bryan schwartz

A Musical Theatre story about faith, realism, and the consolation of art.

The story:
A middle-aged man, Issac, has just learned that his father passes away. His own little son asks ＂is your father in heaven?＂

Isaac retraces, through narrative and song, his own journal through life. He is torn between a wish to believe and a grim realism. As he grows as a creative artist, he asks whether faith is only art - and ultimately whether art itself can be a form of consolation.

There is a narrative drive in Consoulation. From hearing a mother’s lullaby at the beginning to ultimately creating his own songs, Isaac’s experiences and creations, prepare him for the response to his little boy’s question. The tales, original poems, and dozens of songs that fill Consoulation are all presented as part of the quest.

The live stage show version of Consoulation appeared in 2018 in Winnipeg, Canada, with a cast of four, and received outstanding reviews. Those attending the premiere run were able to acquire a studio-produced CD and a book version of the show. There were not, however, made available for distribution at the time. Now, however, in 2023, the music and books are available in a variety of formats, including downloads from this at his site and from online streaming services, and purchase of the physical CD and book from places like Amazon.com.

＂It is really a great, great journey.＂

＂Schwartz clearly writes from his heart - and soul - and his first musical venture not only reveals a budding Sondheim in our midst, but also serves as an ever-timely reminder of the profound comfort and healing power of art.＂

It is the story of Isaac Erevan, a middle-aged Jewish man who has just lost his father, and who responds to his own son’s question, ＂Is your father in Heaven?＂ with stories and songs as he reflects back on his own life, his father’s and of generations. The original songs are variously moving, funny, wistful and searching.

Listen to the audio book compilation: https: //www.sacredgoof.ca/consoulation/