Baseball: A Musical Love Letter

Baseball: a Musical Love Letter is a family-friendly musical revue that weaves together the history of baseball with music from every corner of the American songbook: opera, musical theater, and jazz. Written and conceived by stage director Kathleen Belcher and dramaturg Dan Rigazzi, and led by conductor Chevalier Lovett, this production is an intimate, cabaret-style performance that traces baseball’s early years from the 1919 Black Sox Scandal and the jazz age; to the rise of the Negro Leagues and a celebration of Jackie Robinson; to WWII and the establishment of the Women’s Baseball League; to a final celebration of baseball as the Great Equalizer—a place where all are welcome.

The work premiered at Kansas City Lyric Opera in 2021 featuring folk, blues, and roots singer-songwriter and recording artist Danny Cox who will make his Opera Orlando debut in this production. An accomplished guitarist and singer, Mr. Cox has celebrated a 55-year career in cinema, theater, recording, and writing. The songs of the civil rights movement led him to a career as a folk singer. He joined the Hootenanny tour, where he played every major theater, including Carnegie Hall. In 1967, Danny came to Kansas City, where he embarked on a theatrical career, winning the best theater award twice. He is a renowned voice-over artist in Kansas City and is known for writing and performing the city's iconic Grass Pad jingle. At 78, Mr. Cox continues to work in theater and music as a solo artist and with his band.

Baseball: a Musical Love Letter will be presented at Harriett’s Orlando Ballet Centre with a musical pre-show presentation featuring the Con Vivo singers and ballpark snacks. Audience members are encouraged to sport their favorite baseball team’s jersey or to don their team’s hat for the show.