Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

The 2019 summer season is presenting “scores” of new musicals. The Fresh Fruit Festival is currently presenting the fascinating “Metropolitan” and a new musical based on the events in the life of Harvey Milk, rev. Mary announced a new musical about female-empowerment called “Between the Sun and the Moon,” even Laura Sisskin Fernández sings out in You Hold a Pole Everyday. AND over at the posh Feinstein’s/54 Below, Jessica Francis Fichter spearheads a stunning concert version of an engaging, romantic, fascinating musical piece called DANDELION. 

For one night only, August 14 @ 9:30 p.m. we get the story of high school senior, Jane, and her mother, Delilah, and how the two are forced to confront profound questions of guilt, responsibility, and sacrifice as Jane must decide between attending college in pursuit of her lifelong dreams, or staying home to care for Delilah – who is locked in a desperate battle with severe mental illness and opioid addiction. For further info, visit www.dandelionmusical.com.

Female-driven, emotional, and original, “Dandelion” features music and lyrics by Colleen Francis and Bill Zeffiro, book and direction by Jessica Francis Fichter and Sean Riehm, and has been developed in collaboration with Hailee Beltzhoover. Musical Director, Nevada Lozano guides artists Hailee Beltzhoover, Lillie Ricciardi, Allison Siko, Brenden MacDonald, Brianne Wylie, and Miranda Luze.

There is a $35 cover charge and $25 food and beverage minimum. Tickets and information are available at www.54Below.com. Tickets on the day of performance after 4:00 are only available by calling (646) 476-3551.

The mind behind the story and its presentational vision is Jessica Francis Fichter. We are thrilled to chat with her for a moment

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Columbia, South Carolina and was always a self proclaimed theatre nerd.  I think I feel in love during a school production of Really Rosie when I was five years old- I played a bluebird (and no that is not a real role).  After graduating from Winthrop University with a degree in theatre education, I taught theatre in both middle and high school public schools for 8 years in addition to acting as the artistic director of a theatre company in SC before moving to the city to pursue my MFA in directing. I am a mother of 2 small children, 8 years old and 4 years old, and have been navigating the NYC theatre world for 2 years.  I recently directed The Eleventh Hour at Townstages, and Assistant directed Shadows: A Dance Musical at the Connelly Theater.

Tell us about this play … why did you choose to produce it?

This musical is a story that is close to my heart for many reasons.  At its core it’s a story of a young woman finding her own way- forging her own path despite obstacles far beyond what a seventeen year old should be faced with.  But as we all know, what should be and what is do not always align. This positive, high school female-driven story of strength is begging to be told and I am grateful to have the chance to tell it.  And on a personal note, this is a story of someone I know and love, and the truth of her struggle may be what another family needs to find their way through the labyrinth of mental health and drug addiction. It’s also a story of responsibility and family and what we owe ourselves versus what we owe those closest to us.  They are not questions that can be answered in 2 hours but they are certainly worth asking- and I honestly can’t tell you if everyone will agree with Jane’s decision in the end but maybe that is the point.

Tell us what it’s like building a musical NOW in NYC

Complicated.  What I realize more and more everyday is that there is no recipe for creating success- the market is inundated with work.  I think the key for us is believing in the story we are telling, and being open to a variety of opportunities for production and workshops.  As a woman, one of the things that I am constantly working on is ASKING- it’s okay to ASK, as a matter of fact its important. I have to remind myself, if I believe in what I am doing- its more than okay to promote my art.

What is it like being a woman in the arts today? 

It’s exciting- opportunities are becoming more and more available to female artists.  Female directors are still the minority but I see more and more producers willing to hire the female talent that is abundant in New York City and beyond.  As a mother, I am still battling some of the stereotypes about commitment to my art, but there are mothers forging a path in the arts and I’m so glad to have the opportunity to be working during this time when the trajectory for female artists is changing.

What’s next?

We are hoping to find a lead producer who is excited about the story we are telling and the right fit for the Dandelion team.  We are thrilled to follow this journey in whatever direction it takes us.  For me personally, I am working on a female driven devising piece called If Women Rose Rooted