The Rainbow Academy - November 13

BYU
Northampton House
 
 

PETER MORGAN

PRESENTS

 

THE MUSIC OF

THE RAINBOW ACADEMY

A PREVIEW READING

 

 

Music, Lyrics and Book by

Peter Morgan

 

 

with

 

Gunnar Russell

Lance Merrell

Christian Ayer

Bronwyn Reed

Jordan Briggs

Esera Mose

Zachary Thompson

Peter Morgan

Adam Cook

Ukiah Reynolds

Autumn Walton

McKay Elwood

 

Cast Album Art by:

Kelsey Lloyd

Brinnley Ashton

 

"The Rainbow Academy" Original Cast Recording

is a BYU Commercial Music Capstone Project.

 

“The Rainbow Academy” is a rock-pop muscial, with a story addressing sexual assault in the gay male community. The story takes place at an all-male, private, Christian college called “Loren Academy'' which is well known for its high moral and academic standards. Elliot Rahesa, navigates his way through his first Fall semester with his six new house mates, who all have colorful secrets. Elliot quickly discovers that some of the rules at Loren Academy make it possible for the school to punish and expel innocent people, such as victims of sexual assault. He is determined to change that. Others are determined to stop him from doing so.

 

“The Rainbow Academy,” may not have much “adult language” in the sense that there are few swear-words, but the content is a sensitive narrative potentially better suited for mature audiences. The story addresses sexual assault, homophobia, domestic abuse and neglect, mental illness, and suicidal ideation.  Relating to homophobia there is a scene in which one character disowns his son for being gay (following "The Ultimate Hipster"). The musical has a heavy spiritual focus, as Elliot is comfortable with his sexuality and spirituality in one, and narrates much of the musical through prayer to God.

 

If any of this content may be triggering to you, please be aware of yourself. If you feel you need to take a break, close your eyes or block your ears, or simply take a walk in the lobby or garden, please do so. Your well being is important.

 
Photos of the reading are fine, as long as you aim to not be distracting to cast and those around you. Any audio or video recording of the music or storytelling should NOT be shared publicly until after the music is released in March, unless given express permission from Peter Morgan.