A voyage To Arcturus
A New Musical by Phil Moore
“…this was an excellent production, featuring plenty of costumes, makeup, immersive projections, and real set pieces (whenever needed), all developed with care and great design smarts….”
“It was something completely new: a very original blending of musical styles, a wonderful tale featuring both comedy and tragedy, a satisfying examination of philosophy that was not too dense, all presented in a very tonally balanced progression through story and song.”
Jack Madden
“I would say that this is a masterpiece, but it is beyond a masterpiece. I loved every minute of it. … watching this is just as moving as reading the book in its own way. Everyone in this production should stand up and take a bow. You have much to be proud of.
Bravo! Well done!
Robin Messing
Based on the classic Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel by David Lindsay, A Voyage To Arcturus is a comic adventure. Philosophical and surreal, dangerous and mind-boggling; with a score that spans rock and Jazz idioms and other more eccentric forms. There has never been a show quite like this.
"One of the greatest books of the century . . . the most extraordinary feat of imagination in English fiction."
Colin Wilson
"A Voyage to Arcturus demands that David Lindsay be considered not as a mere fascinating one-off, as a brilliant maverick, but as one worthy and deserving of that shamanistic mantle; of the British visionary and apocalyptic legacy."
Alan Moore
"David Lindsay—a wonderful writer! A Voyage to Arcturus is a masterpiece!
It's an extraordinary work . . . quite magnificent."
Clive Barker
This review gives a good overview of the novel and its place in history
My Take on the Story
After a few years focusing on screenplays, a novel and an album of songs, I was looking to write a new stage musical. So I searched for some existing IP that was in the Public Domain I could adapt.I discovered the novel A Voyage To Arcturus published in 1920. This is widely considered an early Fantasy/Sci-Fi classic, little known but highly influential. It was perfect – at least for me. This story would allow me to combine my love of science fiction, philosophy and musical theatre, and would be a challenge given the nature of the story.
Those who have read the book either love it or hate it. At first I wasn't sure. The story is surreal, profound, and surprising. Truly original. But it is also patchy and poorly written in places. A flawed masterpiece. Which was perfect. Something I could build upon and make my own.
For those who know and love the book, some changes have been made. That's inevitable with any adaptation. The show remains true to Lindsay's original vision, while also serving as an expression of my own views, and taking a modern approach to the bizarre adventures of our hero, Maskull.
And don't worry if you haven't read the book. You don't need to to appreciate the show. They are each their own thing.
Other versions
Another reasons for choosing this story to adapt is that it has not really been done before. In my research there has been a short-lived opera, a play, an ambitious but pretty awful student film, plus a few concept albums. But no movie and definitely no Musical.
About Phil
You can find out more about me at www.philmoore.net. If you want to reach out you can email me below: