Animal Crackers

Reflections from the American Civil War, including President Abraham Lincoln’s poignant plea for national unity from his Second Inaugural Address, and the remarkable account of men in war, graphically brought to light in passages from “Four Years in the Stonewall Brigade,” by John O. Casler.  Performances in this episode include: Helen Hayes award-winning actors Rick Foucheux as President Abraham Lincoln and Christopher Lane as John O. Casler. Music in this episode includes Richard C. Washer performing “All Quiet Along the Potomac Tonight” and new renderings of “The Battle Hymn of The Republic,” by The Rose Resident Composer and trumpet player Markus Rutz and his collaborator on the keys, Adrian Ruiz.  

The next to last chapter of what is now considered Ernest Hemingway’s greatest work, portraying American and British expatriates who travel from Paris to the Festival of San Fermin to watch the running of the bulls and the bullfights.  Rendered by acclaimed vocal artist Christopher Lane, the episode features signature music by Grammy-recognized trumpeter Markus Rutz and his collaborator on the keys, Adrian Ruiz.  Want more? The story continues right here at The Rose Rhapsody.

The introduction and chapter one from A. A. Milne’s beloved collection of short stories following the adventures of an anthropomorphic teddy bear, Winnie-the-Pooh, and his friends Christopher Robin, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, and Roo. Rendered by acclaimed vocal artist Christopher Lane, the episode features signature music by Grammy-recognized trumpeter Markus Rutz and his collaborator on the keys, Adrian Ruiz. 

Philip Ridgeway is suspected of stealing over a million dollars in Liberty Bonds as they were being taken to America by ship. His fiance Esmee appeals to Hercule Poirot to clear his name and find the culprit before Scotland Yard arrests the wrong man and ruins their chances for happiness. The fifth short story from Agatha Christie’s collection, Poirot Investigates, “The Million Dollar Bond Robbery” features acclaimed DC actor and vocal artist David Bryan Jackson, with musical renditions of Irving Berlin’s classic “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” by Chicago trumpeter Markus Rutz and his musical collaborator on the keys, Adrian Ruiz.  

Chapter 17 of what is now considered Ernest Hemingway’s greatest work, portraying American and British expatriates who travel from Paris to the Festival of San Fermin to watch the running of the bulls and the bullfights.  Rendered by acclaimed vocal artist Christopher Lane, the episode features signature music by Grammy-recognized trumpeter Markus Rutz and his collaborator on the keys, Adrian Ruiz.  Want more? The story continues right here at The Rose Rhapsody.

In this episode: “Letters Live at The Rose” - the intimate correspondence between John and Abigail Adams as Independence Day and America’s deliverance from British tyranny approaches.  Featuring performances by acclaimed DC actor, Chris Stezin and The Rose Artistic Director, Leslie Kobylinski, alongside signature musical renditions of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” performed by Chicago jazz trumpeter Markus Rutz and his collaborator on the keys, Adrian Ruiz.  

Amusingly tall animal tales and adventures written by acclaimed vocal artist Christopher Lane, award-winning actor Rick Foucheux and legendary playwright Eugene O’Neill. This episode also features Latin-flavored musical vignettes inspired by George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” performed by Chicago jazz trumpeter Markus Rutz, alongside his collaborator on the keys, Adrian Ruiz, plus Brazilian percussionist Heitor Garcia and The Markus Rutz Band.  

From “A Christmas Carol” (1843) by Charles Dickens, Ebenezer Scrooge and The Ghost of Christmas Past visit Scrooge’s former workplace at Mr. Fezziwigs on Christmas Eve. Seeing the bright face of his former self and Fezziwig’s generous nature, Scrooge reflects on the value of generosity. This episode features the story-telling artistry of Christopher Lane, alongside the traditional carols “Soul Cake,” “The Wassail Song,” “All Through the Night,” and “In the Bleak Midwinter,” delightfully performed and arranged by The Rose’s in-house musical group, The Gamut.  Recorded in 2023.

Hear your favorite holiday songs in this special Rose Classic edition featuring The Markus Rutz Jazz Trio, recorded in 2021.

A majestic old oak contemplates the cycle of life in this poignant fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen, featuring the vocal artistry of Helen Hayes award-winning actor Rick Foucheux, alongside the signature sounds of Chicago trumpeter, Markus Rutz and his collaborator at the keys, pianist Adrian Ruiz.