Jeremy Productions'  ORIGINAL ROCK OPERA

"My Green Eyes"

A Story of Love, Sibling Rivalry, and Organic Farming

Music and lyrics by Randy Baker and Doug Weatherhead

The Inspiration -

One Artist’s Way

Randy has been working on this project for over 10 years, but was inspired ever since he saw the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” in his teens.  Last year he read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.  “I realized from reading this book that I had buried the artist in me,” Randy said.  “The book reminds us that all creativity is from God and that God expresses creativity through us.” 

This is when it all started to come together.  Last Easter Randy recalls having an informal discussion with Judson friends relating to dreams.  “To finish and produce the rock opera would be too much a thing to ask.  But from other events in my life  I had come to the new spiritual perspective of just giving it up to God……and letting the Universe come to my aid if it wishes.”

The Universe responded.

Friends Come Forward

Pam Joern, a good friend of Randy’s, noticed that the songbird wasn‘t singing.  “I could see that the rock opera was simmering on Randy’s back burner.  He was ready to have it resurface.  I’m attracted to the creative process.  I just said to Randy at his house last spring that I’d be willing to direct his rock opera.”

“For someone to offer something like that is just amazing,” Randy said.  “I then went to Doug Weatherhead.  ‘I can’t do this without you.  Do you think we could do this thing by next February?’”  Wary at first, Doug replied “Okay, let’s go for it!”

Creativity Attracts Faith & Energy

After this, “Everybody just kind of said ‘yes,’” Randy remarked.   “I was letting the Universe run with this, not me trying to control.  The “dream band” came forward.  Shirley Doyle and David Buck offered to help promote.  Mark Anderson from Monroe Crossing came forward to produce a couple of early songs. 

Adam ten Bensel starting scoring our songs.  Doug Harvey has created a website and Doug Weatherhead is putting countless hours into the music.  And then there’s the cast.  No one’s getting paid but My Green Eyes has a tremendous cast” which draws from both the Judson community and entire Metro area. 

A Supportive Spiritual Community

Judson is unique in the way that a relatively small congregation can gather around events that much larger congregations might shy away from.  This is the “fertile ground” that exists at Judson.  The creative process is recognized here.  As Pam Joern reflected, “Theatre is a collaborative art form.  Lots of people get stirred into the pot when it works.  That’s what spirituality is all about.  We are in relationship with each other and that relationship blesses us.”  Judson and theatre are a good match. 

The  Cause and Special Dedication

In My Green Eyes the prodigal son’s mother dies from breast cancer due to pesticides from old farming techniques.  The theme of breast cancer and organic, sustainable farming runs throughout the show.   The production company (Jeremy Productions) is donating all its proceeds to cancer research through Abbott Northwestern Hospital’s Virginia Piper Breast Center.

The last layer of meaning is perhaps the most poignant of all.  Randy’s mother currently lives with breast cancer which has metastasized.  She plans to attend all three performances and Randy is dedicating the show to her life.