HBO has dropped a trailer for the upcoming documentary film about Pulitzer Prize finalist Taylor Mac’s A 24-Decade History of Popular Music. Mac presented a 24-hour marathon continuous performance of the work Off-Broadway at St. Ann's Warehouse October 8, 2016. Now, go inside the epic work about 240 years of American history told through 240 songs—and that singular performance—with HBO's behind-the-show film with the trailer above.
The documentary, directed and produced by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, premieres June 27 at 9 PM. It captures the marathon performance as well as footage from the show's tour around the world. The performances are intercut with interviews with Mac and collaborators on the show, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at elaborate and witty costumes designed by Mac's longtime collaborate Machine Dazzle. Other interviewees include Mac's co-director Niegel Smith, musical director Matt ray, and make-up designer Anastasia Durasova.
A 24-Decade History of Popular Music received its world premiere at the Brooklyn theatre after five years of development and concert stagings. Presented as a series of concerts, each covering three decades, Mac was accompanied by a 24-piece orchestra and 76 guests. One musician exited the stage after each decade, leaving Mac left to perform the final decade alone.
A 24-Decade History of Popular Music was created by Mac in collaboration with Matt Ray, who arranged the show’s 246 songs which includes “Yankee Doodle," “Gimme Shelter,” “Born to Run,” and “Gloria.” Ray also led the 24-member orchestra and four backup singers. Mac was joined on stage by Erin Hill, Steffanie Christi’an, Heather Christian, Thornetta Davis, Anaïs Mitchell, and many others, including a number of audience members.
The stage production's creative team also featured dramaturg Jocelyn Clarke, set designer Mimi Lien, lighting designer John Torres, sound designers Jamie McElhinney and David Schnirman/Hear No Evil Inc., and choreographic consultant Jawole Willa Jo Zollar.
The documentary is presented by HBO Documentary Films in association with Content Superba, a Telling Pictures and Pomegranate Arts Production in association with Fifth Season and Nature’s Darlings. Serving as producers arae Joel Stillerman, Linda Brumbach, Alisa E. Regas, Taylor Mac, Mari Rivera with Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller as executive producers and Anna Klein as coordinating producer.
