Production History

2000

Ben and Rob create a 10-minute musical entitled Paradise Lost for a workshop taught by Greg Pliska at Williams College. The piece features Satan only in a long and sometimes rambling sung monologue - but we introduced musical themes and concepts that are still in the show today.

2003

Jim Glaub produces a staged reading of "V1" of Paradise Lost in Chicago. The music and production are rough, but more themes emerge that will be used in later drafts.

2005

Ben Birney and Jordan Grossman (Niaterra Arts & Entertainment) co-produce a staged reading of "V3" of Paradise Lost at the Bank Street Theatre in Manhattan. With a cast of 20 and a running time over three hours, the show is big and unwieldy - but audiences react favorably to a number of characters and song moments.

2006

In February and March, Birney and Grossman co-produce an AEA Showcase of "V4" of Paradise Lost at The Producer's Club in Manhattan. The show plays for a month to favorable reviews in the Times and several other publications, selling out performances by the end of its run.

Ben and Rob are invited to present selections from their work together at Ars Nova NYC in June as part of their Uncharted series.

In October, Ben and Rob individually produce a reading, by invitation only, of "V5" of Paradise Lost. 50 theatre professionals attend and offer constructive feedback.

2008

Ben's production company, BBPA, produces a demo recording of Sophia's Fall at Deepwave Creative Studios in Long Island City.