Shakespeare in LA

One of my favorite musical theatre composers, Georgia Stitt, has a new album that is getting ready to drop November 29th. The thirteen tracks on My Lifelong Love are really something special and feature many of Broadway’s best and brightest singers. I was looking over the track list and was excited to see that track # 4 entitled “Sonnet 29,” is a composition that marries Stitt’s heartfelt music with the text of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 29. You’ve got to check it out. Sung by Brian D’Arcy James, it is absolutely gorgeous. You can listen to a clip of the song Here and you can also pre-order the CD at the link as well if, like me, you find that her beautiful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics (by some well-chosen lyricists in addition to the Bard) make your own heart sing. 

Sonnet 29
When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes,  
I all alone beweep my outcast state,  
And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries,  
And look upon myself, and curse my fate,  
Wishing me like to one more rich in hope,          
Featured like him, like him with friends possessed,  
Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope,  
With what I most enjoy contented least;  
Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising,  
Haply I think on thee, and then my state,   
Like to the lark at break of day arising  
From sullen earth, sings hymns at heaven’s gate;  
    For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings  
    That then I scorn to change my state with kings. 

My Lifelong Love is produced by Georgia Stitt, recorded, mixed and mastered by Andy Waterman at Umbrella Media Studio, LA and features Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Anika Noni Rose, Shoshana Bean, Brian D’Arcy James, Susan Egan, Heidi Blickenstaff, Laura Osnes, Christopher Jackson, Michael Arden, Jessica Molaskey, John Pizzarelli, Kate Baldwin and Michael McElroy. All arrangements and musical direction are by Georgia Stitt. For more information about the composer visit www.georgiastitt.com.