Songs From An Unmade Bed
Jordan Phelps and Kevin Webb discuss
Songs From An Unmade Bed

Director Derek Van Barham is a Pride Films and Plays Artistic Associate, and is a man of many talents. You have seen his work for PFP as the director of last summer's Kill Your Boyfriends.

I asked him the same questions Kevin and Jordan answered last week for us.
 
How has the experience been for you?

Enlightening and wonderful and scary and a delight.  I'm very fortunate to have such a talented cast and music director for this show, as the process has been highly collaborative.  We really have created a world together.  This is my first time directing a musical, and it's been great to work with experienced pros.  Jordan, Kevin, and Music Director Robert Ollis* all worked together on PFP's production of Under a Rainbow Flag, and we are all members of PFP.  It's much easier to take risks with people I trust. 

 

Have you ever worked on something of this scale, and what are the joys/problems of doing what?

I love shows that are as intimate as ours.  The Apollo space is allowing us to create a world that comes right up to the audience's feet. The main challenge has been to keep it simple.  It's been very tempting to try to do too much, to complicate the storytelling.   

 

How has this tested you as an artist?  Derek Van Barham

See above.  Sometimes, it's hard to just trust what's there.  In ways, Songs is very simple.  That simplicity is what makes it so beautiful...and universal.  I have a brilliant music director, 18 wonderful songs, and a handsome, talented, expressive cast.  "Trust what's there, Derek.  Get out of the way, and let it be." 

 
What do you think people will enjoy?

ALL OF IT.  No, really, I think the audience will enjoy all of it.  There are so many recognizable moments of heartbreak and joy throughout the show, so many different points of entry for the audience to connect.  Each of the songs highlights a specific emotion or experience (that are common to every relationship).  I'm excited to see what people take away from this experience.  We're giving them a lot. 
 
Also, ARRIVE EARLY.  Songs begins at 7:30PM each night, but you can arrive as early as 7PM to enjoy a drink at the bar and listen to Jonas Davidow, Tommy Thurston, and the pre-show band.  Come early and unwind with us.   

 

What other quirks or tidbits about yourself can I share with our audience members?

There's a lot of me, and my own relationship, in this show.  I think the same could be said of the performers.  If there's a moment in the show that feels oddly specific, extra quirky, or that hurts a little too much...that's because it's us up there.  We created this world from what we know. 

   


Previews start tonight!
Purchase tickets for
Songs From
An Unmade Bed
 

here now!
Or call the Apollo at

773 935 6100.
Some performances are sold out, so order today!

Reminder: Arrive early to get a drink from the bar and enjoy the pre-show band. 
Doors open at 7 PM
each night.



It is not too late to support Songs From An Unmade Bed by adopting an actor!

Find more information on how to do that here!


Kill Your Boyfriend 1
Kill Your Boyfriends,
created and directed by
Derek Van Barham in 2013.
Women's Words Contest Now Accepting Entries!

Our Women's Words Contest is now accepting applications through May 1.

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here and enter today!