Lovable Lunatic: The Life and Lyrics of Dorothy Fields

Abstract

There are not enough artistic pieces that celebrate and feature powerful women. In addition, the number of men cast in most theatrical productions usually double the number of women: the production 1776, produced here at ECU, featured a 28-member cast of 24 men and 4 women. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to produce and write a production about a woman. I was incredibly inspired by my voice teacher’s revue about Jerome Kern titled “The Way You Look Tonite”. But I wanted to give women a voice. I wanted to create a musical that could both educate and entertain audiences and cast members with a determined, relatable female protagonist at its center. As the most influential female writer in musical theatre from the 1920’s to the 1970’s, the lyricist Dorothy Fields was the perfect fit. Her vibrant story lifts and inspires women, and men, of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. To share this incredible story, I cast, directed, costume designed, set designed, conceived, and wrote the new biographical musical titled Lovable Lunatic: The Life and Lyrics of Dorothy Fields.