Rock God Opera

Sketchbook by MindyLee Available Now!!!

2010-12-19T18:08:00.001-08:00

Here's a birthday card the super-talented MindyLee made for me awhile back!

Mindy has a sketchbook out now, that you can purchase on her blog at http://mindydoodles.blogspot.com

Rock God Opera headphones

2010-12-01T21:53:00.001-08:00

Pictured here is an ultra-rare Audiology headset, which features picture frames in the earphones.This particular headset is one-of-a-kind, because it features a set of seven Rock God Opera images that fit perfectly into the earphone picture frames. I gave this to Mark Mothersbaugh as a gift.Here's a close-up of these cool headsets. Inside the headset frames, you can see the Rock God Opera logo Mindy Lee designed.

CD Booklets and Jewel Cases

2010-09-07T23:55:00.000-07:00

Here are the cd booklet images, as displayed through the front of the jewel cases.
The jewel case shown at the right, has a black tray inside. This helps to emphasize the artwork on the cd itself.
The open jewel case shown here, has a clear tray inside, through which you can see an image of red velvet drapes and candles.
Here are a couple of cds shown from the outside. These examples show both the cd covers through the front, as well as artwork that is set into the back of the jewel case.

Mutato Muzika

2010-09-01T01:02:00.001-07:00

I visited Mutato Muzika earlier his week, to meet with renown musician/artist Mark Mothersbaugh. Their office on Sunset Blvd. is my dream studio--decorated throughout with gorgeous paintings and sculptures. Even the furniture is beautifully designed! Everywhere you look, is a new inspiration. Even the building-design itself is incredible.Mark Mothersbaugh is a Renaissance Man, who expresses himself in a multitude of creative ways. Below is a vintage photographic image from his latest book, "Beautiful Mutants."

Mark works in just about every medium, musical and visual. Hanging in the lobby of his office are a series of 4' x 6' throw-rug art pieces that he designed. They are due to be exhibited at a gallery soon.

It was fun, discussing the "Rock God Opera" project with him--Mark has composed music for many live action and animated projects. He is perhaps best known for his band, "Devo."

The Academy for New Musical Theatre

2010-03-25T00:10:00.000-07:00

For the week of March 29th, the Academy for New Musical Theatre is posting me as their "Writer of the Week!"
I have uploaded two songs composed by Timo Chen for "Rock God Opera," onto the ANMT website. Please check them out!

These images are from my latest business cards!

Temporary Tattoo

2009-08-13T21:35:00.000-07:00

For fun, Mindy Lee drew a design on my arm for my bday! She used several different colored Sharpie markers (permanent), but it only lasted about two or three days. Pretty cool, though! She also hand-silkscreened a similar image onto tshirts for me, as presents.

Crowned Queen of Thorns

2009-08-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

Studying the Craft of Lyrics

2009-07-05T00:04:00.000-07:00

Scott Guy is the Executive Director of the Academy for New Musical Theatre.In Chicago, Scott was the Producing Artistic Director of both Passage Theatre and the Children’s Classical Theatre. In Los Angeles he became a writer/producer for PBS, Disney Channel, the Learning Channel, The Discovery Channel, FOX-TV, Children’s Television Workshop, NBC, and Warner Brothers, gathering six Emmy nominations along the way. His plays and musicals have been produced in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and London.

I will be learning the craft of lyric writing at the Academy for New Musical Theatre this summer, in two courses taught by Scott Guy: "The Lyric Lab," and "The Lyric Analysis Intensive."

The 2009 New Works Festival

2009-07-03T23:54:00.000-07:00

Jeff Liu, EastWest Players' Literary Manager, introduces "Rock God Opera" to the audience.Behind Jeff, from left to right, are actors: Matt Valle, Chris Millar, Stephen Simon,Blake Silver, Liz Lytle, Keo Woolford, Alyssa Preston, Jennifer Preston, and Lauren Nasman.

"Rock God Opera" actors, hard at work

2009-07-03T22:15:00.000-07:00

From left to right: Jennifer Fenton, Blake Silver, Alyssa Preston, Liz Lytle, and Matt Valle.
From left to right: Matt Valle (George Harrison/Jim Morrison/Fan/Paparazzi/Priest), Blake Silver (Orpheus), and Chris Millar (Paul McCartney/Fan/Paparazzi).
From left to right: Stephen Simon (John Lennon/Sid Vicious/Fan), Blake Silver (Orpheus), Keo Woolford (Hades/Elvis/Fan), Liz Lytle (Eurydice) throwing the rocker hand-sign, and beyond is Alyssa Preston (Hera/Janis Joplin).

