Dan Fogelberg Musical
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It's all Part of the Plan

8/13/2010

47 Comments

 
The idea for Part of the Plan came to me – as any Dan Fan would expect – while falling head over heels in love.  In June 2010, at 42 years young, I met my soul mate.  

As fate would play out then and now… Richard played me one of my Fogelberg favorites, a song I hadn’t heard in a while.  And as we listened to MAKE LOVE STAY, we discussed the age old question that inspired Dan to write that song over 30 years ago - how do you make love stay? 

The very next day, I bought THE VERY BEST OF DAN FOGELBERG CD and a copy of Tom Robbins’ STILL LIFE WITH WOODPECKER for our road trip to Las Vegas that weekend.  We listened to Dan all the way up to Vegas, singing every lyric and wondering how one man could have been so prolific.

It was on the way home from Las Vegas when the opening bars of NETHER LANDS, in its full orchestral bloom, prompted me to blurt out, “This song… it’s the OVERTURE of a Broadway Musical!”  We giddily talked about that inspiration the entire way home.  We’d have to come up with a fictional story that would be powerful enough to complement Dan’s music.  Was that even possible?  And how would we get in touch with Jean Fogelberg?  And even if we did, would she be open to such an idea?

Over that summer, I was producing a couple of independent film projects, and tutoring students in math and science, but I couldn’t get the idea of telling a story using Dan Fogelberg’s music out of my head.  Out of this obsessed brain-strain came the idea of an adoption story.

I began composing a heartfelt letter to Jean Fogelberg, and within days of putting pen to paper and tracking down Jean’s email address, fate reared up again and again.  The many means to moving this project forward seemed to fall out of the sky.  First, Richard and I met with one of his best friends, Victor Vanacore – who happened to be a Grammy award-winning composer/arranger – to run the concept by him.  Victor immediately jumped on board, believing it to be a wonderful idea, and knew he wanted to work on it with us.  I then learned that one of my old friends, who had invested in a film of mine, had become a musical theatre investor.  I knew I could and would approach him when the time was right.  And then, over lunch with a few girlfriends, I found my writing partner!

Karen Harris – who happened to be an Emmy award-winning writer – was leaving her job in television after a 30-year career.  Karen casually mentioned that she’d have more time to work on her own projects, get more involved in the Writer’s Guild, and do what she’s always wanted to do…“Write a play,” she mused over lunch.  My heart skipped a beat, I waited for the other gals to leave, and I asked Karen to stay for a few minutes so we could talk privately.  Would she consider writing a musical with me and did she know Dan Fogelberg?  Yes, she loved Dan Fogelberg, yes, she was dying to write a musical, and yes, she’d be delighted to work with me. 

That was the beginning of the best collaboration I have ever known.  I had the bones of a story I wanted to tell – a story about adoption, an issue that has emotional resonance with so many of us.  Karen and I spent a week or two expounding and expanding, using index cards to label scenes and Post-it notes to label Dan’s songs (as we decided what song would go with what scene).  Our lives became immersed with fleshing out a TREATMENT, which is basically a scene-by-scene outline detailing our story, including the songs used to support the telling of it.  Every day, as we wrote the treatment, we laughed and got writer’s chills, grateful for how easily our ideas blended into each other’s.  We were clearly on the same page and loving every minute of it.

The way Dan’s songs melded into our work, it felt as if Dan had written these songs especially for this project.  For those of you who believe in something greater than yourselves, both Karen and I felt that Dan was right there, guiding us.  As if it were all Part of the Plan.

In December of 2010, I added the news of my various collaborators to the email to Jean.  And with a dream and a prayer, I hit send!

- Kate Atkinson
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Kate & Richard, July 2010
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Victor, the Maestro
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Karen at the Writer's Guild Awards
Stay tuned for the next chapter...
47 Comments
Dominique O'Carrigan
6/17/2013 03:42:34 pm

This does indeed sound like Dan himself was watching over the process! I'm so pleased it is happening and I can't wait till you come to Australia :)

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Connie Gross
6/25/2013 09:23:30 am

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kevin guyette link
6/17/2013 03:45:36 pm

If you haven't already I suggest you visit Peoria Illinois.

