Author Archives: Eric Schrager

Vocal Recording: “Concordian Soil” (easier to sing)

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I had promised I would share a version of “Concordian Soil” that would be a little easier to sing–sorry it’s a little late. This version cuts the very top notes off the chorus, and should sound fine. It only reduces the range of the song a little, but that is a rather problematic high note that was written for my voice (and pushes me if I’m not warmed up). Please feel free to move the song into whatever key works best for the voice or voices available. (I’ve added the alternate notes to the downloadable sheet music as well.)

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Eastern Queen

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Eastern Queen by Eric Schrager (aka Drake Oranwood)
(To the Tune of “Dancing Queen” by ABBA)

Story behind this piece is here. Continue reading →

Bjorn’s Ceilidh and Baronial Investiture (and Shenanigans!)

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So, I got to return to the SCA and my kingdom with both feet yesterday at Bjorn’s Ceilidh up at our second home, Concordia of the Snows. I probably need to explain how it is that this happened, since it was not in anyone’s plans at the start of the day…

So let’s rewind. (Lyrics to the filk here.) Continue reading →

Checking in…

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I’m bummed to have missed Coronation, but I’m savoring this experience doing Drood. We close this coming Saturday, and after a nice long run, I’m going to be sad to see it end. I’ve found another family with this cast and crew.

But while I enjoy being a musical theater actor once more, and indeed this may be my favorite experience doing a show (which is not the same as it being my favorite show)…

In my heart I’m still a bard. And while I can be both, I have missed my other tribe. I’m looking forward to connecting with my SCA peeps again this coming month.

#firstworldproblems #knownworldproblems #broadwaygeekproblems

Lyrics change: “Lady of the Rose”

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I wish to share in this space that, as of this summer, I have made a permanent change to the lyrics of “Lady of the Rose”, and added a footnote to the page explaining the change. The lines that said “Open your petals to fullest display” now read “Bloom in the sunlight to fullest display”. Someone I care about shared with me that the original lines carried sexual undertones that made her uncomfortable hearing the song, though she knew that was not the intent. Whatever else one may feel about the piece, that sort of discomfort has no place in it, so I have made this change accordingly. This is the only version of the lyric I will perform going forward, and I invite anyone else who enjoys the song to adopt this change as well.

[EDIT: I have also updated the song notes at the bottom of the page to reflect that, while it is overwhelmingly composed of women, the Order of the Rose is in fact gender neutral.]

Song page added: “Shine, Child”

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I finally found the time to add the song page for “Shine, Child”, and tell the story behind the writing of the song (commissioned by Lady Angela Mori for her daughter Thora) in the notes. It’s a very personal and special piece.

Players Night: “Drood”

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I knew it was a privilege to get cast in a production with the Bergen County Players, but I didn’t fully understand it until I experienced my first Players Night. Allowing BCP members to attend the final dress rehearsal as a free or half-price performance creates a magical and supportive launch for opening weekend. Performing for a crowd that eager, that tuned in to what it means to make theater happen, was like an evening-long stage dive, being held and carried by a crowd that appreciated and loved every nuance of what we were doing. The energy was infectious, addictive, delightful. I’m so grateful that my wife and son got the chance to first experience this completed production as part of this audience, and I’m flattered beyond words to have been welcomed into this troupe.

(For those of you who haven’t purchased tickets yet: you should really consider it. This cast is perfect. We open tonight and we run for a month.)