More Rehearsal Pics

2009-07-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

Pictured here are Liz Lytle, who played Eurydice in the recent reading of "Rock God Opera." Next to her is Keo Woolford, who portrayed Hades. Keo has performed a one-man show in the past, at EastWest Players.

For more information on Keo's work, click on the link in the upper right-hand corner of this site. Thank you to all the amazing actors who participated in the reading of "Rock God Opera."

Final Rehearsals

2009-07-03T20:42:00.000-07:00

These are three of the ladies that were cast in the recent "Rock God Opera" reading. From left to right, they are Alyssa Preston (Hera/Janis Joplin), Jennifer Fenton (Aphrodite/Mama Cass/Groupie), and Lauren Nasman (Nancy Spungen/Karen Carpenter/Groupie).

"A Meal Fit for a King"

2009-06-25T16:55:00.000-07:00

Vocalist Dave Cobb has posted the demo we've recorded, "A Meal Fit for a King," on his blog!

To check out the article/blurb Dave has written regarding "Rock God Opera," and to listen to the recording session, click on the link to the above right on this page, listed as "A Meal Fit for a King."

Enjoy!

Laying Down a Vocal Track for Elvis

2009-06-20T00:19:00.001-07:00

My good friend Dave Cobb, laid down a vocal track for the "Rock God Opera" project today. The song he worked on is called "A Meal Fit for a King," and is for the Elvis character in the play. Dave is a multi-talented person, who most recently was the head creative director of a 1.4 billion dollar theme park project. You can check out his impressive array of current and past gigs, by clicking the link to the upper right of this page.Here's a pic of Dave from just this past Christmas, dressed up as Jeff (or Akbar?).

Directors

2009-06-11T15:19:00.001-07:00

I've been honored to have several brilliant people direct my plays. On "Rock God Opera," I was privileged to work with the multi-talented Chil Kong (to see more about his work, you can click on the link to the upper-right of this site), who is one of the founders of Lodestone Theatre Ensemble.

Suzanne Karpinski, the co-artistic director of the award-winning Sacred Fools Theatre Company, graciously agreed to direct this month's reading of "Rock God Opera."

(to see more about Suzanne Karpinski and/or her theatre company, click on the link on the upper-right side of this site)

Golden-voiced Golda

2009-06-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

This is the incredible Golda Inquito, laying down a vocal track for "Rock God Opera."Golda is pictured here, working on a song called "The Cradle of Your Grave."

Golda is a talented actress and singer, who has performed in a multitude of theatre, film, and television productions. She is also a vocalists for the band, "Boo Boo Kitty."

To find out more about Golda's other current projects, click on the link to the upper right of this page.

House of Secrets

2009-06-11T14:16:00.001-07:00

Comic book store "House of Secrets" has started carrying the "Rock God Opera" art cards, illustrated by Mindy Lee. Come pick up your set of 7" x7" postcards!

House of Secrets

www.artoffiction.com

1930 W Olive Ave
Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 562-1900

New Business Cards

2009-06-11T14:06:00.001-07:00

Here's the new design! Decided to experiment with a larger card this time.

"Rock God Opera" on stage!

2009-06-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

SPRING 2009 READING SERIES

DHHWI NEW WORKS FESTIVAL

Playwriting Workshop Leader: Writing is Rewriting Workshop Leader: Prince Gomolvilas
Works-In-Progress from the David Henry Hwang Writers Institute at EAST WEST PLAYERS
The David Henry Hwang Writers Institute is supported in part by the James Irvine Foundation.

SUNDAY, June 28 @ 2:00 pm

ROCK GOD OPERA

Book and Lyrics by Cynthia Ignacio
Music by Timo Chen

Orpheus and Eurydice are the most infamous rock n' roll couple of all time. When tragedy strikes, Orpheus must descend into an Underworld full of rock stars to face off against Hades in the musical showdown of a lifetime.

All readings held at
THE DAVID HENRY HWANG THEATER
120 Judge John Aiso Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-625-7000

$5 Suggested Donation

Questions? Contact Literary Manager Jeff Liu at JLiu@EastWestPlayers.org
or get more information at www.EastWestPlayers.org
Special Thanks to ABC, CBS, NBC & FOX for their support to EWP's Arts Education Programs.

