Who is Who and What is What
29LIVES the series premiered Friday, May 22 with
Episode 1: “Subways, Bus Stops & Taxicabs”
29LIVES the series is an online musical adaptation of Chris Wade’s song cycle. Ep 1 was produced entirely in isolation since the quarantine began in March 2020 and was shot on smartphones, Zoom and Facebook Live.
29LIVES the series is a musical peek into contemporary city life on both coasts. The first episode “Subways, Bus Stops & Taxicabs” is a valentine to New York City, as New Yorkers adjust to accepting the new reality of empty streets, confinement, and having their lives and dreams put on hold. Themes of isolation, longing, hope, and metamorphosis have been part of this harmonic song cycle since its inception in 2008.
29LIVES the series, Episode 1 casting includes Manuel Cortes Alcazar (Dream Babies), Bernard Davis, Lauren D’Imperio, Kirsten Egenes (Williamstown Theatre Festival), Lauren Gismondi, Erin Solér, Gabriel Spector, Matt Stairs, and Chris Wade, with Erika Amato (Flashdance - tour), Brooke Aston (All Shook Up - Nat’l Tour) , Emily Battles (Windfall podcast), Lisa Lamothe, Jamond McCoy & Katey Wade. Future segments feature Anne Fraser Thomas (Hercules), Zoran Duke Rausavljevich, Sonia Harley, Athena Renee, Sy Sylvers, Candace Wakefield, David Albulario, Robert Rice, Josh Munnell, and more.
With music & lyrics by Chris Wade (Such Sweet Sorrow, BMI), 29LIVES the series is produced via Chris Wade Music Productions in association with collaborative artists Erin Solér (Theatrical Consultant), Josh Munnell (Vocal Mixer), Stephen Brotebeck (Choreographer), David Albulario (Theatrical Consultant), Emmanuel Munda and Mads Bentley (Editing Consultants), with additional lyrics by Carlos Morales, Charlie Sohne, Jana Cudney, Craig Hillman and more.
The opening segment was also presented and aired as part of the Lower East Side Festival for the Arts 2020, Theater for the New City, also Opening Friday May 22, 2020.
Ep 2 goes to CA where the singers of RAISE show up to sing at church, but no one is there and the world is spinning around.
Ep 3 goes back to NY where we see a woman perfectly fine with staying home. Why WOULD she choose to leave?
Ep 4 brings us back to LA as #TheAccidentals give solace to best friends, partners and family in these trying times.
STAY TUNED for more 29LIVES the series episodes including:
Love Me feat Lisa Lamothe, Kirsten Egenes, Brooke Harper & Alan Harper directed by Jana Cudney
Ridiculous feat Lauren D'Imperio & Erika Amato
I Wanna Remember This Night feat Renée Albulario
Happy in December feat Gabriel Spector, Manuel Cortes Alcazar & Matt Stairs
Deeper Sense of You feat Matt Stairs & Kayla Bailey
One Less Night feat Lauren Gismondi, directed by Dylan Adams
Love Will Come feat Lauren Kinkade & Jerielle Morwitz
Here 4 U feat Emily Battles & Chris Wade & Company
Time Will Tell feat Company
What I Been Missin feat Bernard Davis, Arianna Vila, Sonia Harley, Chris Wade & Company
Blank Start feat Bernard Davis, Kirsten Egenes & Lauren Gismondi
Break My Heart feat
Closer feat Brooke Harper & Alan Harper
What Am I Waiting For feat Company
29LIVES the series Production:
Music/Writer/Producer: Chris Wade
Addtl Lyricists: Jana Cudney, Erin Solér, Sonia Harley, Carlos Morales, Charlie Sohne, Emily Battles, & Craig Hillman
Choreographer: Stephen Brotebeck
Directors: Chris Wade, Brooke Aston Harper, David Albulario, Jana Cudney, Dylan Adams
Editors: Chris Wade, Mads Bentley, Jaronie McNeal, Emmanuel Munda, Paul Michael Cooper
Vocal Mixing: Josh Munnell, Paul Michael Cooper
Orchestrations and Tracks: Chris Wade