Earl Tracy
Set against the turbulent backdrop of the early twentieth century, this historically-based story traces the life of a charismatic and controversial figure. Renowned for his seductive powers with women and worldly ways, revealed in conflict with the conservative community in which he lived, Earl Tracy was widely known as a powerful faith healer. Before his death on Christmas day, 1938, at the age of 52, Earl attracted crowds of those desperate for his healing touch, taking in up to a thousand dollars daily during the Great Depression in a small Minnesota town.
This fascinating, multifaceted show incorporates Scandinavian folk influence with a contemporary flair. Songs like “It’s Changed”, “Emma’s Song” and “Take A Jump” portray the charm of this rural town. Traditional hymns create a powerful emotional bedrock, interwoven with heart rending ballads (“Why Doesn’t He Talk About Jesus?” and “Take My Pain Away”).
Then there are big production numbers like the hot jazz of “Chicago”, a driving primal release in “The Power Of Love”, and Latin rhythms fusing with polka in “Tangled Tango”!
music demo: https://soundcloud.com/mari-nne-kreitlow/sets/earl-tracy-a-musical-my
Cast
World premiere at San Jacinto College and the American College Theatre Festival, Pasadena, TX, 2000 EARL TRACY primarily portrayed in his 50s, impeccably dressed, charismatic. EMMA TRACY shifting from 20's - 70's, Earl’s mother DAN DOSSETT 20's - 30's, reporter from the Minneapolis Journal. ELMER/SWAMI 20's - 40's, Earl's WW I buddy who becomes his guardian angel, and a swami that Earl studied with. DENNIS BREITHOLTZ shifting from 20's - 80's MYRTLE BREITHOLTZ shifting from 20's - 80's, married to Dennis CARLTON LEE 30's - 60's Local newspaper editor/town scribe JOHN TRACY 60's, Earl’s macho father and local sheriff JULIA shifting from 20's - 80's, believes in Earl’s healing powers ESTHER shifting from 20's - 80's, disapproves of Earl and his work ANNA shifting from 20's - 80's, strong willed, repels Earl's advances GUDRUN 20's, Earl’s fifth wife. GUST AKERLUND 40's - 70's, local professional photographer. Swedish accent. ESTHER shifting from 20's - 80's RUTHIE shifting from 20's - 80's MINOR ROLES: EMMA'S FATHER, GRANDPA SHORTY Earl's boyhood friend BOOTS Earl's boyhood friend EMMA'S SUITOR HARRY SHERRIF YOUNG WOMAN DAMSEL VIVIENNE in Paris scene BEATRICE in Paris scene JULIA'S SISTER (#1) JULIA'S SISTER (#2) AL CAPONE PASTOR CAPONE'S BODYGUARDS (2 - 3) DONNA Capone's escort FLAPPER Soprano FLAPPER #2 Second soprano FLAPPER #3 Alto MINISTER FRANK married to Hannah HANNAH HYPNOTIST EARL'S FIRST FOUR WIVES one actor DR. PETERSON BOY on bicycle EMMA'S SUITOR
Authors
Book, music and lyrics by Mariénne Kreitlow