
Relevant! Brilliance is a masterfully told story of the life and career of a 1930's film star and yet, after the last note is sung, all I could think was how timely it is. Frances Farmer suffered as much, if not more, from society's cruel ignorance and shame around mental illness, as she did from mental illness itself. It's tragic to think that nearly a century later not much has changed. Think Brittany Spears, Michael Phelps, Demi Lovato and countless other high profile public figures who without their willingness to come forward about mental health, the issue would still be completely taboo. Lance Lewman (book, lyrics and music) with partners Kristan King and Gabriel Kane (additional music and lyrics) weave this tale with such compassion, grace and humanity that this story of old is new and frighteningly relevant.
Sheila Ivy Traister