#TeamTess back in the studio

MUSIC from the new British show TESS is to be made commercially available for the first time as the creative team go back into the recording studio.
 
Composer Michael Blore and lyricist Michael Davies are to record a new version of the heroine’s solo The Wrong Side of the Door. The song will be performed by industry newcomer Jessie-Mae Thomas, who starred as Tess in recent workshop performances at the RSC’s studio theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The single will be available for download online, and the sheet music will also go on sale when the recording is released on May 1, 2019 – timed to match the title of the musical’s opening number, The First Day of May.

CONCEPT ALBUM

A full concept album recording of TESS, produced by Sunim Koria, is already available to listen to at the show’s website www.tessthemusical.com and has won five-star praise from critics and fans.

​The new single – also produced by Koria – will be the first time a number from the show has had a commercial release.

THE WRONG SIDE OF THE DOOR

​Blore said: “Jessie did such a fantastic job of bringing the role to life on stage and we are thrilled that she has agreed to give us a more permanent record of her performance. Anyone who saw her at The Other Place will know just what a talent she is, and her rendition of The Wrong Side of the Door was particularly moving. We can’t wait to see what she comes up with in the studio.”

Jessie-Mae Thomas, the first stage Tess

TESS is a new British adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s epic novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles. It has been featured on Radio 2’s Elaine Paige on Sunday programme and talks are currently under way for a full staging of the show in 2020. Meanwhile, followers and fans can sign up on the website to join #TeamTess and be given free access to hear the entire concept album, featuring lead vocals by Siobhan Dillon, Tam Mutu and Simon Bailey.

Jessie-Mae Thomas, as Tess, with Phil John, as Alec d'Urberville

DRAMATIC JOURNEY

​Set in the Wessex so beloved by Hardy, TESS tells the devastating story of Tess Durbeyfield, daughter of a poor villager who fatefully discovers that they may be related to the ancient aristocratic d’Urberville family. As Tess is sent to seek respectability with her new-found relatives, she embarks on an emotional and dramatic journey that leads to love, loss and ultimate tragedy.

For regular news and updates about the show and its development, follow @MusicalTess on social media.

Read again

'How to make a musical' blogs by TESS lyricist Michael Davies on WhatsOnStage:

Part 1: From page to concept album - WhatsOnStage
Part 2: Putting it out there - WhatsOnStage
Part 3: Tiptoeing towards the stage - WhatsOnStage
Part 4: Seeing is believing - WhatsOnStage