This issue is about transformation—the kind that takes courage, creativity, and a little bit of magic. At its core are two powerful stories: one that resurrects a cult film into a live, high-energy musical experience, and another that turns personal struggle into an anthem of resilience and connection. Both works remind us that art doesn’t just entertain; it heals, provokes, and builds community.
First up: *The Craft’d* returns to Majestic Repertory Theatre, sharper and bolder than ever. Originally staged in 2022, the show now steps into the spotlight with fresh choreography, a stronger narrative arc, and the same darkly seductive humor that hooked audiences the first time. Director-producer Troy Heard leans into the gothic pulse of the original film while injecting it with a rock-and-roll heartbeat courtesy of music director Brandon Scott Grayson. Expect a setlist that blends iconic alt-rock—The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, New Order—into vocal fireworks, all performed in an intimate cabaret setting that erases the distance between performer and audience. This is not a parody built on cheap gags; it’s a celebration of outsider culture with depth and bite. Performances begin September 11 and run through mid-November, making it a perfect lead-in to Halloween.
On the music front, David Hernandez brings something deeply personal with his new single, *feel it all,* dropping September 12. Written during his journey through sobriety, the song carries the raw honesty of someone who has faced down his demons and chosen life. Its accompanying video takes vulnerability to the next level, featuring real members of a recovery circle instead of actors—proof that Hernandez isn’t just telling a story; he’s living it. The release coincides with a two-night live show at Fontainebleau, where Hernandez will performe jazz-inspired arrangements alongside a live quartet. Think soul and pop classics reimagined with a late-night vibe, punctuated by moments of authentic connection. And for those who need it most, the project partners with the West Hollywood Recovery Center to provide real-world resources for anyone seeking support.
Both stories share a common thread: the power of creation as a lifeline. Whether it’s through the fierce sisterhood of four witches finding their strength or an artist baring his soul in melody, these works prove that art isn’t a luxury—it’s survival, stitched in song and story.