Staged Reading Performance: Freedom the Untold Story of Moses (act one)

Story by Chari Smith and Kelly Lyons

Music/lyrics by Chari Smith

Join us to hear the premiere staged reading performance of Freedom: The Untold Story of Moses. We workshopped act one with a group of Havurah members, to bring you the first ever performance of this story.

Story summary. We’re introduced to Moses when he’s a baby, born into a time when Hebrews were enslaved by Egyptians to build pyramids. His mother, Jocheved, ensures Moses escapes the Pharaoh’s decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys, and places him in the Nile where he is found and then raised by Princess Batya. Moses grows up surrounded by royalty, but is drawn to helping the Hebrews when he can. Research on Ancient Egypt and the Torah provides a general guideline for the development of the play. The music ranges from blues to rock ‘n roll.

Performance is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP to secure your spot.

About Chari Smith:

Chari studied at Berklee College of Music and has been a writer/composer most of her life. In Boulder, Colorado, she wrote and produced two musicals with the Boulder Arts Academy. Chari also taught jazz piano to children as well as adults. She is also a published playwright -- Extraordinary Women from U.S. History: Readers Theatre for Grades 4-8 (Teacher Ideas Press/ Libraries Unlimited, 2003) and Little Plays for Little People (Teacher Ideas Press/Libraries Unlimited, 1996).

About Kelly Lyons:

Kelly Lyons is a director, deviser and producer, specializing in elevating stories of underserved communities. Portland credits include: HOME; a devised production, Red in the Cloud, Murder or Metaphor?, A Rebellious Act, Last Winter. Prior to graduating with her MFA in Directing from University of Portland, Kelly spent her career in NYC and Washington, D.C. Directing Projects: Sweeney Todd; Live from Lincoln Center, Endgame, Roundabout Spring Gala, Black Comedy, In the Meantime, Realer than That, Reckless. Producing: Baby Case (Best of Fest at NY Musical Theater Festival), Who’s Your Baghdaddy (Best Musical at DC Capital Fringe) and more. Kelly is the Development Director at Blanchet House of Hospitality and proud new board member of Many Hats Collaboration.