Full Length Musical
Dramatic Comedy
Faith-based
90 minutes
Time Period - Contemporary, Present Day
Settings Of Play - Often, this show is performed in the sanctuary of a church and it works well there. Other times, a set on stage has been created to resemble the sanctuary. If in a church, the opening calls for cast members to be randomly placed in the actual pews and to stand as their singing parts come up in the opening number. They then make their way to the stage while singing. Suggestions regarding lighting and props are included in Production Notes in script.
FEATURES / CONTAINS
No intermission
Bare Stage/Simple Set
Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
CAUTIONS
No Special Cautions
THEMES
Christianity, Feminism, Love, Religion
TARGET AUDIENCE
Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14 - 18)
PERFORMANCE GROUP
High School/Secondary, College Theatre / Student, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Reader's Theatre, Shoestring Budget, Church / Religious Groups
Conceived by Carol Hall, who wrote the music and lyrics to The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, this joyful musical took Off Broadway by surprise. It is a tuneful, warm and witty observation of what really goes on in the hearts and minds of people as they participate in a church service. The ninety minutes of song, monologue and poetry require almost no set and only one piano. Done in a theatre or church sanctuary, To Whom It May Concern is perfect for all church and theatre groups, especially those with access to glorious voices.
"A celebration! ... Communities will be presenting To Whom It May Concern for years to come." - The New York Times
"A melodic score and a joyous communal spirit which doesn't end until the house lights come up!" - Associated Press
"Witty, inspiring. It's applications are universal." - New York Daily News
"To Whom It May Concern is a genial attempt, cast in the Godspell mode, to rethink aspects of worship and the validity of Christianity in these modern times... On the surface of things the show might appear to have the most validity for Episcopalians, since the structure of the intermissionless hour-and-a-half is based on the Episcopal service. But Miss Hall's ideas and ideals are refreshingly ecumenical... To Whom It May Concern' manages to remind the observer, with warmth and wit, that true worship is not a ritual but an ongoing communication with the Almighty." - Christian Science Monitor
To Whom it May Concern was first presented at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, under artistic director Nikos Psacharpoulos, on July 17, 1985. It was directed by Geraldine Fitzgerald. The play was subsequently presented Off Broadway by Bedda Roses Company, by arrangement with Williamstown Theatre Festival, at St. Stephens Church in New York City on December 5, 1985. It was also directed by Ms. Fitzgerald.
