Broadway Records announced today the release of THE RAINBOW LULLABY, the world’s first LGBTQ lullaby album. Conceived by Ryan Bauer-Walsh, the recording includes songs by fifteen LGBTQIA+ writers including Bauer-Walsh, Marc Shaiman (Hairspray) and Debra Barsha (Radiant Baby), with performances by over thirty LGBTQIA+ artists including Broadway stars Matt Doyle, Jenn Collela, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Chilina Kennedy, Caitlin Kinnunen, Michael Longoria, Kyle Dean Massey, Lauren Patten, Jelani Remy, Chris & Clay Rice-Thomson, Marissa Rosen and Marty Thomas. The album will be available on Thursday October 28th wherever digital music is sold and on BroadwayRecords.com
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The creation of Queer cultural family music traditions is part of the constructive path forward to equality and representation. Ryan Bauer-Walsh conceived the project in memory of his mother, Nancy, as a way to continue her legacy of maternal strength, kindness and love.
THE RAINBOW LULLABY features performances by Michael Buchanan (The Book of Mormon), Ryan Bauer-Walsh (Billy Elliot), Klea Blackhurst (Party Face), Jonathan Burke (The Inheritance), Jamie Cepero (“Smash”) Tony Award nominee and Drama Desk winner Jenn Collela (Come From Away), Madge Dietrich (Kinky Boots), Matt Doyle (Company), Christine Dwyer (Wicked), Taylor Frey (The View Upstairs), Zachary James (The Addams Family), Natalie Joy Johnson (Kinky Boots), Jay Armstrong Johnson (Our Town), Aury Krebs (A Letter To Harvey Milk), Chilina Kennedy (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Tony Award nominee Caitlin Kinnunen (The Prom), Jo Lampert (Hundred Days), L. Morgan Lee (A Strange Loop), Richie Leone, Michael Longoria (Jersey Boys), Kyle Dean Massey (Wicked), John Charles Mclaughlin (Crackskull Row), Susie Mosher (Hairspray), Shakina Nayfack (Musical Theatre Factory), Kyler O’Neal (Pity Party), Lauren Patten (Jagged Little Pill), Ernie Pruneda (Sister Act), Jelani Remy (Ain’t Too Proud), Chris Rice-Thomson (Pretty Woman), Clay Rice-Thomson (Matilda), Marissa Rosen (Kristin Chenoweth: For The Girls), Marty Thomas (Wicked), Katie Thompson (R.R.R.E.D.) and The First Presbyterian Church of New York City Choir.
THE RAINBOW LULLABY includes songs by writers who all identify as LGBTQIA+, including Tony, Oscar and Grammy Award winner Marc Shaiman (Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can), Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Award winner Debra Barsha (Radiant Baby), Ryan Bauer-Walsh (Three Men In A Boat), Michelle Chamuel (The Voice), Bobby Cronin (Mary & Max), Amanda D’Archangelis (Single Rider), Emmy nominee David Dabbon (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver), award-winning composer/pianist Yaz Fukuoka, Andrew Gerle (Meet John Doe), Mark Hartman (Magic To Do), Paul Loesel (LMNOP), Jason Ma (Gold Mountain), Dionne McClain Freeney (The Sugar Hill Sisters), Adam Overett (My Life Is A Musical), Arri Simon and Janine McGuire (Express), Larson Award recipient Zoe Sarnak (A Crossing), Fred Sauter (Bedbugs!!) and Lucas Tahiruzzman Syed (The Brontës)
“Music is one of the first things babies respond to, especially the human voice,” said composer Paul Losel. “Hearing a lullaby that corresponds to a baby’s LGBTQ fathers or mothers is something that was missing before this beautiful album and it will assist in creating the nurturing and loving bond between them.”
“‘Family’ is a loaded word for the queer community”, said compuser Lucas Tahiruzzaman, “and one that we’ve constantly redefined and reclaimed – from ballroom houses and nightlife communities to closely interdependent units of friends; therefore we have, perhaps, an even greater depth of experience from which to show not only our children- but all children- the meaning of ‘family’.”
“Writing a tune for THE RAINBOW LULLABY was nothing short of magical, “ said composer Amanda D’Archangelis. “I always assumed I’d write songs for my family and that’s where it would end. The thought that other Mommies will sing this song to their babies touches my heart. As queer families grow, so should the content. It’s so wonderful to feel seen and understood.”
“Representation matters,” said performer Marty Thomas. “To hear the term queer family music -as a kid – would have been beyond profound for me. I’m proud to be a small part of a forward thinking movement of art and inclusivity.”
Proceeds from THE RAINBOW LULLABY support the Ali Forney Center, whose mission is to protect LGBTQ+ youths from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently.
