duncan sheik press clippings 3.10.09 report - tour press

8/14/2019 Duncan Sheik Press Clippings 3.10.09 Report - Tour Press

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WHISPER HOUSE

February 26, 2009By Kyle Jarrow

Grammy and Tony award-winning songwriter and composer Duncan Sheik returns with his new

album WHISPER HOUSE, which hit stores on January 27 on the Victor Records/Sony label.

WHISPER HOUSE marks Sheik's first solo album since 2006's critically-acclaimed WhiteLimousine and comes on the heels of the success of Spring Awakening. The idea for WHISPER

HOUSE came about when actor Keith Powell (30 Rock) approached Sheik about developing a

musical theatre piece with him.

Following a trip Powell took to New England, a story began to emerge centered around a

lighthouse, and up-and-coming young playwright Kyle Jarrow, already an Obie winner for AVery Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant, signed on to create the book.BroadwayWorld is excited to bring you Kyle's exclusive WHISPER HOUSE Blog, so without

any more delay, journey to WHISPER HOUSE!

The early stages of creating the new musical WHISPER HOUSE were not so different fromWeekend at Bernie's. Which is to say: they involved a beach house and three men. However,

unlike Weekend at Bernie's, no one died. Back in January 2008, Duncan Sheik (music & lyrics),


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myself (book & lyrics), and director Keith Powell (who some may also know from his work as

an actor playing Twofer in Thirty Rock) holed up for ten days in a beach house outside ofCharleston, SC while I worked on a second draft of the script and Duncan started writing the

songs for the piece. That was a little over a year ago. Now the record of the songs from the show

has just been released and we're moving toward a first production. And luckily, still no one hasdied. Unfortunately, some of the characters in the play aren't so lucky.

WHISPER HOUSE is set in 1942 at a rickety old lighthouse on the New England coast. Theprotagonist is eleven-year-old Christopher, an imaginative but melancholy child whose father

recently died in the war. While his mother copes with her grief, Christopher is sent to live with

an aunt he's never met: Lilly, the reclusive woman who serves as the keeper of this remote

lighthouse. It doesn't take long for Christopher to realize his aunt has little experience with orpatience for children. To make matters worse, the lighthouse is also home to Yasujiro, a Japanese

immigrant who works for Lilly and whom Christopher suspects may be a spy.

Soon after his arrival, Christopher worries that his new home may be haunted - and, in fact, it is.The story is presided over by a band of ghosts that only Christopher can see. They serve as a

spectral Greek chorus: only singing, never speaking. The ghosts are the only people in the showwho sing. They represent Christopher's subconscious thoughts, articulating his fears and doubts

with a cheerfully macabre wit. Using the ghosts as a chorus, like this, also provided an

opportunity to approach the musical theater form from a slightly different angle-we looked back

to Brecht for inspiration and chose to have the music stand separate from and as commentary onthe action.

The show draws inspiration from two true pieces of history. First, that German U-Boats wereactive off the East Coast during 1942, sinking several ships and engaging in battle with US

Naval forces, suddenly making lighthouses an important part of the war effort. Second, inFebruary 1942 President Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, instructing the military tocreate high security zones in which no foreign nationals from Germany, Italy, or Japan were

allowed to live.

In addition to its nontraditional integration of music and dialogue, WHISPER HOUSE went a

nontraditional route by releasing the songs as a concept album before the first production. There

is a precedent for this kind of thing-shows like Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and Chess were also

released as albums before they were staged. Randy Newman's Faust is a more recent example.WHISPER HOUSE seemed like a natural choice for this treatment, even moreso than those other

shows, because of the fact that only two characters sing: a male ghost with female backup. On

the record, Duncan sings the male ghost's parts, with backup vocals from the awesome HollyBrook. Duncan, Holly and a full band are currently on the road touring the record, with Lauren

Pritchard & Friends (including Holly Brook, Louis Schwadron, and Ben Kalb) opening. You can

find tour dates and more information at http://www.duncansheik.com and you can purchase theWhisper House record at www.duncansheik.com/whisperhouse . And keep checking back here

for more blog entries in the coming weeks!


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Cedar Rapids, IA

BROADWAY SHEIK: SINGER-SONGWRITER

DUNCAN SHEIK FLYING HIGH AFTER SUCCESS

OF SPRING AWAKENING

March 1, 2009

By Eric Clark

Singer-songwriter Duncan Sheik, who found fame on the pop charts in the 90s and Tony awardsfor the Broadway musical Spring Awakening, will perform Tuesday at CSPS in Cedar Rapids.

