Image 1: Composer John Bucchino works with actor Nanci Zoppi and Musical Director Graham Sobelman at the It's Only Life masterclass

Image 2: John Bucchino explains his process of writing and composing during the It's Only Life masterclass

Image 3: New Helvetia Founder and Artistic Director Connor Mickiewicz sings "Playbill", accompanied by composer John Bucchino at the It's Only Life masterclass

It's Only Life

After an amazing first year, which included the critically praised productions of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and also Tick, Tick...BOOM (so good they had to bring it back), New Helvetia Theater hosts a unique musical event tonight at the Crest Theatre. 

Tonight's one-night performance of It's Only Life not only reunites some of the fledgling theater company's most admired performers (plus some great newcomers to the New Helvetia stage) but teams them with the work's composer/lyricist John Bucchino at the piano. 

John came to Sacramento for this unique performance and has been working with the cast in preparation for the show.  I had the privilege on Friday to watch them interact in a masterclass setting and it just made me even more eager to see the show.  There's something special about watching actors interpret a song and then hear directly from the writer what motivated the song and lyrics: It's a transformative experience, both literally and figuratively, as the song is then re-interpreted and brought to life with a new level of emotional investment and authenticity.

It's Only life is tonight at the Crest Theater at 7pm, followed by an after-party around the corner at Parlare Eurolounge.

For more information:

www.newhelvetia.org
www.thecrest.com
www.johnbucchino.com