Musical

LOGLINE: In the year 2112, Tom Sawyer discovers a guitar, forbidden by The Priests of Syrinx, rulers of the planet Megadon. Embracing The Spirit of Radio, Tom wants to express his Freewill through music. Forced to Fly By Night, avoiding the Limelight, and guided by a philosopher, he uncovers a secret Closer to the Heart that threatens the governing technocracy.

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SYNOPSIS/Setlist for

TOM SAWYER, THE RUSH MUSICAL

by Herbert Ripka

39 songs used (37 regular versions plus two acoustic versions)

PRE-SHOW

1. YYZ, 4:24, used full song, Instrumental

(EXT. - Leaving Toronto (YYZ) and arriving at the LOCAL VENUE i.e. Milwaukee (MKE).

(Incidental music, i.e. a pre-show instrumental introduction song)

(Setting the scene, LOCALIZED images of the venue's city.)

ACT 1 - A Gray World: Megadon In The Year 2112

2. SUBDIVISIONS (Loop), 5:33, use opening 30 seconds in a loop, Instrumental only

use opening 30 seconds in a loop, Instrumental only

Tom: "I hate the color gray! Megadon is gray."

* FORCE TEN (Beats), 4:28, used 0:05.

Last five seconds of FORCE TEN are used 13 times throughout to signify the arrival of Father Brown on stage.

3. 2112-1 OVERTURE, 4:43, used 4:00

It's been 50 years since Father Brown and the Techno-Priests from the Temple of Syrinx took control of the planet Megadon from The Elder Race of Men.

All the gifts of life are held within the walls of the Temple of Syrinx. Everything is provided, but at what cost?

4. TOM SAWYER, 4:33, used 2:30. Part 1 of 2.

Ever have the feeling you were meant for something different, something more?

5. WORKING MAN, 7:10, used 1:45

It seems to me I could live my life A lot better than I think I am.

6. SUBDIVISIONS, 5:33, used 2:45

Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone. High school cliques become tomorrow's politics.

7. 2112-2 TEMPLES OF SYRINX, 3:29, used full song.

There are no lows. But no highs either. Everything is gray, literally desaturated. The color of life has been sucked out. The price of equality.

8. ANTHEM, 4:22, used 2:30. Part 1 of 2.

Tom’s twin uncles, Uncle Bob and Brian, come for a visit. Know your place in life is where you want to be.

Smell-A-Vision! #1

(Broadcast the scent of cheap perfume during In The Mood and Cold Fire)

9. IN THE MOOD, 3:34, used 3:20

At a local bar, Tom, and his buddy Huck, meet Becky. Both vie for Becky’s attention.

10. COLD FIRE, 4:26, used 2:40

The day after, who is Becky with? Huck is mad at Tom. Huck goes away for a while.

11. 2112-3 DISCOVERY, 3:29, used full song

Tom needs a break, and visits his twin uncle’s farm, beyond the Wire. He makes a Discovery of a forbidden guitar hidden behind a waterfall. Uncle Bob gives Tom the guitar. Tom calls the guitar "Freewill". Uncle Bob finds a gig for Tom and his new acoustic instrument.

12. LIMELIGHT (Acoustic Version), 4:20, used 2:15

Ashy Tom learns to play the guitar. Emboldened by adoring fans, a naive Tom shares his Discovery with the Priests.

13. 2112-4 PRESENTATION, 3:42, used 2:45

The Techno-Priests charge Tom with the creation of new music, a galactic crime. Tom reveals the guitar came from Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob is arrested. Tom escapes up Jacob's Ladder. Will Uncle Bob be recycled?

14. ANTHEM, 4:22, used 0:30. Part 2 of 2.

Three Problems. Tom runs off to go back to Becky. Now, a Fourth Problem?

15. ENTRE NOUS, 4:37, used 2:45

Romance, On the rocks?

16. 2112-5 ORACLE: THE DREAM, 2:00

Tom dreams a dream, a vision of the future. An Oracle shows that the EROM (Elder Race of Men) are planning to return and take back Megadon, after a 50-year absence. Tom flees Becky’s apartment. Uncle Bob charged with two crimes, and is led away, to be recycled into the people's food.

17. 2112-6 SOLILOQUY, 2:21, used 2:00

Tom is in despair about Uncle Bob, and conflicted about making new music. Wandering the streets Tom runs into Becky. She tries to encourage Tom.

18. FORCE TEN, 4:28, used 2:00

Delirious, and in fear, runs away from Becky. Tom runs into Huck on the street. Tom recaps the last 10 days. Tom & Huck reconcile.

19. SOMETHING FOR NOTHING, 3:59, used 2:30

Tom hears the Oracle again. Tom is encouraged by Huck. Tom visits Becky on the way to the airport.

