Inspired by a true story . . .
ALISA BAIR (Bookwriter/Lyricist/Composer) received double undergraduate degrees in both Music Education and Music Therapy from East Carolina University, and her MFA from New York University's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. She served a variety of churches in music, worship and arts ministry for over 30 years, with her music published by Columbia Pictures Publications, CPP/Belwin, Hope Publishing, Heritage Music Press, and Choristers Guild. She is also the author of A Table for Two (Good Books, 1998) and Grief Is a Dancer (Walnut Street Books, 2021).
She is the composer with co-bookwriter/lyricist Dina Gregory of Hello Sky, which premiered in 2010 with OperaLancaster, and librettist for The Lost Son (Neal S. Harnly, composer), which enjoyed a world premiere in 2010 with the renowned Indianapolis Children's Choir,. Audience of One is her latest work, which premiered June 27-29, 2025, at The Junction Center in Manheim, PA. She is a member of Dramatists Guild of America, Inc.
From the author
Without question, the four-day Audience of One trip I led with our church's youth choir and adult mentors back in June of 2000 was the most powerful event in all my decades of church music ministry. I've never felt less competent, more lost as a leader, more stretched in my faith, or, ultimately, more surprised and inspired by God.
I've told our story numerous times since, and while people have always been moved, and a pastor or two even suggested I replicate the experience with new choirs in new congregations, absolutely no one said, "You should turn this story into a musical!" But doing so came like a holy invitation all these years later, much like the trip itself did.
On June 27-29, 2025, we enjoyed a successful premiere production that left many people deeply moved and springing to their feet after each performance. We were overjoyed by the responses, but also transformed to the core ourselves by the experience.
Before I even left The Junction Center after our last performance, I received several inquiries about moving the show forward and its availability to license. It's a lot to wrap up this production and will require a lot of thought as to how to move forward with it. All I can tell you is that I am in prayer and will be in conversation about it soon. Please stay tuned!
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