Unabashed musical chameleon and award-winning creative mischief-maker Benjamin Dean Wilson has announced the release of an expansive, multi-genre opus entitled “Until the House Falls”. “Until the House Falls” is a four-part musical radio play featuring 11 songs and performances that create a cinematic experience without the need for visuals. Truly, this is a ‘film for the ears’.
This form of eccentric originality, void-like depth of drama and theme, and genuine storytelling are par for the course for Wilson. After all, he is recognized as the winner of top awards at multiple film festivals for his feature films ‘Nuts! The Musical’ and ‘Ivan and Craig’. Out on November 22nd, “Until the House Falls” could be compared to works such as Frank Zappa’s Joe’s Garage or The Kinks’ Preservation Acts 1 and 2. Listeners can expect a frenzied and exciting fusion of Progressive Folk Rock, Musical Theater, Indie, Quirky Rock, Vaudeville and Alternative influences forming one interconnected mosaic.
Written, composed, produced, arranged, and directed by Benjamin Dean Wilson, Until the House Falls showcases this ‘one of one’ writer’s unique artistic vision. In essence, Benjamin Dean Wilson shows that humanity will always long for inspiration and elation that can only come from connecting with genuine stories. And the story unfolding here ranges from devastating to playful, dark and dramatic to joyful and rousing.
The plot focuses on Brad Stevens (portrayed by Ambie nominee Aud Andrews). After a tornado devastates his family and home, Brad rises to prominence in his home town. Brad tries to conceal from the public the secret behind his success, but one young man is determined to bring the truth to light.
The play also includes a colorful cast of supporting characters such as Brad’s new trophy wife Mary Ann Stevens (Alex Furness), his ambitious new hire and mistress in training Isabel Chase (Dana Kluczyk), the charming personal trainer Mike (Sam Eisenbaum), and Paul Warren, the young man who is intent on uncovering Brad’s dark secret (long time Wilson collaborator, Tyler Robins). The radio play blends stylistic elements of Italian Commedia dell’arte and early exploitation films by filmmakers such as John Waters and Russ Myer.
The eccentric musical score is filled with funky melodies, odd time signatures, and clever, quirky lyrics.
The digital release of the album is divided into two sections. The first four tracks contain the four parts of the radio play, featuring both the songs and all associated scenes from the play. The following eleven tracks present the individual songs isolated from the play, allowing listeners the convenience of enjoying each song on its own.
“This radio play was inspired by my experience sheltering from a tornado in my closet. Although the tornado touched down a few miles away, it still caused damage to several houses in my neighborhood. The next day I was talking with a friend of mine who said, ‘I can totally see you writing a play about this or something.” “Good idea,” I thought. And that evening, once we had finished picking up the debris, I started writing what would become the first song of the play.”
