'Pollen' combines professionals, students, amateurs

Myth, movement and music combine to create "Pollen: The Musical," the show debuting today at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, at 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.\n"Pollen:The Musical" brings flowers to life in order to help their gardener, Ben. Through both song and dance, Ben meets each of the flowers. He falls in love with Mother Nature -- played by Jennifer Heichelbech. Yet, tragedy hits the garden and Ben struggles to save it. A twist of fate brings Ben's former lover, Miss Noble, back into his life allowing another chance at love.\n"Ian and Robert did a wonderful job blending seriousness with fun," said Shauna Steele, the show's choreographer. \nBloomington resident Robert Hay-Smith and long-time friend, Ian Carfrae, joined together to write and compose the entire musical from scratch. Old friends from their years in the "New Vaudeville Band," the two had always talked about writing a musical, but the work didn't really take shape until 1996.\n"My brain was allowing me to write now that I was off the road," Hay-Smith said.\nCarfare worked out the musical accompaniment, while Hay-Smith fine-tuned the story. Originally titled "Rainbow Garden," the musical was to be centered on a tramp that was staying in the garden. Through the editing process, the tramp became a gardener and "Pollen: The Musical" was born. In order to make the dream a reality, both a cast and funding needed to be found.\nCasting actors from Indianapolis, Columbus, Ind. and Bloomington, the performers are a mix of professionals, amateurs and students. Rose, the lead flower played by Caroline Dowd-Higgins, is a bit bossy, but also a hopeless romantic. Though normally a classical singer, Dowd-Higgins has taken on this part because she feels Hay-Smith's vision and enthusiasm are infectious.\nRehearsing three hours a night is a commitment for any actor -- but several members of the cast have to drive an hour to get to the rehearsals. \n"Everyone is committed on an emotional level," Steele said.\nMr. Hay-Smith is committed on both an emotional and financial level. Funding was not easy to acquire, even on a tight-budget. \n"I've had no corporate support, so I've ended up footing the bill myself," said Hay-Smith. \nThe production team had only limited funds to produce an entire set, costumes and technical support. Costume designer Scott Jones decided on costumes based on different eras of history. In order to attain continuity, the dances were choreographed using moves from different eras, as well. The choreography was especially difficult being the majority of the cast came from singing backgrounds.\n"Most people were singers first and needed to dance to be a part of the musical," Steele said. \nThe musical's first test will be in Bloomington, but Hay-Smith is already planning for the future. Planning to market the musical to large civic theaters in bigger cities, Hay-Smith would like to have his own touring company. He even plans to pitch the show to Merlin Films in Ireland. \n"The whole show is tailor made for animation," Hay-Smith said. \nBloomington audiences can purchase tickets at the Sunrise Box Office or by calling (812) 323-3020. Adult tickets range from $15 to $17.50, while seniors or student tickets are discounted at $12.50 to $15. Children under 12 are $10. The show runs Feb. 20-22 and 27-29. Friday shows are at 8 p.m., Saturday shows are at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sunday shows are at 3 p.m.\n-- Contact staff writer Jessica Dalsing at jdalsing@indiana.edu.