2025 SHOWS CANCELLED
Sadly, we must announce that we are cancelling the remainder of this season's shows. After five years of incredibly dedicated and hard work, tens of thousands of dollars spent on equipment, marketing and advertising, and thousands of person-hours spent preparing for and putting on this amazing show, we STILL can't get people to come out to see Man On The Hill.
We hired marketing consultants, we read blogs, we watched videos, and we even asked ChatGPT how to do it right. We did it all, yet people still did not come.
The mystery of it all is that the people that have seen the show over the past five years almost unanimously had the same reactions:
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"I didn't know what to expect and I was completely blown away."
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"The music was better than anything I have heard in a long time."
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"The storytelling was amazing and really inspired/touched me."
These aren't made up. These are the actual comments we heard most often as people were leaving the theater. Not just polite responses as they thanked us and went home, but enthusiastic comments. We could see the sparkle in their eyes. Handshakes were strong and long. It was genuine.
And that is what I wrote and performed this show for. To touch people's hearts and to make them smile. I didn't do it to make money, I didn't do it to be famous. I did it as an expression of my love.
But it seems that quality is not enough. Advertising is not enough. Word of mouth, the golden ticket to fan growth, was not enough. Even free tickets couldn't do it.
I think it comes down to this: People want the familiarity of something they know. That's why they will pay $500 to see Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, or Bruce Springsteen sing the same songs you hear all day long, but $25 was too much to see something unknown. The most thriving type of show in the music industry right now is tribute bands. People would rather see someone else mimic Elton John than try something new.
I'm pretty sure the reason we all want to cling to "what we know" is because we find comfort in those familiar songs while we are living in a divided, angry, and tense world right now.
It's too bad, because Man On The Hill delivered EXACTLY what people needed. The show was all about "a simple life with an uncomplicated future." It would have provided anyone who came the comfort they craved. I'm certain that that was a big part of why we received such heart felt appreciation by those that did attend.
I hope you don't think I'm bitter. I'm not. A bit cynical, I suppose... I'm definitely broken hearted, but I'm not bitter. I understand.
What are your thoughts? I would love you to share them with me here.
To all the members of the band and crew: Shawn, Tony, Stephen, Doug, Wayne, Rick, and Chris; to all of our wives and families; to all the theater directors, volunteers, part timers, and folks that found a million little ways to help, THANK YOU. I love you all. It was an amazing journey and a LOT of fun.
I don't know what, if any, future there is for Man On The Hill at this point. Perhaps Shawn and I will do private living room performances or something, but I can't keep losing money to put this on the big stage anymore.
With love and no regrets,
John Stanley Shelley
Composer, Playwright, Executive Director
If you took colorful storytelling and crossed it with a rock opera, the result would be “Man On The Hill”, an uplifting musical for audiences of all ages.
Gallery
What People Are Saying
"The Next Jesus Christ Superstar"
At our last show we were asked why we aren't filling huge theaters yet? He went on to say that this was the most intense and moving show he had seen in a long, long time. Everybody needs to see this. Boy, what a compliment!
"Amazing music. Great variety."
Enjoy a variety of musical styles. From ballads to rock and smooth jazz to country, your ears will never tire of the cascade of sounds and song throughout the night.
"Kept me wondering right to the very end"
Step into the world of an old man's life as he walks you through his loves, loses, hardships, victories, and celebrations. Each turning point or major event gets reflected in the next song. Thoughtful and intriguing.
"Very relatable. Really touched my heart."
Every part of the story is relatable and touching. Let yourself go and get emmersed in his world. Your heart will be warmed and your soul will be touched.
"Finally, something fresh and new."
Isn't it time to see something new and different? A whole new set of songs that you will love and remember long after the show.
"Great Family Entertainment"
Open their eyes to your kids or grand kids. Let them experience the excitement and fun of live music, lights, and laughs.
From the playwrite/copmposer:
"Why hello there! Nice of you to drop by. I had something I wanted to share with you. A story, about a life. My life, actually. But it could be about anyone's life really. Why I'd be willing to bet you'll find parts of it similar to things you've gone through or perhaps even going through right now."
Those are the opening lines to the show. In just forty-two seconds, the main character connects with each member of the audience in a deep and personal way. From that point on it is impossible not to be captivated by each and every twist and turn as the story unfolds.
After the opening monolog, the first song, "Rivers Rocks and Rain" will open your eyes and ears to a sampling of what is to come: an evening of powerful music that punctuates and enhances each moment as the night goes on. It's a cascade of musical styles that perfectly intertwines with a story that is infinitely relatable to anyone and everyone.
Audiences are clapping, dancing, laughing, and singing throughout the show. Most will cry with tears of compassion and joy as the story nears the end. When you walk out of the theater you will feel uplifted and hopeful as you head home still singing the songs.
That is my promise to you.
Synopsis
Man on the Hill is a fable-opus rock-opera: a musical work that tells a story through narration and song.
The main character is an old man sitting in his living room reflecting back on his life. As he shares his stories, each major event or turning point is punctuated with a song. Forever in a quest for love and living a simple life, he struggles with heartbreak, finds companionship with a dog, tries to find his place in a discordant society, meets his soul mate, and retires on a hillside near the ocean.
Just like the story is filled with twists and turns, the music is a journey as well. It's a delightful mix of folk, rock, jazz, country, and heartwarming ballads. Your ears, your mind, and your heart will be enriched when you treat yourself to seeing "The Man on the Hill."