Chari's Creative Adventures

Our last rehearsal on Friday was magic. Those nine incredible singers, amazing Josh Hegg on the piano, are ready. Thank you to the members of the press who attended!

I hope you can join us this Sunday April 14 or 21 at 4 p.m. Reserve your tickets as part of this year's Fertile Ground!

Tickets >> https://tinyurl.com/aku569c4

I feel honored that Denni Edlund will be playing Princess Batya in the upcoming concert of songs from "Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses."

Denni got her early beginnings in theater playing Annie in a community production in 5th grade. She has played Belle in "Beauty and the Beast," Scarecrow in "The Wizard of Oz," and Lizzie Fields in "Baby," among other roles, at various theaters in Massachusetts. Being a part of “Freedom” has been a joyful addition to her life as an equine-assisted mental health therapist and parent to three. She’s having a blast getting back on stage, honored to be part of the creative spirit at the Fertile Ground festival, and over the moon to be performing with her amazing daughter Niku for the first time.

Tickets now available! Come see a concert of songs from the the show on April 14 and 21.

Tickets >> https://tinyurl.com/aku569c4

To tie our story together, Sandy Bacharach narrates "Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses."

Sandy was a drama geek in high school, a theatre minor in college, and a lover of musical theatre throughout. She took a 30 year hiatus to provide social services, mediation, and racial justice coaching and is currently in grad school for Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy. She joined this creative endeavor in 2019 when it was first being workshopped at Havurah Shalom. At the time, she had the role of Moses. Covid took that from her, but she is happy to be back and with the Narrator role this time around! In all things and for all people, liberation.

Tickets now available! Come see a concert of songs from the the show on April 14 and 21.

Tickets >> https://tinyurl.com/aku569c4

I was delighted to speak to Rocknee Roll for an article featured in The Jewish Review on my musical "Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses" and the upcoming concert of songs from it featured in this year's Fertile Ground Festival.

Thanks for letting me talk about my work and passions! Read the article on The Jewish Review's website.

https://online.anyflip.com/fgcex/wnvy/mobile/index.html

Reserve tickets now for the upcoming April 14 and 21 concerts.

Tickets >> https://tinyurl.com/aku569c4

Photos by Andie Petkus Photography.

I am so excited to introduce you all to Diego Solan Kjelland, who will be playing the titular character of Moses in "Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses."

Diego is thrilled to be a part of Fertile Ground 2024. He recently moved to Portland from Missoula, Montana. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts, with a focus in Musical Theatre from The University of Montana. Some of his highlights include playing Jack Kelly (Newsies) at the Missoula Children's Theatre. Johnny (American Idiot), Phil Davis (White Christmas) and Melchior Gabor (Spring Awakening) at The University of Montana. When Diego is not on stage, he likes to write plays, and make unique tasting hot sauces. He is excited to join, and contribute all he can to the thriving Portland arts scene.

Tickets now available! Come see a concert of songs from the the show on April 14 and 21.

Tickets >> https://tinyurl.com/aku569c4

Thank you to the Fertile Ground team for the opportunity to talk about my original musical "Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses" at last night's Meet the Media event! I had a blast getting to talk with members of the press and producers of other works.

Tickets now available! Come see a concert of songs from the show on April 14 and 21.

Tickets >> https://tinyurl.com/aku569c4

Photos by Venus Edlin

Sunday night was the first rehearsal at Eastside Jewish Commons – it's electrifying! Microphones, stage, and the grandeur of a beautiful room. Immense joy in prepping to unveil these songs on April 14 & 21 at 4pm. Grab your tickets for FREEDOM: THE UNTOLD STORY OF MOSES. It’s also a part of the Fertile Ground Festival of New Works, a city-wide festival running April 12 – 21.

Tickets >> https://tinyurl.com/aku569c4

Fertile Ground Festival
PDX Eastside Jewish Commons

Music is one of the most important parts of a musical! Meet Joshua Hegg who is in charge of all things musical for "A Concert of Songs from Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses."

Joshua is a Portland-based pianist, composer, and educator with a deep appreciation for the art of music-making and the connections it forges within the community. Originally from California, Joshua left a mark as co-founder and managing director with Uncle Dad's Art Collective, a non-profit production group that specialized in developing original community-based works. Now in the PNW, he's become a sought-after pianist and music director, performing in several bands, and cultivating new communities with some of the best musical minds in the area. Josh made his Portland theater debut in 2023 as pianist and conductor for HAIR at Portland Center Stage and is excited to continue working in the theater space to join the creative team bringing "Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses" to life!

Tickets now available for Fertile Ground pass-holders! Come see a concert of songs from the show on April 14 and 21.

Tickets >> https://tinyurl.com/aku569c4


Fertile Ground Festival Josh Hegg

So fun!! This show has been on my list to see. Check it out at Stumptown Stages.