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Jean
6/17/2013 03:55:39 pm

Thank you so much for doing this and bringing Dan's music to Broadway!!

I have been a Fan of Dan's music, lyrics, songwriting since I was 17 and a college Freshman.

His music had me in college, through the happy times, after college and ever since.

His music must be kept alive, as his legacy will never die.

He is a daily inspiration to me, as is lovely Wife, Jean Fogelberg.

Ever On in this great project and "It Is Part of the Plan".

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Nance
6/25/2013 11:52:32 am

Beautifully stated! Dan would be proud!

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char
6/17/2013 05:31:26 pm

And what an amazing "plan" it is. Wonderful,

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Sue
6/17/2013 07:23:41 pm

I am so excited about this adventure you are doing!
I have LOVED Dan's music since I first heard "Be on Your Way" and his first album! Cant wait to see where this will go!
AND my son is in musical theater - wouldnt that be great if he could be in this show!!!

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Mary Ann
6/17/2013 10:55:38 pm

I got goosebumps reading your story, Kate. The DanFam is over the moon in anticipation of the musical, and hope it will introduce a new generation to Dan's prolific and profound talent. HIs music is truly the soundtrack to our lives!

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Tom
6/17/2013 11:00:28 pm

Kate, Karen & Company

While describing the writing process for his song 'Longer' Dan once said:"It seemed this song was drifting around the universe, saw me, and decided I'd give it a good home." Perhaps the same thing could be said about your efforts here. I believe your project has also been touched as a conduit to a greater inspiration. Best of luck, and 'Ever On.'

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Kate & Karen
6/19/2013 08:37:33 am

Tom, What an special comment from you! Thanks for sharing it with us! Would you mind sharing it on the Dan Fogelberg Musical Facebook page? I'm sure all of the folks there would love to know how Dan felt when he wrote Longer.

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Randi Marten
6/18/2013 12:13:02 am

I can't tell you how excited I am about this project! Dan has been the most influential musician to me since I first heard Be on Your Way on the radio back when I was a freshman in college (I didn't even know he already had 3 albums out) - I fell in love instantly and obsessively. I was a theatre major in college (and I play guitar and sing, always including Dan's stuff) - this is like a dream come true that I never knew I had!

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Kate & Karen
6/19/2013 08:39:05 am

A dream come true that I never knew I had... wow. It's the same for us! Ever on!!!

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Phyllis Viola
6/18/2013 12:33:59 am

Going to Dan's concert's were some of the best memories of my life.
God's speed on this exciting project!

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Julie Cobb
6/18/2013 12:52:35 am

I am so excited to see this project come to fruition! You girls have my total support ...

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Carla
6/18/2013 07:23:27 am

This is such a great idea. I love how Dan Fogelberg's words and music weave such a beautiful stories. I look forward to experiencing your musical!

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Sue
6/18/2013 12:18:44 pm

Just like I loved the Moving Out broadway production of Billy Joel's music, I will be ecstatic to see this one of Dan's! Best of luck in making it happen!

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Kate & Karen
6/19/2013 08:41:54 am

As luck would have it, the guy that did the all the military choreography for Twyla Tharp - Stephan Wolfert - is a good friend and has is consulting with us on all our military scenes (and when the time comes, he'll do our military choreography too!)

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Tom K
6/18/2013 01:21:38 pm

You REALLY do need to come to Peoria over the Labor Day weekend. The Fogelberg Foundation of Peoria will be hosting the annual celebration of Dan's life and music that weekend and there will be a few hundred extremely passionate fans of Dan's life work present. I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised by what you find there. All the best!

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Kate & Karen
6/19/2013 08:44:03 am

We were in Chicago in February, and if we can get to Peoria for Labor Day, we sure will!!! It sounds like it will be a wonderful weekend...

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Molly
6/18/2013 03:24:55 pm

I grew up listening to Dan. As many of my own memories that his music sparks, it's fantastic to see his music brought to life in a whole different way. All the best to you as you bring this to the stage, and I look very forward to seeing it! Ever On... <3

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christine Mellon
6/21/2013 03:36:34 pm

Wondeful music and commentary the last few days,... When is the Telluride sxchedule coming out??? Would love to go toTelluride

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Kate & Karen
6/25/2013 08:17:44 am

We'll most likely come to Denver first (not sure if we'll hit Telluride but it's still too early to know as we are still currently in our development stages). Please stay in touch and if you're on FACEBOOK, as well, you can LIKE us there and be kept up to speed on our progress!

