book & lyrics by Philip S. Goodman,
music by Ray Leslee
Based on the award-winning novel by Jefferson Young set in 1946 Mississippi, this new blues musical is about an unlikely hero named Albert Clayton. A black tenant farmer living a quiet life, Albert has always wanted to live in a house painted white (although no tenant house has ever been painted that way). When he decides to make his dream a reality, it causes major friction with his white neighbors and other blacks in the community. Tensions mount higher, causing Albert to become ever more defiant. In the end, Albert’s own wife turns against him in a harrowing and bloody act. Even then he does not back down -- ultimately they join together, filled with love, hope and possibility. Most recently, the show was presented in Austria in November 2006 by the Vienna Chamber Opera (see photo).
Der Neue Merker's reviewer wrote: “Blues and jazz and African-American church music merge with the story, and in a remarkable integration, transform it into a brilliant, joyful musical. A Good Man is an exceptional musical, well worth seeing and sometimes putting pressure on the tear glands.”
I'll say. I was a wreck. The cast included Nikki M. James (Tony winner for THE BOOK OF MORMON) and Bob Stillman. I hope it has a life.
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