I can't wait until you all can see Sarah in "A Concert of Songs from Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses."

Sarah is excited to support the development of new musical theatre and participate in the Fertile Ground Festival. She had extensive theatrical experience as a youth and young adult and is delighted to return to the stage in Freedom. She is the pastor at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Hillsdale, host of 2023 musical workshops for this musical. She has recently dabbled in playwriting and taken improv classes through comedy Sportz.

Tickets now available for Fertile Ground pass-holders! Come see a concert of songs from the show on April 14 and 21.

Sarah Sanderson-Doughty

Piano Day is a worldwide celebration of the piano every 88th day of the year, and it is coming up on Thursday, March 28, 2024. German pianist and composer Nils Frahm initiated World Piano Day in 2015.

How you can participate - Piano Day is open to listing any events that celebrate the piano! You can put together a piano performance that features you, other pianists, or if you teach, your students. The point is to celebrate! Go here to learn more - https://www.pianoday.org/ . All you have to do is email them with the details of your event.
Another way to celebrate is to get the children’s picture book “The Piano”. It celebrates the friendship between Katie and her piano, and how it evolves over time. It’s told from the perspective of the piano. The National Association for Music Education says, “The Piano mixes imagination and inspiration to connect with young minds instrumentally. The mixing of literature with music and art is a recipe for student engagement.”

March only, you can receive 15% off when purchased through the publisher. Follow these steps:
1. Between March 1 – 31, 2024
2. Go to https://www.blackrosewriting.com/childrensmg/thepiano
3. At checkout, enter in promo code: PIANODAY24
4. Get 15% off the book

Black Rose Writing Chari Smith (author) Elle Smith (illustrator) 2.3.22 (release date)

Say hello to Caroline Sanderson-Doughty who will be in the upcoming concert of songs from my musical, "Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses."

Caroline is delighted to participate in the development of Freedom and is grateful to perform in the Fertile Ground Festival. Now a freshman at Tualatin High School, she got her theatrical start at Twality Middle School with lead roles in two productions. She made her debut in community theatre at the HART, portraying Gertrude McFuzz, in their production of Seussical Jr. Recently, she was in the small cast of A Year With Frog and Toad at Theatre in the Grove. She is also a talented visual artist and that talent is nurtured through the annual Young Musicians and Artists camp at Willamette University.

Tickets now available for Fertile Ground pass-holders! Come see a concert of songs from the show on April 14 and 21. Fertile Ground Festival

I am excited to be working with Kevin Sanderson-Doughty for my upcoming show, "A Concert of Songs from Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses."

Kevin is delighted to be taking part in the Fertile Ground Festival of New Works. His most significant previous theatrical experience was in Lowville, NY, in “The Prince of Peace”. This was another original, faith-based musical still in active development during its run. Currently a musician/drama teacher for elementary and middle school students, Kevin is thrilled to be involved in a festival dedicated to locally-generated, active creativity.

Tickets now available for Fertile Ground pass-holders! Come see a concert of songs from the show on April 14 and 21. Fertile Ground Festival

Peter Wilberding is another actor I have the pleasure of working with for "A Concert of Songs from Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses."

Peter is tickled to return to musical theater performance after a significant stint in other mediums. His performance sparkle was honed over nine years in Chicago in various acting, improv, and performance comedy roles, notably as a founder of avant-garde multimedia comedy group The Better Boyfriends, and the short lived charitable organization The Chicago Center For The Overwhelming Arts. He shares a respectable fourth place showing with his own father in the 2019 International Whistling Championships, enjoys unexpected whimsy, and sincerely hopes you enjoy this show.

Tickets now available for Fertile Ground pass-holders! Come see a concert of songs from the show on April 14 and 21.

Fertile Ground Festival

I am thrilled that Cory Chesnut is playing Aaron in "A Concert of Songs from Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses."

Cory had an early start in musical theater: performing as Tiny Tim in the 1988 Ventura, CA production of "Scrooge". Many following years of community theater and school choir later he participated in the CalArts musical review of the musical "Showboat". After obtaining an honorary degree in music composition Cory spent the next decade assisting in orchestration for video games and producing experimental electronic music. In the 2000s they began performing live once again, playing piano and singing in a series of small jazz groups. Cory joined the Freedom production during their time working with the St. Andrews PDX choir and continues to be an avid karaoke participant.

Tickets now available for Fertile Ground pass-holders! Come see a concert of songs from the show on April 14 and 21.

Fertile Ground Festival

In my musical "Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses," Ramses and Moses sing the song "King One Day." In this powerful number, Ramses boasts about being the next king, which only infuriates his cousin, Moses. The two actors, Peter Wilberding (Ramses) and Diego Kjelland Solan (Moses), portray this intense rivalry perfectly. The absolute dislike between Ramses and Moses comes to life as they argue on stage. The song showcases their conflicting ambitions and sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow in the story.