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Chip McCain link
6/25/2013 07:58:55 am

How wonderful. My wife and I fell in love, like so many others, to Longer. We were barely in our teens at the time and Dan's music is still a regular part of our play list. Even after 33 years of marriage we melt when we hear one of his love songs. Can't wait to read more and look forward to getting the chance to see the finished project. Good luck and thank you. P. S. We have a Dan tribute page on our web site, may we link to this?

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Kate & Karen
6/25/2013 08:21:22 am

PLEASE DO! As well, we'd love you to link to the official Facebook page for Part of the Plan!
www.facebook.com/danfogelbergmusicalpartoftheplan
Regarding how you and your wife fell in love, we were tickled to read in the LA Times recently that Dan Fogelberg was responsible for more unplanned pregnancies than any other singer-songwriter of the 70s ;-)

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Tom S (GA)
6/25/2013 08:02:07 am

I just have to share this... I have been very involved with musical theater through my daughter's high school for the last 3 years. She is now entering a small college on a music scholarship. Right as we were finalizing everything, I lost my job in mid May. Feeling rather down and not knowing where to turn, I spent a day hiking with Netherlands swirling around in my head. So uplifting. So touching. So much feeling from the heart. I carried that inspiration with me on an important interview and was offered the job the next day. Dan's music was with me my whole life, and now I can't wait to hear it brought to life on stage. Best of luck to you all!

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Kate & Karen
6/25/2013 08:22:40 am

Congratulations on the new job, it was all "part of the plan!" And best of luck to your daughter...

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Anne Nolan
6/25/2013 08:03:37 am

I am so happy to read about your efforts to bring Dan's music to a theatre production. I discovered Souvenirs when I was 17, and I played that album until our turntable finally died when I was 47. Now I have all of the CDs!! Dan's music has been part of the soundtrack of my life, and I still cannot listen to the Long Way without remembering my first real love. Thanks for the memories!!

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Marlene
6/25/2013 09:44:40 am

Thank you for doing this. My first concert EVER was Dan's. 35 years later I can still remember his opening number (To the Morning) with a starry backdrop that gradually got lighter and lighter. I tried to play his songs on piano but wow that guy must have had long fingers to reach some of those chords! Of course, it goes without saying that Longer was played at our wedding. Good luck with this project!

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David Morehead
6/25/2013 11:03:00 am

My best to you for this undertaking. Let me and all of Dan's fans know what we can do to help bring this to fruition !

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Gina
6/25/2013 11:20:35 am

Cannot wait to see it.

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Cathy D.
6/25/2013 11:23:13 am

...The Reach...And I am so glad you grabbed the reins on this AND are making it happen!
Thank you Kate,Richard,Victor and Karen!
Jean too!

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Anne
6/25/2013 11:26:48 am

Thank you for doing this. Dan has always been a love and inspiration for me for over 35 years. I drove across Canada in '84 to a theme of Dan's music. I will have to come to Broadway to celebrate Dan with you all.

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Nance
6/25/2013 11:55:56 am

The WORLD embraces Broadway! Now the WORLD can embrace DAN! (Us Dan Fans have known that this should have happened LONG ago!)...

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Terri Myers
6/25/2013 11:57:18 am

22 years ago I gave birth to my second child, a son. He was born with Down Syndrome. A friend who knew how much I loved Dan's music gave me front row seats to his concert that was 5 days after my son was born. She was hoping it would help my spirits. As I sat there and his beautiful music washed over me, it started healing my heart. Today my son is the light of my life. He adores music and the theater. So this project whose title is my favorite song makes my heart so joyful. Thank you and can't wait to experience it!

