Sally Tomato's Toy Room, a place in your mind...
(toyroomrockopera.com)
This ambitious work of art started as a music cd, evolved into a multimedia stage performance and is now one of the few rock opera films out there.
It garnered 4 awards and a nomination during its 10 appearances on the international film circuit in 2009. Awards include an Award of Excellence in Feature Film, Best Music Based Video, Best Feature Film Under 75 Minutes, an Award of Merit for the soundtrack and a nomincation for Best Video. "Toy Room" continues to make its way around the globe, screening at film festivals throughout the rest of the 2009 season, and being released early next year. The soundtrack is available now through Burnside Distribution Company or online at various outlets.
In the autobiographical "Toy Room", American artist Sally Tomato brings together an assemblage of talented performers and designers to offer a glimpse into the evocative life of this iconoclast. A colorful cast of memorable characters weave through the music as the story's timeless theme evolves over the course of four finely crafted acts.
The story unfolds elgantly as we turn the clock back and watch Sally playing alone, with only her imagination to guide her. As her childhood is short-circuited by the realities of a cruel world, Sally begins her search for the forgotten answers of youth. Two guides, Innocence and Destiny, help her through the maze of life's events. An intolerable Husband occupies the first years of adulthood, until the Neons (a group of party-girls) and the Hot Rods (their party-guy counterparts) show Sally alternatives to what has become a disinterested and joyless life. They can only get her so far, however, as she is overcome with exhaustion and returns to her fruitless search for answers. Can Innocence and Destiny help Sally remember the cornerstones of youth? As the story unfolds we are all reminded that Sally is not alone in her struggle and we are all on this journey.
Director Wesley J. Turner puts his unmistakable mark on the work by blending narrative and live action to take us on a formidable journey. Producer/Composer/Performer Carlos Severe Marcelin provides a richly orchestrated soundscape as Sally Tomato’s powerful and intimate delivery makes the tale about the defining moments in her life all the more revealing.
The creators and cast include Sally Tomato (Writer/Lyrics/Music), Carlos Severe Marcelin (Writer/Music), Eric Flint (Developer/Drums), Wesley J. Turner (Director, Multimedia Producer/Development), Cynthia R. Chimienti (Choreography/Stage Director/Development/Destiny), Stephen Phyllop Clarke (Development), Barry D. Kaine (Development), and Jonas Nash (Set Design). The cast includes Trisha Beck (Innocence), Drew Norman (Husband) and other talent from Portland, Oregon. Click here for all cast and crew credits.
Toy Room on IMDB
Toy Room My Space Page
Produce Toy Room in your city by contacting Severe Publishing.