After its extended run at New York City’s Public Theater, the original cast recording of February House has been released on the Storysound label. The show is based on Sherill Tippins’ book, which brings to life the story of what was possibly the most fertile and improbable live-in salon of the twentieth century. Known as “February House,” its residents included, among others, Carson McCullers, W. H. Auden, Paul Bowles, and the famed burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee. This ramshackle Brooklyn brownstone was host to an explosion of creativity, an extraordinary experiment in communal living, and a nonstop yearlong party fueled by the appetites of youth. Here these burgeoning talents composed many of their most famous, iconic literary works while experiencing together a crucial historical moment–America on the threshold of World War II.
With music and lyrics by Gabriel Kahane and book by Seth Bockley, the show ran to packed houses and rave reviews.
“IT’S THE MUSIC THAT MAKES THE MAGIC… the music artfully captures the spirit of the years in which FEBRUARY HOUSE is set.”
– Ben Brantley, The New York Times
“IMAGINATIVE AND BEGUILING. Directed with sweeping, thoughtful flair by Davis McCallum, the production is visually and aurally rich.”
– Jennifer Farrar, Associated Press
“Gabriel Kahane’s songs range wide and deep. The score adroitly balances lush romanticism and sharp wit. FEBRUARY HOUSE has introduced a vital new voice to the musical theater.”
– Jeremy Gerard, Bloomberg
“Seth Bockley’s dialogue is funny and quick, but also has something on its mind. Kahane’s music and exceptional lyrics carry the production into the sublime.”
– Keith Staskiewicz, Entertainment Weekly
“Where Carson McCullers is concerned, Kahane achieves a kind of art-song nirvana, gorgeously rendered by Kristen Sieh, whose upper register recalls Joni Mitchell’s.”
– Elizabeth Vincentelli, New York Post
Kahane on February House
FEBRUARY HOUSE was recently featured in The New York Times! click here to read the article.
NewMusicBox reviews the recording.
