SALLY at Columbia University

For my Masters' Thesis in Stage Directing at Columbia University, I have taken the opportunity to do something I've always wanted to do: dig into the treasure trove of early American musical theatre and find a diamond in need of polishing. Together with an incredible team that includes Columbia MFA Playwright Meg Ledford and Mannes/The New School MM Composer Calvin Hitchcock, we have adapted and reworked Jerome Kern's 1921 musical SALLY -- featuring an entirely new libretto and orchestrations. The show was a hit in its day, but has since faded into obscurity. Our edition of Sally breathes new life into an old classic, but we need help to make our vision a reality.

We're in a unique position when it comes to creating a new musical. Many shows in development in New York City go through the workshop circuit where producers can first experience the piece in a studio with music stands and performers who have had about a week's worth of rehearsals. For our first mounting of Sally -- and we do hope it is the first of many -- the presentation at Columbia allows for a fully-realized production, which is an exciting advantage.

However, this presentation setting also comes with challenges. Shows in academia are harder to support financially, whether it be through grants or professional producers. Our $4000 fundraising goal aims to let us show Sally as it deserves to be shown. Your donation will go towards compensation for our artists, and towards supporting production expenses that could give this gem of a musical the production it needs to move beyond Columbia's walls.

Sally, at the core of the show, is about what it means to be an artist; it investigates the American Dream in the 1920s, and perhaps in the 2020s, too. Our title character is a dishwasher who dreams of making it big, and we wonder how her rags-to-riches tale might unfold.

And I wonder the same about a humble musical that we built out of an old show and a big dream. Where could this passion project, this collaboration of up-and-coming artists, go next?

Thank you for your support,

Calvin Atkinson, Director-Choreographer

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Rewards:

$25 - Thank you for your support!

We'll include your name in our program as a supporter of SALLY. Or, just let us know if you'd rather remain anonymous.

$100 - the VIP Experience (20 available)

Performances in Lenfest are free and general admission, but we'll also reserve two of the best seats in the house for a performance of your choice.

$300 - Partner Status (5 available)

Thank you for making SALLY happen! In addition to the above, you'll receive an invite to the cast party, the VIP Experience for any performance(s) you attend, and special billing in our program.

$1000 - Patron Status (1 available)

Welcome to the team! In addition to the VIP Experience and an invitation to the cast party, we would love to have you join us in the rehearsal room with the cast and creative team for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience.