Facing East: The Musical

Yeah, you read that right. Facing East: the musical. When my mom first told me that she had been approached by a guy that wanted to make her play Facing East into a musical I cringed. And then I laughed. I was instantly barraged with images of Hugh Jackman leaping from an open grave belting, "I gotta be me, I just gotta be me!" while Alex, Ruth and Marcus back him doing the Suicide Soft-shoe. Honestly, I thought that it would be the weirdest, most depressing piece of musical dinner theater imaginable. But as loud and opinionated as I so often am, I am also totally open to being wrong - which I, again, so often am. And this just may be one of those times.

For those of you not familiar with Facing East, it is a stage play written by my mother, Carol Lynn Pearson about a Mormon couple whose twenty four year old gay son has just committed suicide. It is an intensely powerful and important piece. It was produced here in Salt Lake by the Plan B Theater Company, then had an Off-Broadway run, a San Francisco run and is now being done by several smaller, very prestigious, theater companies.

So, back to the musical. Mom has forwarded me several lyrics and pieces of songs that they have created and I must say, they are really quite beautiful. And I find myself excited to see what they come up with. Any interested Facing East fans can check out their website and blog for more information and updates.

And then there is my baby - Facing East: the film. My producing partner is Duane Andersen [Big Dreams Little Tokyo, White on Rice], who was introduced to me by Juiceman. (Thanks again Juicy.) Duane and I are now raising funds and beginning our search for the perfect director and talent as well as gearing up to tackle the kabillion things that go into producing a film. I'm so excited I could spontaneously combust - which I just actually may do any moment now. I'll keep y'all up to date as the project progresses or you can contact us at info@facingeastthefilm.com

So much attention - whether it be dramatic, musical or cinematic - could not happen to a nicer play. Facing East changes minds, hearts and lives and I could not be prouder of my mom or more honored to be a part of bringing it to the world in this way.

And, no, Hugh Jackman is not being considered.