A REVOLUTIONARY experience in entertainment!
“The idea for “19” was inspired by a line in Hamilton: “When I meet Thomas Jefferson, I’ma compel him to include women in the sequel.” That line struck me because I thought, “Where’s the sequel? We’re still waiting to be heard — and I’m going to do something about that right now.”- Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshaw
As many of you who follow this site know, I’m a historian, by degree and desire. I remember the Suffragist Era being on one of my history finals at the University of Georgia. A long essay and I still couldn’t get it all in, but I hit the points I could and that’s the problem with history today and what we know. We only get the high points and most of those points are by men in power positions, with the biggest bank rolls and biggest voices. – Ronovan (And I got an A on that final.)
19: The Musical is the dynamic and little-known story of Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Inez Milholland and the other suffragists who fought to get women the right to vote – The 19th Amendment. The inspirational story of these fearless women is brought to life through jazz, traditional musical standards style, spoken word, and hints of gospel. Alice Paul and the suffragist’s fight for equality have been re-imagined for a new generation with a poignant and uplifting message that will resonate for years to come.
Originally created and performed on stage, 19: The Musical has been adapted for a new medium to reach a broader audience through audiobooks.
19: The Musical Book & Lyrics by Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshaw, Music Composed & Arranged by Charlie Barnett
Questions with Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshaw.
- Why choose to turn the stage production into an audiobook?
In 2020, we were prepared to take “19” to New York for an investor reading so we could move the show to bigger venues. However, COVID-19 undercut our theatrical dreams for the show. We continued to work on the production; we had Zoom readings and did some online appearances over the past several years. Eventually, it occurred to us that “19” is a history that has been overlooked, yet, as evidenced by our live audiences pre-COVID, there’s a great hunger to know more about these women and their fight for suffrage. We thought that an audiobook format would allow us to reach a new and much broader audience — an audience that would appreciate both the story and the music.
- Can you explain a bit how the themes “19” touches on are still relevant for today’s audience?
“19” has never stopped being relevant. Women’s rights are still being dismantled today. Voting and voting rights are being gutted. Protests and activism still remain a staple of how we move forward politically in this country. Did you know the Women’s March of 1913 was the blueprint for peaceful protest marches in this country? “19” is motivational, educational and inspirational. It offers insights on how we, as a people, can use use tactics like nonviolent protest to dissent when the government has taken a position that is fundamentally against our personhood. “19” tells the true story of how against all odds, those without power can battle a system built upon their oppression, but through brilliant strategic decisions, bold tactical choices and pure grit, they can eventually achieve victory and gain equality.
Visit https://www.19themusical.com/ for more information.
You can find the audiobook on Barnes & Noble, Audiobooks.com, Chirpbooks.com, Kobo and Google Play.
Follow 19: The Musical on https://www.facebook.com/19TheMusical/ and https://www.instagram.com/19_themusical/.
© 2014-2024- Ronovan Hester Copyright reserved. The author asserts his moral and legal rights over this work.
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