Sarah Rosetta Wakeman,
153rd New York Infantry, 1861
The Story
The Rosetta Project is a new folk-rock musical which centers around the true story of Sarah Rosetta Wakeman, a young woman who presented herself as a man and joined the Union Army during the Civil War. Her adventures are forever captured in a series of letters written to her family chronicling her daily life as Private Lyons Wakeman in the 153rd New York infantry. Original songs by lyricist/ composer Jenn Grinels bring to life this tale of freedom, gender identity and the pursuit of the American Dream.
It is estimated that over 400 women fought in the Civil War. The Rosetta Project weaves together the fascinating stories of these untold heroes, as they grapple with equality, identity and place.
Music & Lyrics by Jenn Grinels
Directed by Merideth Kaye Clark
Musical Consultant Rick Lewis
Gender & Identity Damaturg Jenna Tamimi
Produced by
Jenn Grinels, Merideth Kaye Clark,
Jared Miller & Blossom Benedict
Performance Assistant Emily Shaindlin
Lighting & Sound Rick Rothwell
This project was made possible by: The Regional Arts and Culture Council, Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre, a generous angel donation from our friend and brilliant artist Lisa Mann, and you!
The Cast
Rosetta
Little Brother
Jane
Prisioner
Soldier
Soldier
Soldier
Mother
Father
Ensemble
Ensemble
Ella Korn
Cameron Jordan
Emma Hearn
Jenn Grinels
Clayton Lukens
William Aamold
Jason Nuesa
Merideth Kaye Clark
Eric Little
Sophie MacKay
Blossom Benedict
The Band
Piano/ Keys
Guitar
Drums
Bass
Eric Little
Ross Seligman
René Ormae-Jarmer
Will Amend
Song List
Rewrite History
Goodnight Sun
Time to Go
The Canal Song
Living Out Loud
Love Beyond Reason
When I Get Home
Sometimes
Burn Down Cages
If Tomorrow Never Comes
Rosetta
Rosetta, Little Brother
Rosetta
Company
Rosetta
Jane
Soldiers, Rosetta
Mother, Father, Rosetta
Prisoner
Rosetta, Company
Jenn Grinels
Composer/Lyricist
Now an award-winning, nationally touring singer/songwriter, Grinels actually began her career in musical theater, performing in professional productions around Southern California after studying theater at UC Irvine. Grinels played Yitzhak in the West Coast Premiere of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and spent nearly three years portraying Janis Joplin in Beehive, The 60’s Musical. With the release of her first album, Grinels hit the road, performing her original music across the country and abroad, sharing the stage with 10,000 Maniacs, Christopher Cross, Marc Cohn, Edwin McCain, Marc Broussard, and countless others. As an independent artist, Grinels has built a large, grassroots following and released six full length albums, selling over 25,000 copies and accumulating over 1,000,000 streams online. With The Rosetta Project, Grinels returns to her musical theater roots, combining her experience on theatrical stages and as a singer/songwriter.
Merideth Kaye Clark
Director
Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Merideth studied Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology at Emory University before earning a Masters in Musical Theatre at San Diego State University. It was there, in California, where she began her career as a concert artist and musical theatre performer. Merideth has since performed major roles in theatres around the country. Highlights include: Elphaba standby, Wicked (First National Tour); Nancy, Oliver! (Seattle’s 5th Ave); Cathy, The Last Five Years (Portland Center Stage); Alice Murphy, Bright Star (Arvada Center); Clara, The Light in the Piazza (Portland Playhouse); Tzeitl, Fiddler on the Roof (PCS); Kate/Lilli, Kiss Me Kate (Clackamas Rep); Eva Peron, Evita (Northern Stage); Olivia, Twelfth Night (Alabama Shakespeare Festival); How the Grinch Stole Christmas (The Old Globe); Amazing Grace (Goodspeed); Rose, Meet Me In St. Louis (Irish Rep). She has participated in numerous developmental readings and has originated roles in two off-Broadway musicals.
Rick Lewis
Musical Consultant
Rick most recently received the Broadway World Award for outstanding musical direction for his work on Fun Home at Portland Center Stage. He is a seven-time Drammy winner for his work in the Portland area. He is the creator/writer/arranger of the hit Off-Broadway musicals The Taffetas, its all-male sequel The Cardigans, and Have a Nice Day! - the 70's Musical Flashback. Other NYC credits include: casting pianist for Sondheim and Lapine's original production of Sunday in the Park with George (pre-Broadway workshop); Cy Coleman's The Life (Assistant Conductor, Vocal Director (pre-Broadway workshop); Assistant Music Director for Off-Broadway's Charlotte Sweet, Music Director/Conductor for Anything Goes (Equity Library Theatre), Music Director/Arranger for London Days/New York Nights. Rick has written and/or arranged original music for Disney Family Live Entertainment, MGM/UA Home Video, the Democratic National Convention, American Hawaii Cruises, Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade, American West Steamboat Company, and American Classic Voyages. Rick developed the Cinnamon Bear Cruise, a holiday staple aboard the Portland Spirit.
Covid Safety
The health and safety of our young performers is of paramount importance to us!
We will will be following all CDC guidelines and complying strictly with state and local regulations. We ask that all audience members be masked, regardless of vaccination status. Seating will be distanced.