*click the "watch video on YouTube" link to watch campaign video.*

Morning Star is an original musical epic, inspired by the life and legend of blues icon Robert Johnson. Set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South, the musical explores the man behind one of America's greatest myths: the story that he sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads in exchange for musical genius.

Rather than retelling the legend at face value, Morning Star asks a different question: Why is every Black artist who reaches an extraordinary level of success accused of wickedness?

Blending Delta blues, gospel, and contemporary musical theatre, Morning Star examines the origins of American music while celebrating the artists whose influence shaped generations of musicians around the world. At its heart, it is a story about ambition, grief, identity, faith, and the cost of pursuing greatness.

I'm raising funds to produce a professional demo recording of the musical's score.

A demo is an essential step in the development of any new musical. It allows producers, directors, theaters, collaborators, and grant organizations to hear the music as it is intended to be experienced. This recording will serve as the foundation for future workshops, industry presentations, and production opportunities.

Your support will help cover:

Every contribution moves this project one step closer to the stage.

I am Charles II, a playwright and actor based in New York City. I received my MFA in Acting from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in England and have developed work across theater and television.

My writing explores Black history, mythology, identity, and culture through bold theatrical storytelling. I was recently selected as a Travis Bogard Artist-in-Residence at the Eugene O'Neill Foundation's Tao House, where I continued developing new work. My goal is to create stories that entertain while challenging audiences to reconsider the histories and narratives we inherit.

Morning Star is one of my most ambitious projects to date, and this demo recording represents a major milestone in bringing it to life.

Thank you for believing in new musicals and in the power of original stories. Whether you contribute financially or simply share this campaign with others, you're helping preserve and celebrate an important piece of American musical history.

I can't wait for you to hear Morning Star.

Our goal is $5,000. It will allow us to create a professional demo to pitch to theaters, companies, and programs to continue developing the play. The line budget is below:

Music Director - $250

Creative Producer - $300

Drums - $150

Guitar - $150

Bass - $150

Violin - $150

Trumpet - $150

French Horn - $150

Robert - $150

Virginia - $75

Papa Legba - $75

Ike/Noah - $75

Ensemble 1 - $150

Ensemble 2 - $150

Ensemble 3 - $150

Mixing - $250

Studio recording cost - $1,200

Contingency - $500

Production Insurance - $100


Thank you!