The world premiere of Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera took place at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA on October 10-11. This out-of-this-world theatrical experience entertained, thrilled, and amused audiences, leaving them wanting more.

The production featured 18 songs performed by an all-star cast, telling the story of an epic alien encounter at a Central Park concert—an event that unfolded in a desperate attempt to save Earth from climate destruction and corporate political corruption. This premiere marked the first stage in the development of a new form of live entertainment—a live, immersive sci-fi graphic novel, blending visual storytelling with rock-and-roll musical theater.

Starring Barrence Whitfield, Mach Bell, Liz Proteau, and Jerry Bisantz, along with a choral cast and a live band, Beasties was performed in two acts with an intermission. Audiences experienced an electrifying performance with beer and wine available for those of age.

beasties books and cdThe production was written and produced by Gary Sohmers, featuring lyrics by Sohmers and music composed by Gary Sohmers and Bill Holloman. Music direction was led by Bill Holloman Jr., with live performances by Cliff Goodwin (guitar), Robb Simring (bass), and Dan Drohan (drums).

Key contributors included

  • Associate Producers: Tiffany Hulse, Darren Lussier
  • Technical Designer: Frank Coleman
  • Technical Services: Image Production Services, Shrewsbury, MA
  • Art Design: Kathy Wade, Tiffany Hulse, Bob Eggleton, Philo Barnhart
  • Animated Characters: Philo Barnhart
  • Videos By: Tiffany Hulse, Micah Buzzin, Frank Coleman, Peter Bernard

This groundbreaking event set the stage for future immersive theatrical experiences that blend sci-fi storytelling with rock opera brilliance.

BEASTIES: A SCI-FI ROCK OPERA

An Epic Alien Encounter in Central Park

The studio cast recording features singers DAVE BICKLER (voice of “Eye of The Tiger”) as Grā, an alien impulse from the cosmic universe; British rock star CHRIS FARLOWE (1966 hit “Out of Time”) as the villain Dick T.Raitor; rock n soul singer BARRENCE WHITFIELD (of The Savages) as the “star” of the concert, Voice; and new-comer LIZ PROTEAU as the female lead Terra. The ensemble also includes vocals by LAVON FISHER-WILSON, BILL HOLLOMAN, BILL HOLLOMAN JR and GARY SOHMERS. Orchestrated, arranged and co-written by BILL HOLLOMAN (Springsteen, Nile Rodgers). Recording mixed by PAUL DAVID HAGER (Miley Cyrus, Katie Perry, Jonas Bros., Devo).

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Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera - Book Of Gra

Book of Grā – Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera

Grā, a retired singer, lands the job of a lifetime working as a stagehand for the newly successful musician, Voice. However, during the band’s monumental concert in New York City’s Central Park, Grā becomes inhabited by an alien Impulse. Things get even stranger when a corrupt politician interrupts the show, causing havoc and confusion amongst the attendees. As surprises and chaos ensue, Grā and Impulse, along with Voice and his band, must rally humanity and their “Beasties” in order to save the planet. Will the power of music and unity be enough to succeed?

There are good and bad Beasties within us all… It’s all about perspective.

Now available on Amazon (Paperback, Audiobook, and Kindle)
Click the image above to purchase your copy now!

Book of Voice – Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera

Voice is the lead singer of a rock band. Grā, a retired singer, lands the job of a lifetime working as stage manager for the newly successful musicians who are performing a monumental free concert in New York City’s Central Park. However, in a bizarre turn of events, Grā becomes inhabited by an alien Impulse, and a corrupt politician unexpectedly attempts to take over the show. As surprises and chaos ensue, Voice, Grā, Impulse, and the band must rally humanity and their “Beasties” in order to save the planet. Will the power of music and unity be enough to succeed?

The “Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera” book series is based on the stage show of the same name. Three novels, three perspectives, one otherworldly story. This is just one perspective of an event that will change the future. This is the Book of Voice.

Now available on Amazon (Paperback, Audiobook, and Kindle)
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Book of Impulse – Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera

This is the story from the Universe’s perspective about a sci-fi rock called Earth dealing with climate destruction and corporate corruption, while it attempts to heal and change. An alien interrupts a concert in Central Park, infusing into one of the stagehands special powers to communicate telepathically and understand the secrets of the Universe.

Book of Impulse is a cosmic adventure which highlights the importance of coming together in the face of adversity.

There are good and bad Beasties within us all… It’s all about perspective.

Now available on Amazon (Paperback, Audiobook, and Kindle)
Click the image above to purchase your copy now!

💫 Official videos from Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera are available to watch on YouTube!
Just visit YouTube.com/@beastiesrockopera for more! 💫

💫 Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera Original Studio Cast Recording is available for streaming on Spotify! 💫

💫 Testimonials 💫

I am so inspired by what Gary and his team have achieved with Beasties– an original new musical with something important to say– a timely message delivered through rocking entertainment.

Vivek Tiwary / Tony Award Winning Producer, Eisner Award Winning Author

Impressive display of creative gymnastics, Gary Sohmers takes you on a magical trip through his mind to his musical meaning of life.

Bob Eckstein / NY Times Bestselling Author

Beasties is a busy beast of an album, packed with fist-pumping hard rock…and hooky anthems.

Jim Sullivan / WBUR