Business Cards

2009-06-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

Battle has some of the best business cards I've ever seen, which he designed and printed through a UK company called MOO--you can do a whole series of images, which is terrific for artists. Last year, I did a small print run of a set of nine different cards, which now feel like collectors' items. Here are some screen grabs of me working on the "Rock God Opera" business cards, through MOO's website.

Red

2009-01-03T19:26:00.000-08:00

Grapple Entertainment

2008-11-16T02:02:00.000-08:00

While Mindy and I were in San Francisco, we chatted with the folks over at Grapple Entertainment. You can read an article about them, by clicking their company name in the upper right hand corner of this blog.

One of the things they do is develop Intellectual Properties by utilizing Graphic Novels--a great way to market projects, since they convey concepts in a fashion similar to storyboards. These days, every summer blockbuster is based on comic books.

Also, I'm impressed by the fact that Grapple Entertainment helped raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, by publishing a book called "Super Stories" by 7-year-old boy Zach Thoma, who lives with lymphoma, and 10-year old Adrianna Tucker, who has leukemia.

APE Comicbook Convention, San Francisco

2008-11-04T16:32:00.000-08:00

Just got back from a weekend trip to San Francisco--Mindy Lee and I were there to promote the "Rock God Opera" prints that had been originally created for the San Diego Comicon.

It was a lot of fun--we stopped by Pixar, for their Halloween party.

Again, we shared a booth with Shelly Wan. William Bradford also helped-out at our booth--he is an animation artist from Canada. You can check out his blog by clicking the link in the above left-hand corner of this site.

Heart Breaker

2008-10-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

Duel or Duet?

2008-10-05T23:52:00.000-07:00

Painless

2008-10-03T22:41:00.000-07:00

"...it brings on many changes..."

The Fortune Teller

2008-10-02T23:39:00.000-07:00

Asian American Playwrights

2008-10-01T22:56:00.001-07:00

"Rock God Opera" is listed as one of my works, on the "Asian American Playwrights" website (to check it out, click on the link in the above right-hand corner).

Currently, one of my full-length plays ("The Little Adolfs") is not mentioned on their site, but hopefully it'll be updated soon.

Imagine

2008-10-01T22:33:00.000-07:00

AArising

2008-10-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

Nelson Wong wrote a great article on my work, on his site "AArisings." You can check it out, by clicking the link in the upper right-hand corner of my blog.

The photo was taken back when I first joined Walt Disney Feature Animation. The crew was just wrapping up "Pocahontas," and beginning development on "Mulan."

Walks In Beauty

2008-09-30T23:20:00.000-07:00

All You Need...

2008-09-29T23:44:00.001-07:00

All That's Best of Dark and Bright

2008-09-29T06:21:00.000-07:00

"Rock God Opera" artwork!!!

2008-09-28T01:58:00.000-07:00

A set of postcard images based on "Rock God Opera" is now available at Stuart Ng Books! Please click on the link on the upper right hand corner to order.

Thanks for your support!

True Rock n' Roll Never Dies

2008-09-28T01:46:00.000-07:00

A Quote from John Lennon

2008-09-27T00:36:00.000-07:00

"As usual, there is a great woman behind every idiot."

--John Lennon

Three's company

2008-09-26T02:50:00.000-07:00

River Styx

2008-09-26T00:31:00.001-07:00

Eclipse

2008-09-24T01:11:00.000-07:00

Phoenix

2008-09-22T23:20:00.000-07:00

Knocking 'em Dead

2008-09-22T00:16:00.000-07:00

Cable Message

2008-09-21T02:16:00.001-07:00

Goddess

2008-09-19T01:10:00.000-07:00

"Do not tell me, for I've heard it all,
there is too much to do with hate,
but much more to do with love."

Shakespeare

2008-09-17T00:47:00.000-07:00

What the Prince of Denmark Did

2008-09-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

"Give (a man) a mask, and he will tell the truth."

Oscar Wilde

What Comes of Sleep

2008-09-15T00:13:00.001-07:00

"To die, to sleep
To sleep, perchance to dream..."

Shakespeare

Those Who Have Crossed

2008-09-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

"Those who have crossed
With direct eyes, to death’s other Kingdom
Remember us—if at all—not as lost"
T.S. Eliot

Take Note

2008-09-12T23:48:00.001-07:00

The One You Love

2008-09-11T23:40:00.000-07:00

"That Old Saying, about how you always kill the thing you love, well, it works both ways."