THE RAINBOW LULLABY is produced by Ryan Bauer-Walsh, Fred Sauter and Yasuhiko Fukoka, with audio engineering, mixing and mastering by Yasuhiko Fukuoka,
THE RAINBOW LULLABY Track Listing
1) The Rainbow Lullaby – Madge Dietrich (Lyrics & Music: Ryan Bauer-Walsh)
2) The Ferris Wheel – Klea Blackhurst (Lyrics: Ryan Bauer-Walsh, Music: Ryan Bauer-Walsh & Mark Hartman, Arranger: Mark Hartman)
3) Family Means – Kyle Dean Massey, Taylor Frey, Jenn Colella, Chilina Kennedy (Lyrics & Music: Paul Loesel)
4) Don’t you Cry – Ernie Pruneda, Richie Leone (Lyrics & Music: Fred Sauter)
5) Two Mama Flamingos – Christine Dwyer (Lyrics & Music: Michelle Chamuel and David Dabbon)
6) Go To Sleep – Chris and Clay Rice-Thomson (Lyrics & Music: Fred Sauter)
7) A Little Boat – Katie Thompson, Natalie Joy Johnson and The First Presbyterian Church of New York City Choir conducted by Michael Shake (Lyrics & Music: Ryan Bauer-Walsh)
8) Rain, Rain, Rain – Shakina Nayfack, Kyler O’neal (Lyrics & Music: Fred Sauter)
9) There’s a Bunny on the Moon – Aury Krebs (Lyrics & Music: Jason Ma)
10) As Bright as a Star – Jealni Remy (Lyrics & Music: Bobby Cronin)
11) Baby My Baby – Ryan Bauer-Walsh, Jonathan Charles Mclaughlin (Lyrics & Music: Ryan Bauer-Walsh)
12) A Big Day – Caitlin Kinnunen (Lyrics & Music: Ryan Bauer-Walsh Music, Amanda D’archangelis)
13) Best Friends – Marty Thomas, Marissa Rosen (Lyrics & Music: Ryan Bauer-Walsh, Arranger: Mark Hartman)
14) Hide and Seek – Matt Doyle (Lyrics & Music: Andrew Gerle)
15) When We Dreamed of You – Ryan Bauer-Walsh (Lyrics: Ryan Bauer-Walsh, Music: Yasuhiko Fukuoka)
16) Stronger together – Michael Buchanan (Lyrics: Ryan Bauer-Walsh, Music: Mark Hartman)
17) Dream Away – Jay Armstrong Johnson (Lyrics & Music: Adam Overett)
18) You’ll Have a New Day Tomorrow – Ryan Bauer-Walsh (Lyrics & Music: Ryan Bauer-Walsh)
19) Mommy and Mama – Jo Lampert (Lyrics & Music: Debra Barsha)
20) The Dream – L. Morgan Lee (Lyrics & Music: Arri Simon and Janine McGuire)
21) Tiny Cloud – Zachary James (Lyrics: Ryan Bauer-Walsh, Music: Lucas Tahiruzzaman Syed)
22) The Beautiful Son – Jamie Cepero, Jonathan Burke (Lyrics & Music: Dionne McClain Freeney)
23) You Are Home – Michael Longoria (Lyrics & Music: Ryan Bauer-Walsh, Arranger: Mark Hartman)
24) Home of Three – Lauren Patten, Jo Lampert (Lyrics & Music: Zoe Sarnak)
25) Your Own Sweet Family – Susie Mosher (Lyrics & Music: Marc Shaiman)
ABOUT THE WRITERS
Ryan Bauer-Walsh Born in Minnesota and graduate of The Hartt School, this New York based artist has appeared in numerous stage shows including Billy Elliot (National Tour), Most Happy Fella (Encores), Les Miserables and Miss Saigon. Ryan has originated multiple roles off-Broadway including the internationally acclaimed production of Death For Five Voices with Prospect Theater Company. In addition to performing Ryan is also a writer, composer, artist, and community activist. Ryan’s artwork can be found in private collections, publications including The New York Times and in children’s literature. Ryan’s most recent children’s books include “Rusty The Rescue” and “Three Men in a Boat.” Working in their signature Retro Vintage Surrealist style, Ryan’s paintings have recently been made into a gender neutral clothing line for adults and children in collaboration with TinPin. www.RyanBauer-Walsh.com @ryan.Bauer.walsh @rbwart
Debra Barsha won the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Award for the score to Radiant Baby (Public Theatre, NYC, Broadway in Chicago), Every Other Thursday (NJ Rep’s Five by Ferber Festival). One-woman show: Go to Your Womb and A Womb With A View (CAP21/Cherry Lane Theatre). Current Music Director of: The B-52’s Thing. Vocal arrangements: Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Sacrilege, Lea DeLaria’s album House of Bowie. Conductor: Karen O’s Stop The Virgens! (St. Ann’s Warehouse/Sydney Opera House). Associate Conductor: Broadway’s Jersey Boys and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. Currently: Pianist: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. @DBarsha
