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Ann Marie Mulhearn
Sayer is a Storyteller: whatever stage she is on, she pulls
audiences into her magical, lyrical world. Today she performs
literacy and musical development workshops for children based on the
legendary
Caps for Sale
books by Esphyr Slobodkina.
Her fun-filled, animated style and statuesque
appearance (6' 3˝") immediately capture the attention of children of
all ages. She completely engages her audience, whether singing a
song or
discussing a musical motive. People gravitate toward her, and
children especially respond to her rich imagination and intuitive
connection to them. Kind and caring, all are included in Ann Marie's
workshops at whatever level makes them comfortable.
Always seeking innovative venues for her work,
artist and author Esphyr Slobodkina contacted musician and performer
Ann Marie to compose the music to her book/play,
The Flame, the Breeze and the Shadow.
While working on this project, Ann Marie reworked a musical version
of
Caps for Sale
written by Esphyr's sister, Tamara Schildkraut, adding songs, a
bright arrangement and lively narration. This fresh and contemporary
musical was released in a book/cassette package by HarperCollins
Publishers in 2000 and was followed by the second in the series,
Circus Caps for Sale,
in May 2002. Ann Marie expanded the musical cassette into literacy
and musical workshops and dramatizations. One performance was
featured on ABC's
Art McFarland's New York Artist
spotlight. In 2003, Ann Marie produced a musical narrative version
of The Wonderful Feast followed by Mary and the
Poodies in 2004. Both are available on CD. This year,
Caps for Sale was released in CD format.
A powerful and charismatic stage performer,
Ann Marie brings over 25 years music business experience to her
workshops and performances. Her composition,
I am a Good Child,
was chosen as song of the year by the United Nations Centre for
Human Settlements and she was invited to perform this – as well as
other original compositions – in a concert for World Habitat
Day in October, 1991. She has toured extensively throughout the
United States and Canada. Exploring all music styles, Ann Marie has composed and
performed rock, cabaret, contemporary, music-theater and
music-theater for children in a number of venues. She has also
done studio work, voiceovers and radio commercials.
Ann Marie returned to college in her late 30s.
In 1998, she graduated
summa cum laude
from Hartt School of Music, University of Hartford with a BF in
Music Theater, specializing in Music Composition. While at Hartt,
she received a number of awards for her interactive programs
for students.
In 1996, Ann Marie co-founded “Joan of Arts”,
a theater and art school for children ages 4-15. It is located in
Connecticut's Litchfield Hills.
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