The work is never done

I want to share one of the biggest misconceptions I had when I first started writing this musical: I was so sure it was good after I wrote it. Then, I started to get feedback. The feedback was an eye-opener. The number of times it was rewritten, the number of songs that were discarded, and new songs written – musically … Read More

Who Is Esther on the Ride to Conquer Cancer

Stay with me. This year, for the 4th time, I’ll be participating in the 200km Ride to Conquer Cancer in June. Doing the Ride took every ounce of my energy, but listening to all of the people sitting on lawn chairs along those 200km, with signs with their family member’s names, shouting “You’re riding for ________”, over and over again, … Read More

Who Is Esther is Now Officially Partnering with PMCF

We’re Official. Given the unique Who Is Esther backstory, perhaps it isn’t surprising that we are running the musical as a Social Enterprise, and that 100% of all proceeds are being directed to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (PMCF). This has taken a number of months to negotiate and put into place, but we’ve now signed formal terms. What does … Read More

Casting Call (8 Roles)

After years of rewrites, workshops, fine-tuning, and studio recordings, we’re ready for the world premiere of Who Is Esther, at the Kingston Fringe Festival.  If you’re excited by this, and you have experience as an actor/singer, then we’d like to speak to you! Rehearsals in Toronto at a location easily accessible by public transit, targeted starting the week of May … Read More

Meet the Director

Tracey Forster is a dynamic and multifaceted performing arts professional currently based in Kingston, Ontario. A graduate of Sheridan College Musical Theatre Program, Tracey has built an impressive career that spans acting, directing, vocal coaching, and musical theatre – bringing passion, expertise, and creativity to every stage she graces. Her dedication to the arts extends beyond performance, as she continues … Read More

Featured in CAMMAC: The Story Behind Who Is Esther

Linda here – Who Is Esther was the feature article in CAMMAC’s latest newsletter. CAMMAC is a non-profit founded 70+ years ago, to encourage the activities of amateur musicians at all levels. They conduct readings throughout the year – many of the members are music educators, working musicians, and people who simply love to sing or play challenging music. My … Read More

Now on Spotify and Apple Music

Wow, just wow. After casting, studio work, post-production, and more back-and-forths than you could imagine, the studio cast recording of Who Is Esther is now on Apple Music, Spotify, and 250+ other online music stores. If you want to listen on Apple Music, here’s the link: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/who-is-esther-studio-cast-version/1887599163 Here’s the link on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/791hJt5CTQA9lorQKcCBU7 And here is the very surprised (and … Read More

Back in the studio!

After a short hiatus where we were working on updating the orchestrations, we spent several days in the studio, recording the remainder of the songs. Thanks to the exceptionally talented Berlayne Smith (who reprised her role as Esther), Manuele Adrian Mizzi (as Mr. Verious), Justin Welsh (Uncle Mo), Cara Adams (Vashti and Contestant Two), Erin Humphry (Contestant One), and Jesse … Read More

Sing with Esther – musical preview

Update: The Sing With Esther program is now in a second phase: we’re no longer putting together a virtual choir of our own, but the music remains available for any choirs that are interested in adding (one) or both of these songs to their repertoire – at no cost. Either sign up on the website, or reach out directly. Putting … Read More

Time for a rewrite? (yes, again)

I had the exceptional good fortune to meet Rob Corbett recently. Beyond teaching acting at several colleges and being a playwright in his own right, he is a most insightful script reader and dramaturg. And a pleasure to work with. One of the challenges of a first-time script writer (that’s me), is that you don’t know what you don’t know. … Read More