A cast recording off the [title of show] team's recent off-Broadway musical Now. Here. This. is officially in the works. Cast members Susan Blackwell, Hunter Bell, Jeff Bowen and Heidi Blickenstaff have reached the $75,000 goal necessary for the recording process they set on fundraising website Kickstarter. Contributions from fans have even exceeded the initial goal by over $12,000.
"We are so grateful to all the people who have already backed the project and helped us surpass our goal," cast member and book writer Susan Blackwell told Broadway.com.
While the team has reached the necessary $75,000, fans can still donate to the project until midnight on August 30. "You may be asking yourself, 'Why do you need my money if you've already met your goals?" Blackwell, who also serves as host of Broadway.com's Side by Side by Susan Blackwell, said. "Fair question. More funds allow for more rehearsal time with the musicians, more time with the engineers and mixers, more time in the studio, etc. In brief, more money will make an already kickass album even more kickass."
Blackwell even promises fun perks to any potential last minute contributors. "I'm still waiting for someone to pledge $10,000. That lucky so-and-so can either attend the recording session on September 17, or have dinner with us in NYC. Come on Rich Person! Don't you want to split a Bloomin' Onion at Outback Steakhouse with me?! Did I mention that your donation is tax-deductible?! What are you waiting for?!"
The group is hoping to release the album in December in time for the holiday season. "If you pledge $20 to our Kickstarter campaign, you could give your boo the Now. Here. This. original cast recording for Kwanzachristmanukkah. Or better yet, keep it for yourself!"
Featuring music by Bowen, a book by Bell and Blackwell and direction and choreography by Michael Berresse, Now. Here. This. opened on March 28 at the Vineyard Theatre. Now. Here. This. is an exploration and celebration of living in the present, told through autobiographical stories and songs. The musical delves into life’s big questions while exploring birds, bees, reptiles, early man, ancient civilizations and outer space. Also loneliness, friendship, hoarding, hiding, laughing, living and dying. And middle school. And dinosaurs.
Click here to visit the album's Kickstarter page.