It began with a message left on an answering machine.  The caller identified himself as Bruce Yeko of Original Cast Records.  He had heard the composer's demo of Sundown, and he wanted to distribute a CD of the show.  And the wheels started turning

Sundown had received two developmental readings, an ASCAP workshop, and two regional theatre productions, and now with the incentive of a phone message, the creative team decided that it was time to give the musical a first class recording.

With the encouragement of eighteen people from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Massachusetts, we were able to realize a dream. Some of these people had seen the workshop production at the York Theatre, some attended a performance at Barter Theatre or Lyric Stage, and others had merely heard the composer strum his guitar and sing a few songs at an informal gathering in an art gallery *. However, they all shared the belief that the Peter Link/Larry Rosler score was a special one, and with their generous support, we were on our way

By the summer of 2004, Link Recording Studios was in full swing with composer Peter Link and a cast of nine extraordinarily talented people coming together for what was essentially a labor of love.

Judy, Patrick and Jimmy had been with Sundown since its first reading, with Joe and Jeff joining soon after, but Dennis, Bob, Julia, and, Steve, our Doc Holliday, were seeing their lead sheets for the first time.

(Front Row) Joe, Peter, Judy, Julia (Back Row) Steve, Patrick, Jeff, Jimmy, Dennis, Bob

However, what has emerged after five months of intense recording sessions is a perfect blend of professionalism and musical theatre savvy, a cast of whom we could not be  prouder. It began with a message left on an answer machine, and where Sundown goes from this point is anyone’s guess. But this studio cast recording has been the fruition of a dream. Yes, “we ain’t never had it so good.”  We only hope that our families, friends, and fans of musical theatre will agree as they listen to Sundown. Joe Bravaco