CEDAR RAPIDS Singer-songwriter Duncan Sheik never thought hed be in the position towin a Tony Award.

Especially not for a musical.

Living in New York, Id go to a fair amount of theater, but mostly plays, Sheik says. To be

honest, musicals never were my cup of tea.

Until recently, Sheik primarily was known for Barely Breathing, the hit single from his self-titled 1996 debut album.


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But Sheiks career as a singer-songwriter took a turn toward Broadway in 2006, when he

composed the music for Spring Awakening, a rock n roll musical that went on to win TonyAwards for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score.

Its been an amazing couple of years, says Sheik, 39, calling from a tour stop in Fort Worth,

Texas. Its crazy to know that Spring Awakening now is being performed in 18 languages all

over the world.

Sheik isnt done with musicals, either. He just released his sixth singer-songwriter album,Whisper House, which doubles as the soundtrack to an upcoming musical of the same name.

Sheik performs Tuesday at CSPS in Cedar Rapids. His set, with a nine-piece band, will consists

of three segments one for songs from his studio albums, another featuring selections from

Spring Awakening and a third dedicated to Whisper House.

I decided to bring along a bigger band than usual so we could do orchestration from the

musicals, Sheik says.

With Whisper House, Sheik is collaborating with writer Kyle Jarrow to create the musical.Jarrow wrote the story about a boy whose father dies in World War II and is sent to live withhis grandmother in a haunted lighthouse and Sheik is handling the music and lyrics.

Sheik says the songs on the Whisper House album will remain mostly intact when the musical

is staged for the first time next year.

Although the album tells the Whisper House story, Sheik says the record still can be listened to

on its own terms.

I made the album so you can pop it into your car stereo and just enjoy the songs, Sheik says.But the story provides a deeper layer of meaning that should slowly reveal itself over time.

The packaging of the Whisper House album makes it obvious theres a story involved.Illustrator Klaus Lyngeled drew the albums cover and contributes an additional 10 drawings to

the booklet. The illustrations are accompanied by snippets of text from the musicals book.

At this point in the production of the Whisper House musical, Sheik says he has no idea if the

finished show will be as successful as Spring Awakening.

Its hard to gauge how well a musical-theater production will do until its been shown to an

audience, Sheik says. Whisper House isnt being conceived as a Broadway show, but, thenagain, neither was Spring Awakening.

Even though Sheik didnt get much credit for Spring Awakening until its 2006 premiere, he

actually had been working on the musical since 1999. As Sheik mentioned earlier, he had no

intention of parlaying his status as a popular singer-songwriter into a Broadway career.

But when a friend pitched him the idea for Spring Awakening and asked for his musicalassistance, he decided he should at least give it a try.

A light bulb kind of went off in my head and I realized there wasnt much music in musicals

that was similar to what young people listen to, Sheik says. I thought I might be able to change

that.


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Spring Awakening is based on an 1891 play of the same name by German playwright Frank

Wedekind. The musical, also set in 1891 Germany, is about teenagers going through the processof sexual discovery in a society so strict it practically forbids it.

Sheik says it was surreal to accept so many Tony Awards for Spring Awakening.

I was kind of late getting to my seat, so I sat down for about four seconds and then I had to go

up and accept an award, Sheik says. I didnt know what I was supposed to do. It was one of

those moments Ill never forget.

As for Sheiks work outside of musicals, he says he now plays crowd favorite Barely

Breathing again in concert. For a long time, he refused to play the song because he was uneasy

with its level of popularity.

Now that Spring Awakening has happened and I have a new lease on my creative life, playingBarely Breathing isnt as much of a cross to bear as it used to be, Sheik says.


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SHEIK LETS LOOSE A MIGHTY

WHISPER

March 6, 2009By Mary Houlihan

On his new album, "Whisper House," Duncan Sheik manages to bring together the two sides ofhis successful career -- pop singer-songwriter and Broadway composer.

The Grammy- and Tony Award-winning songwriter mixes chamber pop with narrativesongwriting for a haunting song cycle that revolves around a child's grief and a spinster'slonging.

Sheik, of course, is part of the gang that created the Broadway smash "Spring Awakening," forwhich he wrote the music for Steven Sater's lyrics.

"I've learned that I really enjoy having a larger narrative arc on which to hang songs," Sheik said,before a recent show in Portland, Ore. "It allows for a greater richness and depth of character,and that's very satisfying."