20. FLY BY NIGHT, 3:21, used 2:00

Tom's group disperses and hides. Good friend Huck offers to help, as they escape Father Brown's Brownshirts . . . and discover.

21. LA VILLA STRANGIATO, 9:35, used full song, Instrumental.

"Entr'acte"  (15 minute intermission, extended instrumental, or add CAMERA EYE?)

(SCENE IDEA: Display a Spectrum Analysis of the "Entr'acte" music as it is playing. I.e. "Permanent Waves")

Smell-A-Vision! #2

(Broadcast "The fragrance of Afghanistan" during A Passage to Bangkok.)

22. A PASSAGE TO BANGKOK, 3:34, used 2:00

After Flying By Night, Tom & Huck smoke a few. They recognize Dan the Philosopher, and Open the Doors of Perception.

23. THE PASS, 4:51, used 2:30

The teacher is always there, always available where ever you are. Look!

24. A FAREWELL TO KINGS, 5:51, used 2:00

History is full of human action. The past is done. The future is open. Becky missing Tom, finds them.

25. FREEWILL, 5:23, used 4:00

You have to choose to decide. Faith vs. Freewill. Huck interrupts: "IT’S NOT A SONG, IT’S.....................A YEAR IN COLLEGE"

26. THE SPIRIT OF RADIO, 4:57, used 4:30

Fake Entertainment versus Real audience. Audience sing-along. Paid for by advertising.

27. THE BIG MONEY, 5:35, used 2:30

It controls the world.

28. THE TREES, 4:43, used 2:30

A political fable set in a forest. Canada vs. US ?

29. BASTILLE DAY, 4:38, used 2:00

Revolution

30. LOCK AND KEY, 5:08, used 2:30

Your EGO is lurking beneath, and must be kept under wraps.

31. MANHATTAN PROJECT, 5:05, used 2:00

Atomic destruction. The Battle of 2062.

32. RED SECTOR A, 5:10, used 2:30

Inhumanity and hope?

33. VITAL SIGNS, 4:43, used 2:30

Uncle Brian reveals they have been working for 50 years to hide a switch into all chips that can shut down Megadon's computers and defenses.

34. CLOSER TO THE HEART, 2:51, used 2:30

Tom learns to open his heart, and learns that life is about balance and human nature.

Smell-A-Vision! #3

(Broadcast the scent of "Well-weathered leather, Hot metal and oil" during Red Barchetta)

35. RED BARCHETTA, 6:06, used 3:20. Part 1 of 2.

His uncles preserved for him an old machine. Out for a drive. Father Brown is on their trail. The car chase.

36. DREAMLINE, 4:38, used 1:30

While out driving, the Techno-Priests capture Tom's friends. Feeling responsible, Tom decides to face Father Brown and surrender.

37. SHOW DON'T TELL, 5:01, used 2:30

A trial is to be held immediately! Showdown with Father Brown! Tom smashes "his" guitar "Freewill" on Father Brown. Dan is shot. "And I'm not liking the color red either!"

38. RED BARCHETTA, 6:06, used 0:30. Part 2 of 2

In the melee, they escape from the Techno-Priests, and Race back to The Farm.

The Signal is Sent!! The EROM launch, and leave for Megadon. The embedded chips shut down the defenses. Clocks and Computers are shutting down! The power is out!

39. TIME STAND STILL (Acoustic Version), 5:07, used 3:20

(Clock) Time is standing still. Tom savors this stalled time with Becky.

40. FINDING MY WAY, 5:06, used 2:30

The Elder Race of Men are on their way to Megadon. The attack is about to begin!!

ACT 3 - The Future Of Megadon (Two Alternate Endings)

41. 2112-7 THE GRAND FINALE, 2:14, used full song

Who won the battle of Megadon? POSITIVE: The Elder Race of Men, or NEGATIVE: The Techno-Priests from the Temple of Syrinx? "We have assumed control"

42. NEW WORLD MAN, 3:42, used 2:30

You are responsible for your life.

Not god,

not the government,

not the politician,

not your parents,

not your spouse.

Take control.

Or be controlled.

"Anything can happen", If you are a Prime Mover!

43. TOM SAWYER, 4:34, used 0:30. Part 2 of 2.

POSITIVE VERSION: The Kiss

NEGATIVE VERSION: Soylence! The Grind.

--- THE END ---

POST-SHOW

44. YYZ, 4:24, used full song, Instrumental

(BOTH VERSIONS: Leaving From LOCALIZED Milwaukee (MKE) back to Toronto Canada (YYZ). Reverse the order of images from the opening pre-show scene)

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Links to RUSH TRIBUTE BANDS (must be “active”)

http://herbripka.com/rush/

any updates?