Recent grad garners award

From New York, to Ann Arbor and back to the Big Apple, Sam Davis has gained his way as a young composer. The 1998 University graduate has recently been recognized by the Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation for his musical composition.

This award, presented annually by the foundation, was established by Jonathan Larson's parents after his death and shortly after the opening of the world-renowned "Rent." The money awarded, much of which has been drawn from the profits of "Rent," is granted to young composers and theaters focused on new talent. This year's awards were presented to five individuals and four theaters, ranging from $2,500, to $10,000.

Selected from a pool of more than 150 contestants, the judging panel was comprised of highly accomplished theater professionals including Stephen Schwartz ("Pippin," "Godspell"), Mary Rogers ("Once Upon a Mattress"), Joe Mantello and Barry Singer. T

Courtesy of University Productions Sam Davis poses with his mother, Mary McGowan Davis.

he recipients of the award are selected based on "merit and need, with particular attention to vision, commitment and dedication to the performing arts profession," and are granted for general support as well as specific projects.

Currently, Davis is in New York working on Tina Landau's "Dream True," which will open Off-Broadway this spring at the Vineyard Theater. But the prize was awarded mostly for his efforts and work in "Mina and Colossos." This musical tells the story of the life of avant-garde poet and artist Mina Loy.

Commissioned by Joan Morris in the spring of 1997, Davis worked under much pressure with his co-writer, and University alum Ron Nyren. With approximately one year to produce the musical score, the two confirmed their ability to work well under pressure. "I'm very proud of 'Mina,'" Davis said. "We were writing under somewhat hurried, and chaotic circumstances. We were still writing until March." The production opened on April 19, 1998 and was enthusiastically received by its audiences.

Among his many other accomplishments was his work on "Rumpelstiltskin." Davis spent the summer of 1998, just after the completion of "Mina and Colossos," working in the Catskills with Reed Farleigh. Farleigh was putting together a children's version of "Rumpelstiltskin" and asked Davis to compose original music. Once again working under great pressure and time constraints, Davis pulled it off more than successfully. The 45-minute piece has six songs and two reprises. Despite the urgency to complete his work in a short period of time, Davis said, "it was nice to know that it was going to be done. It made the work a lot easier."

In the future Davis hopes to create something with no deadline. "I always like the notion that you can sit down with a blank sheet of paper and there are endless possibilities." However, "if you sit and wait for inspiration you'll be waiting for the rest of your life," according to Davis. Collaborating with others is one of the reasons that Davis's career is so fulfilling. "It also makes it easier in the case of disaster; but that also means you share the glory," Davis added. With the earnings both from the award and the upcoming summer's work in "Theater by the Sea," Davis plans to start a new project - pressure free!

02-26-99