Eleanor Sleeps Here (from "First Lady Suite"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

LaChisua's writing for voice and piano is extraordinarily singable yet harmonically complex, offering performers at all levels material that rewards repeated study. This collection spans two decades of his theatrical output, meaning a pianist or vocalist can build a substantive recital program from a single source while exploring how his compositional voice evolved across different dramatic contexts. The inclusion of previously unpublished material makes this an essential resource for anyone serious about contemporary American musical theatre.

LaChisua's songs inhabit a space between intimate character revelation and theatrical spectacle. The piano writing ranges from sparse, conversational textures to richly orchestrated passages that feel like they've been transcribed from a full score. Each song carries psychological weight, exploring the interior lives of complex characters with emotional honesty.

This collection serves pianists and vocalists preparing for contemporary musical theatre recitals, students and teachers exploring 21st-century American songwriting, and performers building audition books with substantial depth. It's equally useful for voice studios seeking repertoire that bridges art song and theatre song with sophistication and accessibility.

• Treat the piano part as a full collaborator, not mere accompaniment. LaChisua's instrumental writing often carries melodic or harmonic information that shapes the emotional arc of each song, so resist the temptation to play lightly or subordinate yourself to the vocalist.
• Pay close attention to dynamic markings and tempo fluctuations within individual songs. His phrasing often requires subtle shifts in tempo or intensity that feel natural in performance but demand precision in rehearsal.
• Work through the lyrics with your vocalist partner even if you're primarily responsible for the keyboard part. Understanding the narrative and emotional trajectory of each character's song will inform your accompanying choices and musical choices at the keyboard.
• Explore the harmonic language slowly. LaChisua's chords are often unexpected and create emotional color; rushing through them flattens the impact.

Build a solo recital or concert program around songs from different shows in this collection, creating thematic arcs that showcase range and storytelling ability. The breadth of material makes it ideal for cabaret-style performances where variety and narrative coherence matter equally. Voice students preparing for competitions or professional auditions will find audition-ready selections across multiple styles and dramatic registers.

• Reading and interpreting contemporary harmonic language
• Collaborating between vocalist and pianist with integrated musical lines
• Understanding how theatrical context shapes musical phrasing and dramatic interpretation
• Sight-reading complex piano accompaniments with accurate rhythm and harmonic awareness
• Sustaining character and narrative arc across longer song cycles