Michelle Chamuel is a recording artist and producer, currently based in northern New Mexico. In 2012, Michelle was invited onto Season 4 of NBC’s The Voice, where she was mentored by Usher Raymond and took home second place. After The Voice, she returned to the studio to create music under her own name, as well as electronic production moniker, The Reverb Junkie. Her self-produced album, All I Want, landed at #2 on the iTunes EDM charts as well as #6 on the Billboard EDM charts. Michelle’s work has been featured by VH1, ABC Family, The CW, Starbucks, H&M, American Eagle, Forever 21, StarKid Productions (Darren Criss), NBC, CCTV, Annual Urbanworld Film Festival winner Mooz-lum (2010), the LGBT award winning Getting Go: The Go Doc Project (2013), SXSW official film selection 1500 (2019), and The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. @michellechamuel
Bobby Cronin is the multidisciplinary award-winning composer/lyricist of Mary & Max with book writer Crystal Skillman (World Premiere Theatre Calgary 2018, European Premiere at Austria’s Theatre Linz 2019; Winner of 2018 MUT Critics Award, Pace New Musicals 2018, SigWorks Finalist 2018); ‘Til Death Do Us Part (World Premiere 2020 – Covid Canceled, 2018-2020 SDSU New Works Award; 2017 SigWorks Finalist; 2016 Overtures Series) with book writer Caroline Prugh; Concrete Jungle, set to play London’s Leicester Square Theatre summer 2020 (Covid Canceled); Till Soon, Anne with Christine Toy Johnson (O’Neill Writing Residency); Daybreak (winner of the 2011 New Jersey Playwrights Contest) premiered in Wayne, NJ & London’s Tristan Bates Theatre spring 2012. 2014 York NEO. Composer/sound design for King Kirby audio drama on BPN, writer/composer/sound design/director of Psykidz a new musical film. Other: numerous award winning short musical films, 54 Below, Lincoln Center Songbook Series, Birdland, Symphony Space, London’s The Players Theatre & St. James Theatre, etc. “Reach The Sky: Live” & “The Concrete Jungle International Studio Cast Recording” on all digital platforms. @Croninbobby www.BobbyCronin.com
Amanda D’Archangelis is a composer, actress, and teacher in NYC. She holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theater from The Boston Conservatory, and is a member of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Advanced Workshop. Her music has been performed at Lincoln Center, Prospect Theater Company, The York Theatre Company, NYMF, The Duplex, Green Room 42, The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, Feinstein’s 54 Below, Good Morning America, and more. She has penned several musicals including Single Rider, The Radium Girls: A Jaw Dropping New Musical, Coming Attraction, HAMLET: A Pop Musical, and many more
David Dabbon is an Emmy-nominated composer and arranger. He earned his Emmy-nomination for composing the song “Eat $hit, Bob!” for HBO’s award-winning Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. On Broadway, David’s work has been heard as dance arranger for the Tony-nominated musical adaptation of Beetlejuice and the celebrated musical comedy Disaster! He also provided additional orchestrations for the Broadway bio-musical Sondheim on Sondheim (Grammy nomination). His work as an orchestrator can also be heard on Audra McDonald’s albums: Go Back Home and Audra McDonald Sing Happy: New York Philharmonic. His other compositional credits include Game On: an interactive game show musical commissioned and premiered at Pittsburgh CLO, Our New Town, (Wagner College), Surface (commissioned by Dallas Black Dance Theatre), the full-length film All God’s Creatures, and the short film Dori the Donor. David earned his master of music degree in choral conducting from Carnegie Mellon University (under the tutelage of Dr. Robert Page) and a self-defined bachelor of music degree from The Hartt School. www.daviddabbon.com @daviddabbon
Yasuhiko Fukuoka Praised as “brilliant” by Stephen Holden of the New York Times, Yasuhiko Fukuoka is an award-winning composer/pianist, whose work can be heard on films, recordings, and performances internationally. He’s worked with a plethora of Broadway performers and LGBTQ artists on and off stage, and he absolutely loves performing and producing music. He recently became a proud father to his beloved son Axel with his husband Chris. @yahzydotcom
Andrew Gerle is a composer/lyricist, librettist, pianist and author. His works for the theater include the musicals Meet John Doe (Jonathan Larson Award, cast album on Broadway Records), Gloryana