Happening Woman: A New Musical

She said it’s an original, new musical that alternates scenes from the time Mother Cabrini came to NYC with a modern day 13 year old who has multiple sclerosis.

Why did I say yes to being a part of this musical workshop presentation of a young woman's awakening through the life of Mother Cabrini?

 

Please meet AnnaMarie Prono. She's an architect whose working career was cut short due to multiple sclerosis. A year later, she began reading about Mayor Bill de Blasio’s refusal to erect a statue of Mother Cabrini as part of his “She Built NYC” campaign although she received the most votes, 219 in total. 

 

Who was this saint who caused much commotion among both Italian Americans and Catholics? Her fans protested her statute dismissal with letters to editors of various newspapers. AnnaMarie didn’t know anything about Mother Cabrini and she certainly wasn’t on her "Saint Go To" list.

 

An exchange between her and a friend went like this:

 

AnnaMarie: “What do you know about Mother Cabrini?”

 

Friend (without blinking an eye): “She was a happening woman when women weren’t happening.”

 

That began a year long odyssey into the life of Mother Cabrini as it reflected her own journey of being a happening woman when it felt like she couldn't.

 

Two workshops later, this musical workshop will run for two performance on November 13th - the beatification of Mother Cabrini - and November 14th in Forest Hills

 

The life of Mother Cabrini is being resurrected as the public, especially New Yorkers, learn about her contributions, The goal is to not only share her trailblazing story but to inspire others to stand in their power and become their own "happening" person.

 

In order to bring our workshop on stage for an audience, the goal is to raise $6,800. As with all productions, we need funding for the venue, the production (set, costumes, props), the technical team and technical equipment. 

 

We are maintaining low ticket costs to attract families. Adult tickets are $15 and tickets for Children/Seniors are $12.  However, as this is a workshop, we are inviting guests within the Church and Theatrical circles at no charge. We hope these professionals will be able to help us bring Happening Woman to more audiences, especially churches and schools.

 

The Impact

Happening Woman is more than a feel good musical. It’s about real people and real life situations and finding solutions.We aren’t highlighting the negative, rather we are celebrating a real life miracle maker, who lived and worked in New York City. She made a difference in the lives of people who are no longer with us, but today she continues to motivate and bring positive energy to all who are receptive. We want our show to resonate with the youth in our communities. Mother Cabrini was a courageous woman and she is the role model we should all strive to emulate.

 

Risks & Challenges

Happening Woman was conceived just before the Co-VID 19 outbreak in March 2020. Despite social distancing restrictions, AnnaMarie continued writing and collaborating with composer, Bob Kaufmann. Technology aided us with Zoom and emails, until it was safe to meet in person again. With this background, we are confident that we will manage whatever new crisis develop between now and November 13, 2021. We are adept at handling groups of mask wearing people, spacing chairs six feet apart and have invested in plenty of hand sanitizer. We are not about to let this fail.

 

Other Ways You Can Help

Social media outlets have boomed and we are grateful for every SHARE and LIKE you post. Please help spread the word. Become Happening! #becomehappening

 

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Meet the Team