You wrote a show?
I did, it started as a play and then it became a musical. Who knew?
What's it about?
It's a true story actually. About a part of my life when I was going through an extremely difficult time.
So, why now?
Good question. I believe that WITH BECKETT Is the impact story we all need. How do we rise when faced with unimaginable struggles? How can we go on, and be the example to those who look to us for everything? Personally, I never thought I'd even publically speak about what I went through, but I've learned that proudly standing and owning my path, brings me the strength and joy for living the best life possible. We all have our stuff, right? Mine isn't special or more difficult than anyone else walking down the street. I'm just amplifying mine to share how I got to the light.
WITH BECKETT is based on the memoir by Jessica Hendy. A unique one-woman musical features a book by Jessica Hendy, with Robert Taylor & Richard Oberacker, music by Richard Oberacker, and lyrics by Robert Taylor & Richard Oberacker.
WITH BECKETT is a rare work that pushes the envelope of what forms musical theater can take. It is a full length, narrative book musical with an original score based on an extraordinary true story written and performed by the woman who lived it. With charming candor and intimacy, Jessica tells her story of a woman living her dream - a career in the big city and a perfect marriage - when her husband begins to suffer an inexplicable mental decline that slides into a terrifying psychotic break with reality. She is left with her young son to navigate a seemingly impossible new landscape with few resources other than an irrepressible sense of humor and a mother's determination. WITH BECKETT is the surprising and emotional story of one woman's resilience and journey to a new beginning.
But, it's a pandemic - how did this happen?
Thank God for technology, right? We've assembled the best team (check out the FAQ'S to find out who we are), and we're figuring out how to tell this story together, in the best way, even during a pandemic. We've been meeting regularly for months over ZOOM, and FACETIME writing, shaping, rehearsing, and building this piece. Doing everything we can to get our show ready for when the world becomes safe again.
So, a concept album is the goal, then? And how are you going to do this?
Well, the goal for now. There are no limits, really. ;) Music is a connector, it heals, it's universal and we believe our show's album of WITH BECKETT, will check all those boxes. We've gotten WITH BECKETT to a great place, and we're ready to elevate from the page and into the studio, which is another way we can get the word out about our show before the world opens up.
Okay, I'm in! How can I help?
Well, check out our rewards section to the right. Rewards range from $25 all the way to a whopping $10,000! Every dollar is super important. And if money is tight, give what you can, we get it.
We'd also love it if you shared our INDIEGOGO page to your social media, or email lists. That would be a gigantic help!
On behalf of:
Richard Oberacker, Robert Taylor, Richard Hess, and Julie McBride
We give you our heartfelt thanks for your consideration of supporting WITH BECKETT
Thank you, thank you so much.
Jessica Hendy