Billy by Liz Chidester

'Billy' is the original music of THE DEATH AND LIFE OF BILLY THE KID, a puppet production by Cabinet of Curiosity in Chicago, IL.

In 2017, Cabinet of Curiosity commissioned playwright Seth Bockley and singer/songwriter Liz Chidester to write text, music, and lyrics for a new puppet project about Billy the Kid. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_the_Kid

The original cast included:
Andrew Yearick
Time Brickey
Nicole Laurenzi
Liz Chidester

Conception and Direction by Frank Maugeri and Asst. Direction by Dexter Ellis.

Puppet designs by:
Jesse Mooney-Bullock
Mike Coon
Kass Copeland

It was seen by Chicago audiences in 2017 and 2019 at the Chopin Theatre, the 2017 Minneapolis Puppet Festival, and the 2019 International Puppet Festival.

The 2019 International Puppet Festival cast included:
Bran Moorhead
Allyce Torres
Mike Steele
Nicole Laurenzi
Time Brickey
Liz Chidester

It was revived in May of 2023 at The Hideout, Chicago. The cast included:
Nana Asabere
Andrew Marchetti
Sadie Rose Glassy
Kelsey Montanez
Time Brickey

Liz Chidester: “I was in awe of the talent and tenacity of all my fellow castmates, breathing life into every moment, and generally just jealous that they got to touch the puppets. I was a one man band in the front scoring the action, rotating from guitar, to ukulele, to rattle, from harp to harmonium.

While recording learning demos for the 2023 revival, I realized I had something worth releasing. My dream 3 part "prairie witch" harmony came alive, I was able to add bass and the gorgeous violin parts that Alexander Sovronsky contributed. It means a lot to me that this music the universe put in my head is now here for anyone to listen to.

I’m really proud of Billy. I’m proud to have created something very beautiful with other beautiful people. It’s what makes life worth living. I hope we get a second chance.”

Tracklist

1.	Fore I Get Old	2:59

2.	Wichita	2:12

3.	Billy's Mama Died	1:14

4.	So They Say	3:05

5.	Silver City	3:12

Credits

released February 2, 2024

Music by Liz Chidester
Lyrics by Seth Bockley

All Vocals, Guitar, Bass, and Percussion: Liz Chidester
Violin: Alexander Sovronsky

Produced by Murmuration Records and Azlo Productions, NYC

License