In 10 songs, "Whisper House" tells the story of 11-year-old Christopher, whose mother is sent to

a sanitarium after his father is killed during World War II. He is sent to live with his Aunt Lily inan isolated Maine lighthouse, a bleak and spooky setting haunted by musical ghosts.

"It's a whimsically malevolent story of overcoming fear and learning to trust others," Sheik said."It's all done with a bit of a wink."

Sheik's current touring show is broken into three parts -- songs from his pop catalog, songs from"Spring Awakening" and songs from "Whisper House." It boasts, in addition to Sheik, singersHolly Brook and Lauren Pritchard backed by a rock band with flourishes from a French horn,clarinet and cello.

The concept for "Whisper House" began when Sheik's friend, actor Keith Powell (Toofer on "30Rock"), approached him about developing a musical theater piece. Obie Award-winning

playwright Kyle Jarrow ("A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant") cameon board to write the book.

About a year ago, during a writing retreat in Charleston, S.C., Jarrow polished the book whileSheik wrote "the lion's share of the songs."

The "Whisper House" songs mark the 39-year-old singer's first return to writing music and lyricssince 2005's "White Limousine."


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"When I jumped back in, there was a lot of subconscious material waiting to bubble up," Sheiksaid. "I think that's one of the reasons the songs came together so quickly."

Sheik's manager and label convinced him the songs were good enough to be his next album.Perhaps it's a strange path for the record to follow, but it's no less strange than Sheik's career. In1996, his intimate hit single, "Barely Breathing," spent 55 weeks on Billboard's Hot 100. Butfurther attempts at pop success were met with indifference.

It was the collaboration with Sater on "Spring Awakening" that helped Sheik find a new creativeoutlet for this talent.

Sheik and Sater are currently working on two new musicals. "Nero (Another Golden Rome)" isabout the Roman emperor; "The Nightingale" is an all-ages fairy tale based on a Hans ChristianAndersen story.

Duncan Sheik, 8 tonight, Morse Theater, 1328 Morse. Tickets, $35 (773) 654-5100;www.themorse.com.


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THIS WEEK IN THE ARTS

March 1, 2009By Aaron Beck

Breathing easy: Adult-contemporary singer Duncan Sheik -- known for his 1996 light-rock hitBarely Breathing and touring to promote his Whisper House album -- will perform at 8 p.m.

Saturday in the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St. Tickets cost $27 and $32 at the Ohio Theatrebox office (614-469-0939) and Ticketmaster outlets.


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BEST ENTERTAINMENT BETS FOR

MARCH 1-4

March 1, 2009By Ross Raihala

MARCH 4 POP/DUNCAN SHEIK

Wednesday: Singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik probably would have been forever consigned tothe one-hit-wonder bin after he struggled to match the success of his 1996 breakthrough single,"Barely Breathing." Until, that is, he was tagged to write the music for the stage sensation"Spring Awakening," which went on to win eight Tony Awards. Rhino Records issued acompilation of his early work in 2007, and Sheik recently followed that up with "WhisperHouse," his first studio album in three years. Lauren Pritchard opens. 7 p.m.; Varsity Theater,1308 Fourth St. S.E., Mpls.; $25-$21; 651-989-5151.


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DUNCAN SHEIK TONY-WINNING SONGWRITER

WILL BRING HAUNTING LIGHTHOUSE STORY

TO PORTLAND

February 24, 2009

PORTLAND- Singer/songwriter Duncan Sheik hit Top-40 pay dirt with his 1996 mega-hit,

"Barely Breathing." He then conquered the musical theater world with his Tony- and Grammy-winning Broadway show, "Spring Awakening." His new CD, "Whisper House" (RCA Victor)combines his talents for haunting melodic songwriting with theatrical storytelling - and it alltakes place in a Maine lighthouse.

Sheik will perform all the songs on that CD Thursday, March 12, at the Port City Music Hall.

"Whisper House" began as a collaboration with director Keith Powell, perhaps best known forhis role as Toofer In NBC's hit comedy "30 Rock." The storyline, told through a series of 10songs, follows a young boy named Christopher who is sent to live with his Aunt Lily in alighthouse in Maine during World War II. He becomes convinced that the lighthouse is hauntedby those who have perished over the years in ships driven up on the rocks near his new home.

Sheik recorded the grippingly ethereal songs as demos over an intensive 10-day period afterwhich his record label expressed interest in releasing the songs as a completed disc. "I actuallydidn't mean for this to be the next Duncan Sheik record," the songwriter said. "It's just, I madethe demos, and then everyone said, 'Oh, this is your next record, so now we're putting it out asthe next record.' And that's just what happened."

