The Ballad of Ella May
The life and death of a union organizer and balladeer
Stephen says
Stephen Brown-Fried, Director
This collaboration has been such a privilege and joy. You are an insanely talented composer whose music lifts my heart. Thank you for being so generous, fun, and wonderful to work with!
Project Goals
Original Musical
The objective was to compose a new music theater piece about union hero, Ella May Wiggins. Commissioned by the Working Theater, the musical was to be written in collaboration with playwright Cori Thomas and directed by Stephen Brown-Fried.
Specific Requests
Concepts
Feel: Folk and gospel.
Details: Create heartfelt, moving songs that dramatize the life and murder of 1920’s union organizer. Draw on folk and gospel styles with sensitivity to race and class issues of the 1920’s and today.
The End
Results
Six songs were created for an all-female cast. Julia Barry auditioned performers with the directorial team, prepared sheet music, and music directed the show. “The Ballad 0f Ella May” was commissioned by the Working Theater for a special performance at the local IBEW’s women’s conference in 2016. Book by Cori Thomas, Music by Julia Barry, Lyrics by Cori Thomas & Julia Barry / Directed by Stephen Brown-Fried.