--Fight Club

Music is the Future

2008-09-10T22:25:00.000-07:00

"Music is the best form of prophecy that we have"

--"Noise: The Political Economy of Music"

"Love Will Tear Us Apart"

2008-09-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

"When the routine bites hard
and ambitions are low
And the resentment rides high
but emotions won't grow
And we're changing our ways,
taking different roads
Then love, love will tear us apart
again"
--Joy Division

Eternal and Immortal

2008-09-08T01:06:00.000-07:00

"To be modern is to find ourselves in an environment that promises us adventure, power, joy, growth, transformation of ourselves and the world--and at the same time that threatens to destroy everything we have, everything we know, everything we are."

Marshall Berman, "All That is Solid Melts Into Air"

2008-09-08T00:10:00.000-07:00

Hades pulls poor Eurydice to the depths of hell. Well, it didn't really take that much effort.

2008-09-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

2008-09-06T00:56:00.000-07:00

2008-09-05T23:42:00.000-07:00

AOK

2008-09-04T01:16:00.001-07:00

skull and crossroads

2008-09-02T22:56:00.000-07:00

L'amour et La Petit Mort

2008-09-01T21:42:00.001-07:00

"Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."

--Frank Herbert, "Dune"

Something to Think About

2008-08-31T19:46:00.000-07:00

Another quote from Glenn Suravech, regarding his latest album, "Mosaic Liberator":

"I namely look to myself in this as being harnessed by insecurity, fear of the unkown and fear of failure--issues that have kept me from trying to realize my dreams and goals. These songs, I feel, all represent, in some way, liberation from things that are oppressive--"

The Sun Also Rises

2008-08-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

I went to an album launch party yesterday. Several amazing musicians spoke about the record producer Glenn Suravech.

One of the most profound speeches was by Ryan, who runs a merch company called Blacklava.

He said that Glenn was a a role model for him, because he constantly works at himself, as a person and as an artist, and that this album, "Mosaic Liberator," is one of the products of this evolution. Glenn also works with Jackson Browne, whose latest album received over a dozen Grammy nominations.

Ryan then said that his wish for everyone in the room, was true financial independence--that we could all turn to one another and say: hey, do you want to go to Paris?

And he ended with--So let's all go to Paris!
***

It was one of the most inspiring things I had ever heard.

(to check out Glenn and his work, or to check out Ryan's company Blacklava, click in the link in the above righthand corner of this blog)

Tree of Knowledge

2008-08-30T13:35:00.000-07:00

Meant to post this up yesterday...here it is!

Also--just another reminder to fans of "Rock God Opera"--Stuart Ng Books is selling our eight postcard set for $15 dollars. You can click on the link to store, in the above right hand corner of this blog.

Thanks much!

Six Blade Knife

2008-08-29T00:53:00.000-07:00

Hades is Death itself--a destructive force of nature, contained in a man of many contradictions.

He is talented and tortured--a powerful king that's secretly desperate--cold-hearted to the world, but hopelessly passionate over Eurydice.

Gorgeous Gift

2008-08-28T23:08:00.000-07:00

My friend Amy hand-made this incredible card, in honor of my project "Rock God Opera." Inside, she wrote: "I am going to be first in line for the premiere!!"

This is the greatest card I've ever received...thank you, Ames!

XO

Odyssea

2008-08-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

The problem with working on studio films/shows, is you spend all your time designing a corporate product. You get used to all kinds of rules and regulations. This time around, I'm hoping to take a more organic approach to the next milestone, which falls about the beginning of October. If I can stick to the image-a-day idea, and explore some visuals for "Rock God Opera," hopefully I'll come up with enough material to put together a sketchbook with Mindy Lee. Emphasis on, "sketch" book. I think that for this past Comicon, I was too literal with the artwork--breaking down the script, drafting up scenes, etc. This should be more fun than that! After all, when you are designing your dream project, an artist should be free to work whatever way feels most intuitive.

For Damon

2008-08-26T23:34:00.000-07:00

There was a party tonight at the Academy, in celebration of the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards. I ran into my ol' buddy Damon O'Keefe, whom I first worked with at Warner Bros. studios in 2005. He talked about a New Years resolution where he'd do a drawing a day. So far, he's kept his promise!

He told me about two challenging moments--one time he was in a hospital, where he drew on the back of a pay stub, with an IV sticking out of his arm. Another time, he'd passed out from too much partying, then he got up in the middle of the night and drew something, before falling back asleep!

Hardcore!

I decided to do my best to follow his example...here's an image I made tonight.

Jukebox Stories

2008-08-21T23:45:00.000-07:00

"Rock God Opera" was written in 2006, at the David Henry Hwang Writers Institute at East West Players.

