Protest songs are all about change, and the creative team behind San Diego Rep's new musical, “A Hammer, A Bell, and A Song to Sing,” knows a little something about that. Faced with the unexpected challenge of having their original subject—American folk singer Pete Seeger—pull out four days into rehearsal, they had to rewrite an entire play … and quickly before the show’s slated opening.
"A Hammer, A Bell, and A Song to Sing" is still inspired by the work of Seeger but now showcases the history of protest music in the U.S., from the American Revolution to the present-day Occupy movement, celebrating music’s power to bring about change and social justice.
KPBS-FM talks to the play’s writer/director, as well as two of the actors about switching gears, their creative process and playing music.
San Diego Rep's workshop production of "A Hammer, A Bell, and A Song to Sing" runs through January 29 at the Lyceum Theater in Horton Plaza.
Guests:
Todd Salovey is director and a writer of "A Hammer, A Bell, and A Song to Sing." He is also the associate artistic director at San Diego Rep.
Vaughn Armstrong is an L.A.-based actor performing in "A Hammer, A Bell, and A Song to Sing."
Dave Crossland is an actor and musician who also performs in the musical.
Here's a video of the cast at rehearsal for "A Hammer, A Bell, and A Song to Sing."
