The Sia musical Saturday Night has surprise dropped a concept album via Joy Machine Records. The 14-track release—which features cast members from the upcoming New York Theatre Workshop production, led by Bryson Battle, J. Harrison Ghee, and Joaquina Kalukango—is currently available on streaming platforms, and will get a vinyl release August 27. The physical edition will be available for purchase at New York Theatre Workshop and from JoyMachineRecords.com.
The concept album release follows a two-song EP that dropped in June, titled Are There Any Queens in the House. The concept album is produced by Sia, Honey Dijon, Jason Michael Webb, Luke Solomon, and Chris Penny; and executive-produced by Tim Levy and Cindy Tolan. A&R is by Will Van Dyke. The release also features vocals from Ayana Jackson and Durand Bernarr.
“Alongside our musical collaborators Luke Solomon, Jason Michael Webb, and Chris Penny, we’re thrilled to share the concept tracks we created as Saturday Church was developed," say Sia and Honey Dijon in a statement (the two penned the work's score). "We can’t wait for the world to hear what this incredible group of musical and theatrical artists has created together."
Saturday Church tells the story of Ulysses, a New York City kid who is also the fiercest tenor at his aunt’s church. A chance encounter on the subway introduces him to the world of Saturday Church, a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ youth. According to press notes, Saturday Church boldly asks, “Is faith only for the Holy?” and “Are there any queens in the house?!!!!”
The work begins its world premiere run at New York Theatre Workshop August 27 ahead of a September 15 opening night. The run is scheduled to continue through October 12.
Along with Battle, Ghee, and Kalukango, the cast of the upcoming world premiere includes Noel Thomas (SuperYou), Anania (Gaydar), Primo Thee Ballerino (CATS: The Jellicle Ball), Veyonce Deleon (Being the Digital Griot), Dava Huesca (CATS: The Jellicle Ball), Kristolyn Lloyd (Liberation), Kareem Marsh (Goddess), Jackson Kanawha Perry (Stuntboy: In the Meantime), Caleb Quezon (Kinky Boots!), and Wade Watson (Goddess). Swings Fernell Hogan (Kimberly Akimbo), Michael Samarie George (The Wiz), and J'Quay Gibbs (RENT) round out the company.
Saturday Church is directed by Whitney White (Jaja's African Hair Braiding) and features a book and additional lyrics by Emmy nominee Damon Cardasis (She Came to Me) and Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames (Fat Ham). Grammy winner Honey Dijon (Black Girl Magic) provides additional music.
Saturday Church will mark the third musical in New York that has featured the songs of Sia, known for pop hits such as "Cheap Thrills," "Chandelier," and "Titanium." Moulin Rouge! on Broadway has a character singing "Chandelier," while in 2019, the Off-Broadway musical Dragon Spring Phoenix Rise also used Sia's music.
Saturday Church features music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Special Tony Award recipient Jason Michael Webb (MJ The Musical) and Grammy winner Luke Solomon (Beyonce’s Renaissance), and choreography by Obie winner Darrell Grand Moultrie (Fat Ham). It is conceived for the stage and based on the Spring Pictures film of the same name, written and directed by Cardasis.
The production will also feature scenic design by David Zinn (Stereophonic), costume design by Qween Jean (CATS: The Jellicle Ball), lighting design by Adam Honoré (CATS: "The Jellicle Ball"), and sound design by Gareth Owen (Hell’s Kitchen). Music direction is by Deah Love Harriot (for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf), with music production by Grammy winner Chris Penny (Beyonce’s Renaissance). Casting is by Nicholas Petrovich and Erica Hart. Jhanaë K-C Bonnick will serve as the stage manager.
Also on the creative team are Darius Thomas (Semblance) as hair and wig designer, Rachel Christopher (for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf) as vocal coach, Dave Anzuelo/Unkle Dave's Fighthouse (Merrily We Roll Along) as fight choreographer, and Kelsey Rainwater (Jordans) as intimacy coordinator.
Saturday Church is produced by special arrangement with Tim Levy and Cindy Tolan.
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