Joseph Weisnewski
I want to share a story.
It’s a story about a show called Sweet Willow and it’s also a story about myself.
As yet there’s no conclusion to the story but that’s about to change.
I’m extending an open invitation to all of you. Join me as I trace the genesis, the history and the future unfolding of Sweet Willow and my relationship to it.
To find out more about me, visit weisnewski.com.
What is Sweet Willow?
Sweet Willow is a Blues Musical Play. In Sweet Willow the story of William Shakespeare’s Othello is reimagined in a gritty 1950’s urban American setting with a moving electric blues/jazz score and original songs.
Othello becomes Odelle Brown, a heavyweight boxer in line for the world’s championship.
Iago is now Jimmy Shine, an old friend of Odelle’s and an ex-numbers runner who has just been released from prison.
Hank Desmond is Odelle’s chief financial backer. He has a daughter named Mona who has secretly fallen in love with and married Odelle.
Clay Caxton is Odelle’s trusted trainer who parallels the Cassio character from the original tragedy.
Emelia becomes Loretta Jewel, a nightclub singer who will bring tears to listener’s eyes when she sings the Willow Song.
Sweet Willow retells this classic tale of ambition, love, trust, betrayal and murder.
Hi Joseph,
I’ve been meaning to post here that I think – actually, I’ve thunk for a long time – that this is simply a brilliant idea. I hope you’ll see it through to a wonderful realization, and I wish you all the luck in the world in doing that.
Hey Paul,
Thanks for the words of encouragement. This show is one of those artistic ‘children’ that needs to leave home and make it’s way in the world. I hope to keep the story interesting and get to current developments soon.
Excellent blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for
a paid option? There are so many options out there
that I’m totally confused .. Any suggestions?
Thank you!
I use WordPress and so far have no complaints.
Hey Joe -I remember when you first told me about Sweet Willow when Jocelyn, Joey and i were visiting you guys in Seattle. How long ago ? – maybe 10 years. im not sure you had a title but you played some of the music to me in the car. Im looking forward to hearing and watching as the tale and music unfolds. I loved reading the biography – Go for it
Mark,
I think it was more than 10 years ago. This project has had a number of incarnations going back to…well, you know ’cause you’ve read the story. I think you are right about the show not having a title yet back then.
Thanks for checking in. Future posts will take readers up to the present day state of the show and where it is going in the future.
Keep the posts coming dad! I love that you are sharing this amazing project with people. Been such a fan of it since I fell asleep in bed listening to you working on it.
That’s really a sweet message. Love you lots.
The bits I’ve heard so far are great stuff. Looking forward to the whole show. Best of luck with it.
Thanks Rich. I’ll soon be posting some of the music demos.
Good stuff! Best of luck in rallying support for the project. I’d love to see it in person. Keep the updates and content coming.
As they say, the start of the thousand mile journey begins with a single step, or something like that. I think this journey already has several thousand steps to it but who’s counting?
I’m glad to hear this is coming together. I’m looking forward to hearing more of the story. And the music!
Many thanks Glen. I will keep you posted.
this is an exciting project! i’m already in love with the characters’ names!
Thank you Adrian. The whole show is exciting. I’m looking forward to sharing the script and music in future posts.
Such a great idea. I hope to see it on stage soon!
You and me both. I think you may already know a lot of the story.