A Reading of "Storming Heaven: The Musical" Music Lyrics Book C0-written by Peter Davenport

I enjoyed a reading of "Storming Heaven: The Musical" based on the novel "Storming Heaven" by Denise Giardina.  Actor/singer/director Peter Davenport is a co-wrote the wonderful music & lyrics for this promising musical with an emsemble of talented singers/actors.  A reading, for those who've never been, is similar to being in the audience of a radio simulcast.  The actors/singers are stationery except for when performing which creates an intriguing element where the audience's imagination becomes part of the production.  "Storming Heaven" is the story of the struggles of coal miners & their families in W VA who fought to unionize in the 1920's.  At the center of the story is a married couple Carrie, a nurse who tends to the minters & their & her preacher husband who lends his moral support.  The couple live with Carrie's Aunt Jane, and Carrie's brother Miles, who is a supervisor for the mining company.  The musical direction & arrangements are by John McDaniel; Grammy & Tony Award winner for the B'wy Production of "Annie Get Your Gun."  The musical numbers are all very good and the ensemble nunbers were exceptional.  Kevin Mambo, an Emmy winning actor as Doc Booker and Paul Anthony Stewart ("Guiding Light") as Miles were sensational in their supporting roles.  As an early work in progress, the musical numbers in "Storming Heaven" are very accomplished.  I look forward to seeing the next incarnation for this charming & touching production.