The Story
Aside from a broken neon sign, a stack of bills, and three faithful customers, all that Tracy has left of her father’s backwoods bar are her memories–and an outright devotion to keeping them alive.
When two half-sisters arrive at the bar in tribute to their late mother, they suddenly find themselves embedded in the local community of cannabis farmers, who also happen to be Tracy’s regulars.
Just as the two begin to find connection with the unorthodox group, a wildfire warning is issued, sparking tension as they suddenly are forced to drop everything to protect what they love most. Each must now fight the embers of their past to make things right–before it all goes up in flames.
Set in California’s Emerald Triangle, Burn is a story of 6 unlikely acquaintances discovering how their own “burn scars”–and the power of community–only make them stronger in the face of disaster.
The Music
Capturing the soul of Northern California, Burn features an original Americana score, taking inspiration from bluegrass and folk styles. Originally written on guitar, the eclectic score features non-traditional musical theatre instruments including banjo, fiddle, mandolin, slide guitar, and harmonica.
Development History
November 2023 – Two-week reading at University of Wisconsin – Parkside
October 2023 – Concert at The Cutting Room, NYC
July 2023 – Three-week developmental workshop in Peoria, Illinois
June 2022 – Berklee NYC Showcase of New Musicals presentation
November 2022 – First industry table read
Fall 2021 – Burn began as a duet between two aging weed farmers, an assignment for a songwriting class at BerkleeNYC
The Writers
Mason Emmert Marlow and Patrick Deane Greeley joined forces to co-write Burn during their master’s program at BerkleeNYC.
Mason Emmert Marlow is a writer, composer, and music director based in Philadelphia. His work distills eclectic musical styles to tell grounded, human stories. Mason’s work has been performed at 54 Below, the Triad Theatre, the Cutting Room, Power Station at BerkleeNYC, Bryn Mawr College and Haverford College. @instagramlessmason
Patrick Deane Greeley began writing musicals at Emerson College, when he wrote The Shakespearean Jazz Show, a concert-musical with an original jazz score, which toured the country with stops in New Orleans, Boston, and New York City–most notably at NYMF, The McKittrick Hotel, and the Cutler Majestic Theater. Patrick’s first solo album, “The Twenties”, released in 2021. @patrickdeanegreeley