Prince Gomolvilas lead the playwrighting workshop. He also has his own singer/songwriter performance piece, called Jukebox Stories (here's a pic of him performing with his musical collaborator, Brandon Patton)--check it out by clicking the link in the above right-hand corner!

The Academy for New Musical Theatre

2008-08-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

For several years, I have been a member of the David Henry Hwang Writers Institute, writing dramatic plays. In 2006, I wrote "Rock God Opera," my first musical. My classmate Alison DeLaCruz told me about ANMT, where she was workshopping a "Dream Girls"-style musical commissioned by East West Players.

Intrigued, I checked the place out, and have been with the Academy for New Musical Theatre for about a year now. It's a place of incredible energy and creativity, where I've met and collaborated with several very talented composers and lyricists.

Here's a pic of me onstage with some of my colleagues from ANMT. Just recently, we presented a series of projects at the Colony Theatre.

(for more info on ANMT, click on the link in the upper right hand corner of this blog)

Without a Doubt the Coolest Logo Ever

2008-08-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

The multi-talented Mindy Lee created what is, without a doubt, the coolest logo ever.

We made the "Rock God Opera" logo into 4 " x 4" stickers (red lettering on clear backing), and used them on the packaging for our postcard sets.

Illustration.org

2008-08-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hong Ly has published an interview about "Rock God Opera!"
Please check it out, by clicking the link to
ILLUSTRATION.ORG in the upper right hand corner of this blog.

Hong Ly runs a great design group called Tofu Girls! Mindy Lee designed several awesome t-shirts (titled "Dreadfully Cute.") Here's a picture of me wearing one of her designs.

You can check out more merchandise by clicking the TOFU GIRLS link on the upper right hand corner of this blog.

At the San Diego Comicon

2008-08-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

About a month and a half ago, my friend Mindy Lee said that she could share a booth with Shelly Wan at the San Diego Comicon. Thus began the mad scramble to try to get something printed in time!

Mindy has been creating costume sketches for "Rock God Opera" for almost two years now, and had plenty of material. And luckily, not only is she an amazing illustrator--she is also a graphics wiz!

Despite a few mishaps with various printers (both local and out-of-state), Mindy was able to put together an impressive set of art cards and posters. Our goal for next year is to publish a sketchbook of "Rock God Opera" artwork.

Here I am at the Comicon! Standing with me is Ryan of Allen Spiegel Fine Arts, holding a preview version of our "Rock God Opera" sketchbook.
(check out ASFA by clicking the link on my site!)

Here is Mindy Lee, manning our Comicon booth with Shelly Wan (who, by the way, is an amazing painter. Check out her art, by clicking the SHELLY WAN link on this site).

2008-07-20T04:09:00.000-07:00

Us

2008-07-16T08:05:00.001-07:00

Mindy Lee is without a doubt, one of the best illustrators around.

We met in 2005, at Warner Bros. Studios.

I wrote "Rock God Opera" around the same time, and she came to see the very first stage reading. Inspired by the story, she has been doing costume sketches for the project ever since.

Above is an illustration she did of the two of us--me on the right, she on the left.

And yes--Hades is hot!

Crowd Surfing

2008-07-16T08:04:00.001-07:00

This magnificent image is by Mindy Lee.
It truly says it all--the main character, Eurydice, is worshipped by her fans--like the Rock Goddess she is.

Orpheus at mic stand

2008-07-16T08:03:00.001-07:00

My friend Mindy Lee pictures Orpheus as a blonde bad boy...a bit punk rock.

I've always envisioned him to be a bit more alt rock, with a nod to the mod. I guess I'll have to crank out some drawings!

Our next goal is to publish a "Rock God Opera" sketchbook for the Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco (Nov. 1-2).

In the meantime, "RGO" posters and postcards are available from Stuart Ng Books (there is a link to his store, on the upper right hand corner of this blog).

Venus

2008-07-16T08:02:00.002-07:00

I wrote the Venus character to be a cross between Marilyn Monroe and Courtney Love. Mindy's visual interpretation rocks! I especially like the tatoo on her tummy...

Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

2008-07-16T08:02:00.001-07:00

My "Rock God Opera" script is an homage to the famous Greek legend of Orpheus.

I've updated the ancient myth to modern times, envisioning the Underworld to be populated by dead rock stars. One of the most famous is Elvis.

In Dante's "Inferno," Hell is divided into several "rings," one of which is the Hell of the Gluttons.

