Anna Miriam Brown says that for much of her life she never thought of herself as a composer. The smiling 18-year-old from Koloa loves music but tried and gave up on guitar, choosing instead to plink away melodies on a piano (To this day she does not read music).
A dyslexic unable to read or write before 9 years old, Brown majored early in the arts as a homeschooler, before starting to pen her first songs as a 15-year-old.
It was when a friend let her listen to a recording of the play “Hamilton” that everything in her world changed. She decided to write something unique, not just a song, she set her mind to trying to write an actual musical.
It would be a musical about the life of Christ. She decided to call it, “His Story.”
During a missionary trip to Africa, she started to assemble the songs which would become the musical. As a teenager who understands the power of social media, Brown sees an opportunity to reach her generation with the timeless story of light and hope.
“My heart for this project is to inspire curiosity about the Bible and to clearly and beautifully present the gospel in a way that doesn’t force Jesus down people’s throats, but instead clearly shows his character so that people will understand who he is and want to know him personally,” she said.
Music and recording professionals from around the world collaborated to produce “His Story,” including the legendary Wendy Waldman’s Longhouse studios in LA, award-winning Christian singer Christine Dente’ as editor and consultant, medalist Atom String Quartet in Europe, and noted creative genius producer and pianist Pawel Zarecki in Warsaw, Poland.
Anna Miriam Brown sings the part of Mary. Gabriel Brown (a.k.a Black Gryphon), who provided voice talent on many movie and TV productions including Pixar’s “Finding Dory” and has over a million subscribers on YouTube, sings the part of Peter, Satan, an angel and a Pharisee. Jamal Moore sings the part of Jesus, who has performed on TV and toured extensively, and emotive LA native Revel Day opens up the title number rapping the part of Matthew.
Set for a Palm Sunday release, the full version of “His Story, The Musical” will can be heard on You Tube and then will be released as a soundtrack album on all digital audio platforms shortly after.
On Good Friday, Anna Brown along with other members of the cast will perform the passion segment of the musical at the Kauai Christian Fellowship Good Friday Service 7 p.m. at the South Campus in Poipu.
Video clips of His Story can be found at www.hisstorythemusical.com
