BY THE VILLAGE SUN | Just a few weeks after fans gathered to mark the 43rd anniversary of John Lennon’s death, and honor his life and music, a new musical about musicians who meet at Strawberry Fields is set to open.
“The Speed of Sound,” with music and lyrics by Mike Borgia and book by Claude Solnik, directed by Robert Liebowitz, follows two street musicians who meet at Strawberry Fields in Central Park, near the Dakota apartment building, where the legendary Beatle lived and was killed.
The musical is set to premiere Thurs., Dec. 21, at Theater for the New City in the East Village.
The two musicians are played by Kirstin Wolf and Henry Vincent. We follow their lives, struggles and successes, all against the backdrop of Strawberry Fields and several other settings.
Camila Maric plays Beth, one of the musician’s roommates. They’re both Michigan State University grads. Charles Meckley plays a music executive.
Joanna Newman is assistant director. Lights are by Marsh Shugart and the set is by Allison Lau.
“Strawberry Fields is a memorial to John Lennon and a sort of sanctuary for music,” Solnik said. “This musical follows people who go there to play and what happens after a chance encounter unites them. We think it’s a strong New York show about an important subject matter with a strong story and songs.”
“The Speed of Sound” (1 hour and 40 minutes, no intermission) will run from Dec. 21 to Jan. 7 at Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., at E. 10th Street. Tickets are $18 general admission, $15 for seniors, students and veterans. For tickets and more information, visit theaterforthenewcity.net or call 212-254-1109.
Strawberry Fields was one of the favorite busking places of the late Yippie and Occupy leader David Peel, who many of us knew and who many did not know was a Veteran. He played there every year and on other special occasions. David also was proud to let everyone know that he was a friend of John Lennon’s and jammed with him in the Hippie anti-war days.