About Diana
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CARRY ON! A New American Musical
Eugene O'Neil Theater Center 2023 National Music Theater Conference Semifinalist
Written and conceived by Diana Wharton-Sennaar with a book by her daughter writer Mai Sennaar, this musical is inspired by her community work with elderly populations in nursing homes, mental health facilities, and hospitals throughout New York.
Weeks into the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lucky ones, a group of asymptomatic and COVID-negative residents in an assisted living facility in New York City are quarantined in a multi-purpose room. If they had to choose the people they would be spending this strange time with, it would not be one another. But over the course of several weeks, as they struggle with loss, fear, and isolation, they confront personal roadblocks, heal wounds, and discover the new meaning of community. This musical features a diverse cast of characters, who reflect a myriad of experiences in our times.
The Arsonist (Live Theater)
2019 Premiere at the Smithsonian Affiliate Museum of the African Diaspora, and the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
The Arsonist features music by Diana Wharton-Sennaar. Written and directed by Mai Sennaar.
Wax Lovers' Playlist
Written and directed by Mai Sennaar, with music by Diana Wharton-Sennaar
Wax Lovers' Playlist examines how underrepresented, emerging artists are building a life in the contemporary cultural and political climate of our times. In the legacy of James Baldwin, Nina Simone, Josephine Baker and many others, the film is also a contemporary exploration of the experiences of American expatriate artists of color in the 21st century.
Community Building through the Arts: Piano for Youth
For Colored Girls...Original Broadway Production
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For Colored Girls PlaybillThe Playbill from 'For Colored Girls'.
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For Colored Girls Inner Page
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a laying on of hands / i found god in myselfRecording from Broadway production for Colored Girls for which I served as composer. This clip features the song 'I Found God in Myself'. The music begins at 2:05.
Sweet Honey in the Rock
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1200px-Sweet_Honey_in_the_Rock.jpgSweet Honey in the Rock
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Sweet Honey In The Rock - Doin' Things TogetherDoin Things Together is a song that I composed. I am also playing piano on the track. The recording appears on Sweet Honey's eponymous album.
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Sweet Honey in the Rock other pic.jpgSweet Honey’s first concert with the 1973 personnel, and Dianaruthe Wharton on piano. The ensemble appears as part of the African Diaspora Program at the Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife on the National Mall.
Select Album (Soundtrack) The Fall of the Kings
Designed in consonance with the play's World War II backdrop and ballet themes, the music is full of uptempo jazz and ballads featuring strings. The soundtrack also features Grammy-nominated trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah. The Fall of the Kings play featured an award-winning cast & crew: Choreographer, Dyane Harvey-Salaam’s credits include The Wiz (original stage and film versions) and the classic Spike Lee film School Daze. Set designer, Christopher Cumberbatch’s, work has appeared both in theater and in the Spike Lee films Crooklyn and Malcolm X. The play was written and directed by NYU alum playwright Mai Sennaar.
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The Fall of the Kings Trailer
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The Fall of the Kings Original Soundtrack CDDiana Wharton-Sennaar composed all original music for the new hit New York theater production, The Fall of the Kings. Wharton-Sennaar can also be heard on all vocals and piano. The soundtrack also features Grammy-nominated trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah and Blair Skinner on the violin who is the conductor for the Johns Hopkins University Concert Orchestra. Percussionist and music educator Jose Ortiz is also featured. The Fall of the Kings’ award-winning cast & crew includes: Choreographer, Dyane Harvey-Salaam (The Wiz, original stage and film versions and the classic Spike Lee film School Daze). Set designer, Christopher Cumberbatch’s, work has appeared both in theater and in the Spike Lee films Crooklyn and Malcolm X. Composer Diana Wharton-Sennaar was a founding member of Sweet Honey in The Rock and composer for Ntozake Shange’s Broadway hit For Colored Girls. The play was written and directed by NYU alum playwright Mai Sennaar. The CD was Recorded and Mixed by Wendel Patrick at Stinking Toe Tree Studio, Baltimore, MD 21201. Patrick is also featured on acoustic bass and contributed some musical arrangements.