In my world, Elvis is the leader of the Gluttons, who are cannibals that feed on failed rock stars. The song he sings to Orpheus is darkly satirical:

"I’M GONNA BROIL AND BAKE YOU
I’M GONNA SAUTE YOU
YOU’RE A USDA CHOICE FAILURE
YOU’RE A T-BONE LOSER
YOU THINK YOU CAN
LIE CHEAT STEAL WHEN YOU WANT
WELL I TELL YA THAT’S NOT THE CASE
YOU’RE A RED-BLOODED SINNER
STRAIGHT THROUGH TO THE BONE
YOU’RE NOTHIN’ TO ME BUT DEAD MEAT
YOU GOT ANOTHER THING COMIN’
I’M GONNA THROW YOUR ASS
RIGHT IN THE OVEN"

Hades is Hot!

2008-07-16T08:01:00.002-07:00

Hades, the God of the Underworld, is a moody and romantic guy. Despite the fact that he is surrounded by groupies (he is pictured here with the Sirens), he is madly in love with Eurydice.

One of my favorite moments in "Rock God Opera" is when Hades confesses to Eurydice that he has loved her "364 days too long."

His unrequited love is heartbreaking...

Orpheus and red guitar

2008-07-16T08:01:00.001-07:00

Interestingly, many of my friends who have seen readings of
"Rock God Opera," relate heavily to the characters.

Men who have gone through painful divorces relate with Orpheus--and those who have felt unrequited love, relate with Hades.

Women have told me they know guys just like Orpheus (players?), and that they have been on the short end of the stick when it came to their own relationships (like Eurydice).

I've always meant Orpheus to be a bit of a bastard--it's his charm and sense of humor that make him a likeable character. Feodor, one of Lodestone Theatre Ensemble's best actors, did a great job delivering Orpheus' exasperated line: "No way am I gonna be Ralph Macchio!"

Pandora?

2008-07-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hades, the God of the Underworld, has his own demons to deal with (drum roll...)

Not only does he compete with Orpheus for the title of "greatest musician this world has ever seen," but he also competes with Orpheus for the attention of the Rock Goddess, Eurydice.

One of Hades' henchmen (henchwomen?) is Pandora...she is cool and reserved, obedient and observant. (could she possibly be in love with Hades...?)

Two steps forward

2008-07-16T07:59:00.002-07:00

The whole story of Orpheus hinges around the idea of not being able to resist temptation.

In my version of the legend, Orpheus is a Rock God, to the hilt. Meaning, he gives in to every temptation, every single time.

Here, Mindy pictures him with a multitude of worshipping groupies.

It makes his wedding to Eurydice a little tough...

John and Paul

2008-07-16T07:59:00.001-07:00

I first got the idea for "Rock God Opera" in 2003--I remember pitching it to Glen Murakami (creative producer of "Teen Titans"). In my story, the legendary Orpheus meets several rock stars in the Underworld, including the Beatles.

Mindy Lee did this great sketch of Lennon and McCartney heckling each other in the After-life. This is one of my favorite scenes in the "Rock God Opera" script.

Carried Away

2008-07-16T07:58:00.001-07:00

This is one of the most moving images that Mindy has produced yet, for "Rock God Opera." In this scene, Eurydice's heart has just been broken by Orpheus. Hades, who has always been in love with Eurydice, carries her off.

For the upcoming 2008 San Diego Comicon, Mindy and I have collaborated on a series of limited edition postcards that we will be selling at the convention. This image is one of them. On the back of the card, is an excerpt of lyrics that I wrote for this scene--Hades sings about the pain of loving someone that he can never have.

lady guitar

2008-07-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Mindy Lee and I met in 2005, at Warner Brothers. She is one of the most talented artists I have ever worked with. She currently works in the video game industry, but she has plans to go into the fashion industry. I have a sneaking suspicion that she will be bigger than Paul Frank...

This image is a poster she made for my musical, "Rock God Opera." Mindy came up with this beautiful image of a deathly-looking rock star using a woman as a guitar.

Eurydice designs

2008-07-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

I've been a member of the David Henry Hwang Writers Institute for many years now, where I've written several plays (but never a musical!). Then one day, Alison Delacruz (one of my classmates at the DHHWI) was commissioned to write a version of "Dream Girls." Inspired by her example, I wrote "Rock God Opera" in 2006! It has been presented at EastWest Players twice, as a staged reading.

My friend Mindy Lee attended the readings, and loved the story. For the past two years, she has sketched numerous costume designs for my project. Pictured here are some drawings of Eurydice, the main character in "Rock God Opera."