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Overview

Synopsis

The Last Session premiered Off-Broadway in New York City in 1997 and is known for its powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and memorable musical numbers.

The plot of The Last Session revolves around a fictionalized version of composer Steve Schalchlin himself, who is a singer-songwriter living with AIDS. Set in a recording studio in Los Angeles, the story unfolds over the course of a single afternoon as Steve gathers with a group of musicians to record what he intends to be his final album, hence the title The Last Session.

As the recording session progresses, the characters confront their fears, regrets, and hopes for the future. The music becomes a vehicle for expressing their deepest emotions and grappling with the challenges of living with illness and facing mortality. Despite the heavy subject matter, the musical also features moments of humor, camaraderie, and resilience.

Show Information

Book
Jim Brochu
Music
Steve Schalchlin
Lyrics
John Bettis , Marie Cain
Category
Musical
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1997
Genres
Dark Comedy, Drama, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
Los Angeles, A recording studio
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
Rock Combo
Dancing
None
Licensor
Concord Theatricals
Ideal For
Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Gideon

Lead

Male

Tryshia

Lead

Female

Mezzo-Soprano, Alto

Vicki

Lead

Female

Mezzo-Soprano, Alto

Jim

Lead

Male

Buddy

Lead

Male

Tenor

Songs

  • Opening
  • Save Me a Seat
  • Preacher and the Nurse
  • Somebody's Friend
  • The Group
  • Going It Alone
  • At Least I Know
  • Friendly Fire
  • Connected
  • The Singer and the Song
  • When You Care

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

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