Remember When
“Remember When” is an original one-woman play, written and performed by Morgan Middleton and supported by a trio of NEC jazz students, to address the power of music in fighting Alzheimer's disease. The project invites audience members on an entertaining journey of discovery that Morgan designed to address a growing health and morbidity crisis, with the goal of supporting Alzheimer’s research. She has written and is producing a musical about the topic, the proceeds of which will go to benefit the research efforts of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.
Grant Project:
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 5.2 million Americans age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease. 4 In Massachusetts, the estimated number of people with Alzheimer’s is 120,000 with a projected increase to 150,000 by 2025. “Remember When” is an original one-woman play, written and performed by Morgan Middleton and supported by a trio of NEC jazz students, to address the power of music in fighting Alzheimer's disease.
The project invites audience members on an entertaining journey of discovery that Morgan designed to address a growing health and morbidity crisis, with the goal of supporting Alzheimer’s research. She has written and is producing a musical about the topic, the proceeds of which will go to benefit the research efforts of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. The musical follows a brief period in the life of twenty-something recent college graduate April on a path of self-discovery. Like many her age, April is struggling through a state of flux regarding her identity, purpose and path forward in life. She comes to an understanding and revelation of herself through the daunting task of cleaning out her late grandmother’s estate. The musical follows April’s path from defeat and obligation to discovery, fascination and determination, all moved along to their next phase by the musical score.
Outcome:
From personal experience of performing more than 150 solo voice concerts for seniors since 2009, including those with Alzheimer’s and various forms of dementia, Morgan has witnessed firsthand that carefully chosen, classic songs can awaken memories and provide a calming effect, she will play the lead and perform the “Remember When” on April 26, 2017 at New England Conservatory.
The musical occurs in two acts, lasting approximately 1 hour 30 minutes with a 10-minute intermission. It will be simple, but fully staged and will require the assistance of a small tech, lighting and sound crew. There is no set ticket price; attendees will be asked to make a donation to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.
Representatives from Cure Alzheimer’s Fund will be on hand to distribute and present information about their organization and advancements in Alzheimer’s disease research, the beneficial connection between music and Alzheimer’s and introduce their new music app, SPARK Memories Radio. The app allows caregivers to “create a personalized playlist of memorable, popular music that will ignite memories, reduce agitation and depression, and stimulate mental activity.”