Elise Holbrook
Composer, actor, and vocalist based in Montréal, QC.
Cutlass the musical
My in progress musical, Cutlass is a fresh retelling of the lives of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, the two most infamous female pirates in western history. While other interpretations of this story tend to redact their possible romantic relationship, Cutlass proudly represents queer transgression as a ubiquitous theme in the world of 18th century piracy. From the two cross-dressing women mistaking each other as men (a legend that contributed to their persisting fame), to falling in love despite their same sex, and finally to fighting side-by-side during their capture by Jonathan Barnet, the love story between Bonny and Read is one that transcends all constraints of time and societal expectations. In this new musical, creator Elise Holbrook strives to celebrate all of the rebellious people (especially women+) throughout history who have fought for their right to thrive as their authentic selves, leaving no regrets.
Cutlass: The Workshop Stage
At 8pm on January 15th and 16th, ten pieces and four scenes from Cutlass were debuted at Tuesday Night Cafe Theatre. While the show will ultimately be scored for small orchestra and a full chorus, this production will feature instead three advanced performers from the Schulich School of Music on violin, cello, and piano, and a cast of nine actors. The workshop stage is the first step on the road to Broadway!
Pieces
1
Sweet New Providence
2
I Regret Nothing
3
Too Far Gone
4
Walking the Wire
5
Red in the Water
6
Tiding
7
Rackham, Alone
8
Nothing Comes Close
9
Sleep By Your Side
10
The Final Ballad of Anne Bonny
Up next
Cutlass Screened at Bloomsbury House, Windsor
I’m very excited to announce that I’ll be partnering with Bloomsbury House Stage Productions to bring you a night of new music, community, and queer-positive joy! On March 14th and 15th (at 7pm and 2pm, respectively), a screening of my in-progress musical, Cutlass, will be shown at the Temple Ballroom! Cutlass is a fresh retelling of the lives of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, the two most infamous female pirates in western history. This production was mounted on January 15th and 16th in Montréal at the Tuesday Night Café Theatre, and was generously filmed by TVM McGill. This version of Cutlass was semi-staged and costumed, showcasing 10 new pieces arranged for vocalists, piano, violin, and cello, meant to offer a taste of the epic full musical to come. After the screening, which will last approximately 55 minutes, we are proud to be showcasing live performances by local musicians. Finally, after the show, everyone in the audience will be welcome to participate in karaoke! Our goal is to create a space where people (especially queer people) can find community and enjoy new music together. We’re also thrilled to announce that 50% of the proceeds will be donated to Trans Wellness Ontario. You’ll have only TWO CHANCES to participate — get your tickets now!
Find more info:
Email: elise.holbrook@mail.mcgill.ca
Instagram: @elisehxlbrook