Rosemary And Thyme
Review and Quotes
Review - The Pilot
by Laurie Lawson, NYC Critic, Electronic Link Journey, New York
Listen up, y'all. Christmas is a'comin' early this year. The incredible Peter Link, along with Ragan Courtney, and his merry band of very talented singers/performers have come up with a revolutionary retelling of the Christmas Story via musical podcast. Instead of a manger in Bethlehem, the adventure begins in Skedee, Oklahoma - Pop. 139. Seems like God (none other than Michael Tucker from LA Law) is not happy with how us humans are handling our affairs ' no surprise there ' and he gets to talking to a delightful young lady named Thyme Quinn (portrayed by Julia Wade), who is fixing to marry the town carpenter and preacher man. See how this story is shaping up?
There will be 16 episodes of ROSEMARY AND THYME ' A MODERN-DAY CHRISTMAS STORY ' just enough to welcome you into the Christmas season - and if Episode 1 is any indication, you are in for a treat. Chock full of charming characters who are doing their best and trying to figure out this challenging thing called life, there's exploration, enlightenment, and mind-expansion through down-home dialogue and the always-impressive music of Peter Link. But don't take my word for it. You can check out Episode 1 of ROSEMARY AND THYME here. I'm pretty sure you're gonna love it. And what's with the Southern accent? I think it's contagious. - Laurie Lawson
ROSEMARY AND THYME - A PODCAST MUSICAL IN 16 EPISODES
Book and Lyrics by PETER LINK and RAGAN COURTNEY
Music by PETER LINK
Director and Dramaturg - RON STETSON
Featuring MICHAEL TUCKER, JULIA WADE, STEVE BLANCHARD, and JUDY McLANE with Don Scardino, Wayne Duvall, Patrick Ryan Sullivan, Jenny Burton, Terry Burrell, Melvin Abston, Michelle Liu Coughlin, Martin Sola, Natalie Toro, Robert Montano, Jan Horvath, Patrick Jude, Carolee Goodgold and Emily Bindiger
Audience Quotes
“I just finished listening to the pilot of Rosemary and Thyme, and cast is doing a Beautiful job with the characterizations, music, singing and acting. It reminds me of Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keeler, which my beloved Ronald and I used to listen to every Saturday night. Your 2 years of work has produced something Wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing with all of us”! ~ Lynda Findlay, Placerville, CA
“Wow! I love this podcast! The story is so fun and engaging, the characters are so rich.
Talk about talent! I like to really crank it up in my car and get swept away in the music and gorgeous voices.
Can’t wait for the next episode!”
~Tina Black, Los Angeles, CA
“I will continue to follow the “Rosemary and Thyme” Episodes every Saturday. I look forward to them each week. Last week I listened to it from my room at the A/U Ranches. The week before I was visiting New Mexico and listened to it while driving my rental car. This week I’m back home. But your story is very compelling. Keep up your very creative work!” ~Jan True, Laguna Hills, CA
"Wonderful congratulations to all!"
- John Danny Madden, Producer, Recording Artist
"It's wonderful, informative, entertaining ...
- Sharon Steele Setterberg, Listening Fan!
“I am enjoying every bit of the episodes I have listened to so far. Very engaging and humorous.”
~ Saratu Ismaila, Jalingo, Nigeria
“Congratulations!”
~ Benyea Zipporah Flanzamaton Gibson,
"Wonderful congratulations to all!"
- Frank Parkins, Listening Fan!
"Loved the characters ... and especially loved the ending, which was a delightful surprise."
- Bonnie Wilson, Listening Fan!
“Enjoying the nativity retold...Looking forward to further installments.
The drawl accent brings it down to Earth; (totally unlike the churchy King James)”
~ Ann Carter, Milford, CT
“Wow, the first episode of your new podcast was a delight! It’s so sweet and fun and beautiful. I’m so looking forward to the upcoming episodes. The fiddling was really amazing!”
~Brent Nicholson Earle, NYC, NY
“I listened to the first episode of Rosemary and Thyme . Very, very impressive. Julia sounds wonderful! Everyone is excellent. You have a real good idea here.”
~Joe Bravaco, Roseland NJ
"To be connected to you is a thrill and an honor..."
- Keith Anthony Fluitt, Singer, Recording Artist
"Looking forward to the next!"
- Marilyn Gordon, Listening Fan!
“What a gift to our ears! All the best, much joy and showers of blessings in this new incredible project!”
~Leide Lessa, Quincy, MA
“Low, sad, and sweet...it doesn't get any better. Thanks!”
~George Strong, Castro Valley, CA
“Thanks again for the Rosemary and Thyme podcasts.. They are becoming a part of me.”
~Jonathon Eder, Boston, MA
Notes from the Creative Team
From Ron Stetson
Director & Dramaturg
Rosemary and Thyme - A Podcast Musical
"I have all the hope that it will find its audience... and a continued life”.
“I just finished listening to 'The Annunciation.' [Episode 3] It's wonderful. It made me so happy. Although I know the script almost by heart every word felt new and exciting. And there is music I haven't heard before. It is beautiful!
The whole thing is such an astounding accomplishment. Towering. I am so impressed with it. And happy and proud of you and us.
“Congratulations, Peter. It is masterful... The production values are phenomenal. The atmospheric background sound, the timing, the editing, all of it. The script, music and cast are spectacular! Julia is wonderful as Thyme. Truly wonderful.
It deserves to have a huge following.”
I have all the hope that it will find its audience... and a continued life”. ~Ron Stetson
From Ragan Courtney
Lyricist and Bookwriter
Rosemary and Thyme - A Podcast Musical
"I have to tell you that I am ... what words? ... Blown away, even moved to tears."
From Peter Link
Composer, Lyricist, Book Writer
Rosemary and Thyme - A Podcast Musical
"Working with these two guys was one of the great joys of my life. They challenged me and often saved me throughout the two and a half years of work.”
Though the three of us were creating a modernization of a story that took place in another century, in another country across the world with all new characters, we stuck to the dramatic foundation of the story in the Bible. That foundation was always our guide. The basic plot remained intact and in fact supported us throughout our work. It always gave us confidence to be able to let our imaginations go a little wild and be inventive and run along the edges of the cliff. That bedrock plot, that great timeless story, was always there supporting every notion. It was the rock upon which we placed our reliance. We also basically stuck to the characters in the Bible – Joseph and Mary, Elizabeth and St. John The Baptist, Gabriel and God, King Herod, The Shepherds and even the three wise men – though we made one a woman. And, of course, we added additional characters as we traveled along the journey.
With these two men as partners, I really lucked out. Ragan, with his minister’s deep understanding of the Bible and thus our story … and Ron, who always found just the right tone to joyfully direct the actors— and to push me to always make it better.
Conception was allowed to breathe its first breath and find a most special life of its own.
~ Peter Link
