User:Timgilvin/In the Rush Hour

'In the Rush Hour' is a two-act musical composed by Tim Gilvin with a book by Safaa Benson-Effiom, which was written whilst both writers were studying at the University of Birmingham. After a successful workshop season with the University's Guild Musical Theatre Group in Winter 2010, the full show ran for three nights in the Guild of Students Deb Hall from 30th March - 1st April 2011, directed by Safaa Benson-Effiom.

Synopsis
According to the GMTG website, 'In the Rush Hour is a modern day love story set against the backdrop of contemporary metropolitan society and culture. Amidst scenes of the London rat-race, a romance blooms between a simple-hearted accountant (Peter) and a troubled girl (Lucy), who is faced with redundancy and eviction from her home. The show follows the story of their relationship: their first meeting; the awkwardness of their circumstance; the peaks and troughs of their respective paths; and the difficulties caused by societal expectations. This is all set amidst striking depictions of modern life, the homogenised working routine, but also the escapist drink-culture of their society.'

Act One
Drinking Song (Peter, Chorus)

Lucy's Song (Lucy)

Wasted Hours (Three members of the Chorus)

Awkward (Peter, Lucy)

Song for the Rush Hour (Chorus)

Space (Peter)

Henry's Song (Peter, Henry)

Trio & Invitation (Lucy, Peter, Henry)

Act Two
Awkward Reprise (Peter, Lucy)

Party Scene (Ensemble)

Silence (Three members of the Chorus, Henry)

Taxi Rank (Chorus, Henry)

Peter's Song (Peter)

Lucy's Song Reprise (Lucy)

Early Morning Rush Hour (Four Members of the Chorus)

Finale (Ensemble)

Roles and original UoB cast
Peter (Baritone/Tenor) - Matthew Johnson

Lucy (Contralto/Belt) - Hannah Donnelly

Henry(Baritone) - Ben Powell

Annette (Speaking Part) - Branwen Bennell

Chorus - Branwen Bennell, Jamie Bryant, Sam Clarke ,Eimear Luddy, Beth Powell, Lior Sayada, Sophie Williamson

Workshop Version
The 2010 version of the show, with a book by the composer, was staged in the Guild of Students with a much bigger cast, and many musical numbers which did not make the full show. The content of the show was also very different, with the lead characters placed in situations of more direct turmoil. Following the show, this aspect was eradicated, in order to involve Lucy's character a little more into the lives of the other characters. This version was also not set entirely in London. Peter, Lucy and Henry were played by Lior Sayada, Katie Findler and David Gray respectively, and the show was directed by Natalia Scorer, who was also writing consultant from May 2010 - January 2011.

Soundtrack
A soundtrack album by the original cast is being recorded and is expected for release in Summer 2011, recorded and produced by Tim Gilvin.