Strike a Chord: The Power of Protest Music
Music Director Phil Heilbron Weaves a Tapestry of Sound for UAF’s STRIKE! A Musical and Dramatic Revue
The IJͼ Department of Theatre & Film is gearing up for its upcoming production, STRIKE! A Musical and Dramatic Revue, devised and directed by Flyn Ludington, set to open March 21st at the Lee H. Salisbury Lab Theatre. This unique production is a powerful blend of dramatic scenes and musical numbers, exploring themes of labor, perseverance, and solidarity. Phil Heilbron, the show’s music director and arranger, has taken on the ambitious task of blending diverse musical styles into a cohesive soundscape.
“Music has always served an essential role in labor organizing,” Heilbron explains. “Woven throughout the show are the tunes sung by those marching, picketing, and striking for better conditions. These songs help remind us of the rich history that this show pulls from.”
With songs and scenes spanning the 20th century, STRIKE! draws from contemporary musicals, traditional protest songs, and works from acclaimed playwrights and poets such as Clifford Odets, Langston Hughes, and Diane Benson. Heilbron describes the challenge of crafting a unifying musical style for such a eclectic selection, noting that the initial idea of a 1920s-30s big band sound didn’t feel right.