Current Works
Antigone 1989: A Town Hall Musical
Set in 1989 Thebes, California, this urgent reimagining of Antigone thrusts an ancient story into a modern political crisis. When two brothers, gay activist Nikolas and conservative cop Elias, are killed after a protest on the Capitol steps, the state declares one a hero and erases the other.
Defiant sister Tigg and her best friend Henry refuse to stay silent, risking everything for justice, love, and the right to be remembered.
Framed by a haunting Oracle who summons the audience into a living act of democracy, Antigone 1989: A Town Hall Musical is a razor-sharp, emotionally charged story about resistance, identity, and the cost of standing your ground.
With an electrifying score that pulses between grief and joy, this one-act musical is a fearless call to action. There is no sitting out.
Directed by Elizabeth McKoy, with music and lyrics by Chris Rayis and a book by Ken Cerniglia, this new work is brought to life by a dynamic company of bold Music Theatre performers.
Learn More at vineandlightproductions.org
Past Works
Bridges: A New Musical
In 1965, a young woman boldly joined a march to fight for her civil rights. Decades later, another young woman faces her own battle for equality. As their stories collide across time and distance, each must come to terms with who she is in the context of a changing and complicated world. Full of soulful melodies, Bridges: A New Musical is an empowering story that explores our country’s past and present – how far we’ve come, how far we have to go, and the bridges we must cross to get there.
Director KAREN ALTREE PIEMME
Music Director DAVID AARON BROWN
Lyricist & Book CHERYL L. DAVIS
Composer DOUGLAS J. COHEN
Dramaturg KEN CERNIGLIA
Based on an original concept by ELIZABETH MCKOY
Becoming Robin Hood
A joyous and inventive new musical that reimagines the legendary outlaw’s origin, Becoming Robin Hood, premiered at Berkeley Playhouse as part of their 2022–23 season. This fresh take on the classic tale invites audiences into Sherwood Forest, where a group of unlikely characters — once hopeless citizens of Nottingham — step into the shoes of a daring hero determined to challenge injustice and redistribute wealth. With heart, humor, and a spirited sense of adventure, the show explores what it really means to be a hero, the strength of friendship, and the power of standing up for what’s right.
Director KIMBERLY DOOLEY
Music Director MICHAEL PATRICK HAYES
Choreographer CAT REYES
Book LAURA MARLIN
Composer & Lyricist PHIL GORMAN
Based on an original concept by ELIZABETH MCKOY
Born and Raised (Pride)
The meaning of "family" gets a full exploration in this San Francisco-based story about a young man trying to make sense of the paths, choices, and challenges of family members and friends, gay and straight, who have influenced his life. Commissioned by Berkeley Playhouse, Born and Raised is a new work in development by two award-winning artists: writer/director Jon Tracy and music composer/director Scott deTurk. This powerful new musical is best enjoyed by teens and adults. About the show: Meet Connor, a young and successful comic-book artist whose life begins to unravel when his moms announce they want to marry and his hero Man-Man runs out of villains to fight. To get his mind off work stress, Connor’s new colleague, James, sets him up with Lila, a journalist covering the 2004 marriage-equality battle in San Francisco. In a series of flashbacks, we see ten-year-old Connor and his best friend Jesse cope with bullies by escaping into a fantasy world of superheroes. We also meet ten-year-old Lila, whose parents refuse to accept her older sister’s lesbian identity, even in the aftermath of Elena’s brutal gay-bashing. Born and Raised boldly explores challenges facing LGBTQ+ individuals and families – including homophobia, restricted rights, and suicide – while imagining a space where healing can occur, and freedom can thrive.
Director JOHN TRACY
Music Director SCOTT DETURK
Book JOHN TRACY
Composer & Lyricist SCOTT DETURK
Commissioned by ELIZABETH MCKOY