On the "Whisper House" tour with Sheik are singer-keyboardist Holly Brook, who plays aprominent role alongside Sheik on several of the songs; and Lauren Pritchard, the actress and


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singer best known for her Grammy-winning role of Ilse in the Broadway production of "SpringAwakening."

Looking ahead, a stage production of "Whisper House" is in the works with Keith Powelldirecting. Sheik is also at work on two other projects - a chamber piece based on Hans ChristianAndersen's fairy tale "The Nightingale," and an '80s tribute disc including acoustic reworkings ofsongs by Depeche Mode, Tears for Fears, The Smiths and New Order.

The concert, a 21-plus event, will begin at 9 p.m. at the music hall at 504 Congress St. Alsoperforming will be Lauren Pritchard and Holly Brook. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at thedoor; they are available online at www.portcitymusichall.com and at all Bull Moose musicstores. For more information, call 899-4990.


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COMPOSER DUNCAN SHEIK PERFORMS THE MUSIC

OF SPRING AWAKENING AT TRIPLE DOOR

February 27, 2009By Misha Berson

Duncan Sheik, who wrote the music for the Broadway hit "Spring Awakening," will be atSeattle's Triple Door performing music from that show and other compositions on Feb. 27 and

28.

A pop artist who has embraced theater in a big bear hug, Duncan Sheik won a Tony Award and aGrammy for his music for the Broadway hit "Spring Awakening," a rocking/lyrical teen-tragedyblowout, seen here last year at the Paramount Theatre. And Sheik has just recorded an album ofnew compositions, "Whisper House," from an upcoming show of the same name.

Sheik will dip into the scores of both shows in an intimate two-night gig at the Triple Door thatstarts tonight. Joining him is singer Lauren Pritchard, an original cast member of "SpringAwakening" with some other alums of that galvanic show possibly on hand, too. The showstarts at 8 tonight and Saturday night at the Triple Door, 216 Union St., Seattle; $25-$28 (206-838-4333 or www.thetripledoor.net).


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DUNCAN SHEIK + LAUREN PRITCHARD

February 28, 2009By Areif

Morse Theatre

1328 W Morse Ave (at Wayne Ave)Far North Side, Chicago | Map773-654-5100El: Red to Morse. Bus: 96, 147, 151 (24hrs), 155 | Directionshttp://www.themorse.com

Prices

Tickets: advance $30, day of show $35

Description

Any pop star can win a Grammy, but how many have won a Tony, too? Duncan Sheik picked upboth for scoring the musical Spring Awakening, and his follow-up, the new Whisper House,features songs from an upcoming stage musical as well. Hes joined this evening by original

Spring cast member Lauren Pritchard, who opens.

When

Fri 8pm .


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SHEIK TO BRING SPRING

AWAKENING TO ANN ARBOR

February 26, 2009By Vicki Kroll

Duncan Sheik doesnt believe in ghosts, but he does find spirits entertaining.

When I was a kid growing up in South Carolina, we used to go on camping trips to DaufuskieIsland, and my friends parents, you know, wed sit around the campfire roasting marshmallowsand they would tell ghost stories and try to freak us out, he recalled. I have fond, spookymemories of that, but I never really bought into it 100 percent.Duncan Sheik

He did find inspiration from those nights for Whisper House, an upcoming theatrical projectand his new disc released in January.

Sheiks friend, Keith Powell, an actor on 30 Rock and director, asked the singer-songwriter towork on a musical theater piece. Then playwright Kyle Jarrow came aboard.


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Duncan Sheik, Whisper HouseOnce a one-hit wonder (remember Barely Breathing?), Duncan

Sheik made his name known in the gay community for his later

theatrical leanings. Album number four, his first since the award-

winning Spring Awakening musical production and 2006s LPWhite Limousine, is rooted in lite pop and mild folk, with faint

traces of theatrical flourishes. Laying the groundwork for a stage

show later this year, about a boy living with his aunt in a haunted

lighthouse, the 10-song story is an earnest outing, and several tracks

zing with ear-pleasing harmonies from Holly Brook. But its the

whimsical vaudeville-ish The Tale of Solomon Snell that

shouldve been the foundation for the album, which, with a sleepy

execution, might fare better when paired with visual elements. By

itself, though, Whisper House, sounds sometimes as dead as the

ghosts in it.

Grade: C+

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