief, and frustration, but also humor, courage, and fierce love. The setbacks and successes of these imperfect women give hope to those struggling through the messy yet meaningful work of motherhood.

 

Why We Need Your Help

 

This new production will benefit the La Cañada Presbyterian Church Parent Education Program, which reaches over 700 parents each year to provide vital child-rearing education to those in the greater Los Angeles area.

 

In order to provide more resources to parents and help them gain confidence in raising the next generation, we need to get as many people to Mother's Word as possible! The audience of the show will be admitted free of charge to ensure the broadest reach and to do the most good. Donations will be collected at each performance and 100% of it will fund scholarships for families who may not otherwise be able to afford the tuition to the Parent Education program.

 

Our GoFundMe Campaign will cover production and marketing expenses to ensure that a high-quality, well-attended show is presented. This, in turn, will maximize the positive impact on the Parent Education Founders' Scholarship Fund.

 

We believe this show will have a lasting impact on our community and changes the lives of those who experience it. Will you join us in creating this beautiful and meaningful production?

 

Upcoming Performances

 

Metamorphosis Theatre Company is producing the premiere of the extended version of Mother's Word at La Cañada Presbyterian Church on September 23 and 24, 2022.

 

The Team

 

Our team includes director Tina Tong, lyricist Marian Partee Lamb, composer Christina Whitten Thomas, soprano Rebecca Sjöwall, mezzo-soprano Alicia Emerson, alto Diane Wallace, actress Calli Dye-Schmidt, pianist Lisa Edwards and producer Justin S. Fisher of Metamorphosis Theatre Company.