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kim anderson
6/25/2013 01:39:30 pm

i cannot tell you how much this would mean to dan's fan's. he's been my favorite musician for over 30 years. having his music on broadway, would make me and thousands so grateful to know his legacy will continue ever on. he was a truly a remarkable man and musician forever in my heart. dan we miss you,

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Joanie K.
6/25/2013 01:47:31 pm

I'm one of Dan's biggest fans. I've loved his music from day one. His music was beautiful. And this will be a great tribute to what a legend he was. Truly a gifted poet and songwriter with a beautiful voice.

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Rocco
6/25/2013 04:46:03 pm

It does sound familiar, love the idea. I'm a fan of Dan's , since my college years, also in the presernt and I believe at this will bring a great tribute to what a legend he was. He was a very special songwriter and person.

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Nancy Saipetch
6/25/2013 09:03:15 pm

I am so excited to see this tribute to Dan, I just love his music.

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Kirk Brammer
6/25/2013 10:04:30 pm

Outstanding! Dan has been one of maybe 10 people I have met in my live that left a vacant space in his passing. I listen to his music weekly and recall those times we met often. This is such a fitting tribute to a man who just just getting started. I know he had so much more in store for us "Dan Fans".

Ladies, I am no writer by any stretch of the imagination. But, I have thought often about Dan's song "Leader of the Band". That song offered so many slants on the views of respect and appreciation. It was Dan's score to honor his father, the leader of HIS Band.

So, where am I going with this you say? For all of us die hard, loyal "Dan Fans", perhaps in the style of Dan himself, being this is a musical, you can find someone who can create a "Leader of the Band - Part 2" where we as "Dan Fans" honor him as The Leader Of Our Band. I have read so many tributes written by ordinary people just like me who have dropped a one line statement about what Dan has meant to them that I believe the material is already there. This is just my crazy idea.....

Again, many thanks

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Nance
6/26/2013 06:20:02 am

Kirk,

I really don't think this a crazy idea! It would be nice to have a "Dan Fan" tribute to our "Leader of the Band"!

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Nance A.
6/26/2013 06:24:29 am

Kirk,

I really don't think this a crazy idea! It would be nice to have a "Dan Fan" tribute to our "Leader of the Band" !

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Tracey
6/25/2013 10:18:25 pm

Going to college in Boulder, CO in the late 70's, we used to claim Dan as 'our musician'. Of course he wrote all of those songs in our backyard and they were always about Colorado livin' (we would tell them). I will always vividly remember going to Dan's concerts at Red Rocks and even as recently as this week, we listened to his music on a reunion trip while going down memory lane. I'm so excited you are doing 'this' for all of 'us'. Dan and his music will live on because of you!!

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Delia Lee link
6/25/2013 11:29:15 pm

I'm thrilled with this concept and am sending good thoughts into the Universe for a spectacular production. I loved this man with all my heart!

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Michael Reilly
6/26/2013 01:40:00 am

This is something I would love to see and Dan's music deserves. All I can say is Thank you , thank you, thank you, I believe this would be a great homage to a man who left too soon. I was lucky enough to see him in concert a couple of times but you've hit the nail on the head. Dan's music lives on forever.

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Michael Reilly
6/26/2013 01:41:24 am

please notify me of future news

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BARB DUNN DAVIS link
7/4/2013 12:50:43 am

THIS IS A WONDERFUL TRIBUTE TO DAN AND JEAN. I DOUBT IF I WOULD BE ABLE TO SEE IT, SEEING AS I LIVE IN COLUMBUS, GA. NEVERTHELESS, MY HATS GO OFF TO EVERYONE WHO IS PUTTING SO MUCH EFFORT AND TIME TO PAY TRIBUTE TO SUCH A WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING, MUSICIAN AND I'M SURE A WONDERFUL HUSBAND

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BARB DUNN DAVIS link
7/4/2013 12:58:12 am

THIS IS THE FIRST BLOG I HAVE RECEIVED AND I AM SO PLEASED THAT SOMEONE IS DOING THIS TYPE OF TRIBUTE TO DAN, NOT TO MENTION HIS FAMILY. I HAVE LOVED HIS MUSIC FROM THE VERY FIRST TIME I HEARD HIM SING AND PLAY , FROM THE PIANO, TO THE GUITAR, TO THE MANDOLIN, IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN. AND MANY OTHERS. HE HAD A VOICE LIKE NO OTHERS .

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