Tickets now available for Fertile Ground pass-holders! Come see a concert of songs from the show on April 14 and 21. Fertile Ground Festival

Photo by Andie Petkus Photography.

So grateful to kickoff the first few rehearsals for my new musical Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses! It is becoming very real - first ever performance of these songs is coming up. We re-wrote some parts, blocked some scenes and had so much fun. It was magical to see my work come to life. I cannot wait for the next one!

Tickets now available for Fertile Ground pass-holders! Come see a concert of songs from the show from April 14 and 21.

https://wannago.show/shop/wa/event?id=63&k=f4zfnuyk40d56cj2ucs5ik3375ek27&e=WNGEvent&fbclid=IwAR3-rKU8Sr1q2ADvcWK-6y-KaFYwa9JnR4MRC3nNBmorkpToEVc12EusqqY #:~:text=Freedom%20transcends%20the%20scriptural%20story,love%2C%20loss%2C%20and%20liberation

Becoming a member of the Musical Writer Academy is one of the best things I could have done for developing my new musical. I just watched Rebecca Lowrey’s class “Character Descriptions and Cast Needs” and WOW do I have some revisions to do! Yocheved's description on the second slide is one example. I’m probably not done, my guess is there will be more revising - but I am so grateful for this supportive community of expertise and talent!

To hear songs from the show, come see "A Concert of Songs from Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses" on April 14-21 as part of this year's Fertile Ground Festival. Tickets available now for pass-holders!

https://wannago.show/shop/wa/event?id=63&k=f4zfnuyk40d56cj2ucs5ik3375ek27&e=WNGEvent #:~:text=Freedom%20transcends%20the%20scriptural%20story,love%2C%20loss%2C%20and%20liberation.

Accompany Musicals

Having too much fun recording and rehearsing songs from my new musical, Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses. A concert of songs will be a part of the Fertile Ground Festival of New Works – performances April 14 and 21, 4pm. Tickets go on sale March 1, hope to see you there!

Big thanks to cast members pictured here - Diego Solan Kjelland (Moses),
Sarah Sanderson-Doughty (Yocheved),
Denni Edlund (Princess Batya) and
Music Director Josh Hegg

Fertile Ground Festival

Today marks a special day for me and my daughter, Elle. It's the second birthday of our children's book, The Piano! We had so much fun working on this project together. She did all the illustrations, and they are stunning 😍 (Yes, I'm proud of her)
You can get it wherever books are sold!

More info here >> https://www.charismith.com/the-piano

I am so excited to be a part of the Fertile Ground Festival of New Works this year! This was an amazing information filled workshop with the wisdom from Nicole Lane. Looking forward to the next one!

In January 2023, I nearly gave up on my new musical. I had been trying and trying to find a place to workshop it. Many people were generous with their time and gave advice which I am so grateful for. On the other hand, one theater verbally agreed to workshop it and then bailed. That was the final straw, it broke my heart.
I know, on social media I usually post all the shiny happy stuff. Well, let me tell you, about a year ago I was far from shiny and happy. I was seriously ready to pitch my script and songs into a box and bury it deep in the ground.
Then…
I took a page from Tom Waits book. His theory is that all ideas have their own personality. Some come out easily, some are stubborn. He has actually yelled at ideas to show up and do their part. So in January, when I was feeling oh so frustrated by it all, I did just that. I laid out the script and songs on the table and yelled at it. That if it wants to exist outside of the four walls of my home, and get onto the stage it has to do more than lay around. That I’ve done more than my share of trying to get it off the ground.
Two weeks later, opportunities popped up and I started to workshop it with a group of wonderful singers. What a change.
In 2024, there will be two performances of some of the songs, as a part of the Fertile Ground Festival of New Works. And, I joined a supportive talented community – the Musical Writers Academy. I just can’t believe how this turned around.
So thanks Tom Waits, because I think that yelling at my show actually opened up opportunities.

So many keyboards.....

Art in the pearl festival.

It was such an honor to be on the show "Hello Rose City" today with the amazing Megan McGeorge, Founder/Director of Piano. Push. Play. https://www.kgw.com/video/features/hello-rose-city/piano-push-play-leaves-pianos-around-portland-for-everyone-to-play/283-2c0d5e8b-5957-4273-b35f-bb341e28198f

Piano. Push. Play. leaves pianos around Portland for everyone to play Local author Chari Smith will be at their July 7th kickoff concert to promote her book, "The Piano".

Saw at last night. Super fun band!! It's been on my list to get to this venue for soooo long. Great space.

If you haven't heard , check them out. Very cool sound.

Thanks Annie Bloom's Books for ordering more copies of my book, The Piano! It's great having such a wonderful bookstore nearby. Annie Blooms Books

Just in time for Piano Day!

Piano Day is a worldwide celebration of the piano every 88th day of the year, and it is coming up on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

Fun in LA with my fab nephew