V's compelling theatrical production, "Dear Everything: A Musical Uprising for the Earth," is returning to New York for an exclusive concert performance at the prestigious Brooklyn Academy of Music. This powerful folk musical, featuring songs by Justin Tranter, Caroline Pennell, and Eren Cannata, delves into the intergenerational discourse surrounding climate change, specifically the friction between environmentally conscious youth and adults contemplating the sale of remaining forests in a rural community. The acclaimed actress Jane Fonda, a long-standing collaborator and friend of V (formerly Eve Ensler), will lend her voice as the narrator for this special Earth Day event. The show not only entertains but also actively champions real-world environmental change, demonstrated by its touring model that dedicates a significant portion of tickets to local communities and allocates funds to grassroots climate initiatives.
"Dear Everything" Amplifies Climate Justice at Brooklyn Academy of Music
A little over a year after its initial premiere, V's impactful musical, "Dear Everything: A Musical Uprising for the Earth," is poised for another special, one-night-only concert performance in the vibrant city of New York. On a poignant Wednesday, coinciding with Earth Day, the Brooklyn Academy of Music's magnificent opera house will host this significant event. The renowned Jane Fonda, celebrated actress and steadfast ally of V, will guide the audience through this climate change folk musical. The score is a collaborative effort, featuring compositions by Justin Tranter, Caroline Pennell, and Eren Cannata.
The genesis of this project holds a fascinating narrative. An earlier version, titled "Wild: A Musical Becoming," faced an unexpected interruption during its workshop presentation at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts, due to the onset of the pandemic. Initially, the production starred Idina Menzel, who sought to partner with the songwriters without a pre-conceived concept. When V was approached, she articulated a clear condition: the work must center on climate change. Although Menzel later amicably departed from the evolving project to pursue her own nature-themed musical, "Redwood," her initial contributions profoundly shaped several of the songs, earning her a contributing credit. "Dear Everything" has since evolved, shedding some of the more fantastical elements of "Wild," moving away from a fairy-tale setting to embrace a more "mystical pop story" in its latest iteration.
Beyond its artistic merit, the project maintains a steadfast commitment to tangible societal impact. "Dear Everything" was designed to tour, having already made its mark in cities such as Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City. At each stop, approximately 90% of the tickets were distributed to essential community members, including farmers, workers, and students. Furthermore, through a partnership with Maya Penn, a 26-year-old organizer and the head of the Dear Everything Youth Council, the production has channeled approximately $20,000 to local organizations actively engaged in climate action. The upcoming BAM performance, expertly directed by Diane Paulus, will not only showcase the musical but also integrate direct action initiatives and announce five grants earmarked for New York-based environmental groups. Prior to this pivotal event, V, Jane Fonda, and Maya Penn engaged with Vogue to discuss their unwavering dedication to climate justice and to share insights on how individuals can move beyond passive concern to active involvement in the environmental movement.
This powerful production serves as a poignant reminder that art can be a formidable catalyst for change, sparking crucial conversations and mobilizing communities. It underscores the urgent need for intergenerational collaboration in addressing the global climate crisis, demonstrating that collective action, fueled by artistic expression and community support, can pave the way for a more sustainable future. The commitment to empowering local initiatives and fostering dialogue offers a hopeful pathway for environmental advocacy, inviting audiences to not just observe, but to participate actively in shaping the narrative of our planet.