The History of Light
A new musical by
Michael W. Small
Music arranged and updated by Teatime Jones, Lawrence Yurman, Melvin Pacheco, and Xavier Pacheco. Directed by Gregg Edelman.
Lyrics updated by Michael W. Small
Hear Broadway stars perform pop and hip-hop songs from The History of Light — a new musical that explores the thrills and perils of electricity in Gilded Age New York City
The story…
In Gilded Age New York — when the introduction of electricity was as life-changing as the Internet today — wealthy newlyweds Frederick and Alice Winslet decide to sponsor a gadget that they believe will bring the electric current into every home. As they flip the switch in their parlor, it seems as if their project is a success. But a sudden tragedy forces them to admit their mistakes and confront the brutal truth about their family and their lives.
Set against the backdrop of the Haymarket Riots and the Statue of Liberty dedication, The History of Light explores the tech revolution of the 1880s. The score is based on 18 melodies by Gilbert and Sullivan — the most popular music of that era —but reinvented with pop and hip-hop, reflecting the connection between their time and ours.
Get the story behind each song (with links to the original Gilbert and Sullivan tunes) in our annotated song list.
The songs…
Listen to a playlist of all 16 songs below. Or listen on Youtube or Soundcloud.
The singers…
Broadway stars (including two Tony winners) joined the lineup of exceptional singers who recorded songs from The History of Light.
Jelani Alladin
Assata Alston
Carla Duren
Sarah Ellis
David Garrison
Samantha Hill
Norm Lewis
Bonnie Milligan
Desi Oakley
Xavier Pacheco
Kyle Selig
Asa Somers
Michael Wartella
More about the singers
The creators…
Michael W. Small (playwright) is author of several plays and co-author of the 2001 Off Broadway musical The It Girl.
Gregg Edelman (director) is an artistic associate at the Berkshire Theatre group and Tony-nominated Broadway, TV, and film actor
Phil Teatime Jones (producer, arranger) is a multifaceted musician who has produced for Sheila E., Bettina Pennon, and Chantel May.
Lawrence Yurman (arranger, musical director) has been musical director, pianist and conductor for multiple shows and concerts on and off Broadway.
Melvin Pacheco (tracking engineer) has a decade of experience of recording, mixing, arranging and producing hip-hop, pop, soul, and other genres.
More about the creators
The 1880s history…
The History of Light was inspired by actual events in the 1880s, including the opening of Edison’s first power plant on Pearl Street in Manhattan, the installation of electric lights in Madison Square, the dedication of The Statue of Liberty and the Haymarket riots in Chicago.
More about the 1880s history
Producing The History of Light…
The History of Light has been presented in readings by the HOWL Festival in New York City and by L.A.’s La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
The production requirements for The History of Light are flexible. It can be performed with a cast of 10, a single DJ and keyboard player, and minimal sets. Or it can be expanded for a more elaborate production. More production details
If you have questions about producing The History of Light, or if you’d like to request a script, contact us
Jelani Alladin, who played Kristoff in Broadway’s Frozen, performed “The Sun and I” in the first reading of The History of Light.
This, at least, is the tale
That we tell without fail
And with one final note, if we may
Let us hope for your sake
You’re not hurt by our mistakes
For there never was a time like today.
“A Time Like Today,” The History of Light