Entitled “Christmas, Will You Stay?,” the song will be released December 6.
“Christmas, Will You Stay?,” which has orchestrations by Kim Scharnberg, features Jeremy Roberts on piano, Antoine Silverman on violin, Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf on cello, Kim Scharnberg on trombone, and Gwynn Griffin on flute, alto flute, piccolo, and wind controller.
“I wanted to write a song that embodied the optimism, joy, and warmth we all share during the holiday season while also capturing Laura's sensibility and point of view," composer-lyricist Mott told Playbill.com. “It was my goal to reach beyond the Broadway fan base and appeal to a more mainstream audience with this piece. Christmas is my favorite time of year because everyone is so kind to one another, but that kindness often fades after the New Year. We are living in a very difficult time in our nation's history, and I am hopeful the one thing that can unite us is music. I hope ’Christmas, Will You Stay?’ and its message inspires listeners and is revived every holiday season.”
Osnes added, “Michael and I have been friends for several years, and I was so thrilled when he had the idea of doing a Christmas song together! He came up with a gorgeous melody, and we had a conversation on what we envisioned it to be about. I knew I wanted themes of peace, nostalgia, pretty snowflakes, and that magical spirit of generosity and joy that only exists at Christmas time. He took those ideas and ran... creating this twinkling, yet lush new song that so perfectly embodies the holiday spirit. We hope you love it and that it speaks to you in the same way!”
Roberts recorded, mixed, and mastered the tune, which was co-produced by Mott, Roberts, and Scharnberg and executive-produced by Stacy Swain.
Michael Mott & Friends will be presented December 3 at The Pope Science Building at Utah Valley University in Orem, UT. The concert will include original music from Mott's debut album, Where the Sky Ends, as well as songs from his original musicals In the Light, Mob Wife, and Lucifer. He will be joined by guest vocalists Jackie Burns (Wicked) and Brad Greer (The Bridges of Madison County). Visit www.MichaelMott.net for more information.
Osnes is also one of the numerous Broadway stars set for the second BroadwayCon, which returns January 27–29, 2017, at the Javits Center. Co-presented by Playbill, Mischief Management, and Anthony Rapp, the one-of-a-kind weekend includes panels, performances, one-on-one star moments, seminars, autograph and photo sessions, a booming Marketplace, and other activities. Click here for more information about BroadwayCon.
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