'The Pass' is a series of personal stories with songs performed by award-winning songwriter and producer Denise Marsa. Join Denise as she reflects on her career and life experiences through the decades, revealing her as an artist, explorer, and storyteller. Engage with her tales of joy, sorrow, and growth, set to moving music, exploring the essence of songwriting and the human spirit.
Denise shares a bit about The Pass.
A few thoughts about The Pass
People ask me often why I created my one-woman show THE PASS, which I first started writing in 2016 and then premiered the show in London in 2018 at The Playground Theatre. The funny thing is, it was a question that started me on the road to writing THE PASS. After a public show at the library in Springfield, New Jersey, several people from the audience came over to me and asked, “Why aren’t you a household name?” My answer was, “Do you have 2 hours?”
Then the idea came, write it, perform it, and feature your original songs as you cover the decades. When I stood in front of the audience and shared the many experiences that my music career brought to me, the audience laughed, applauded and became emotional. It would seem it was a story worth telling. When the reviews came in from London, I was beyond surprised and elated.
If not for the help of theater legend Gretchen Cryer who motivated me and pushed me to develop this show, this project would not be. My goal is to inspire and share that a life in the entertainment business though filled with exceptional highs, there are also lows. It can be a very challenging world to live in. My goal is to share my experiences, honestly and with heart & soul.
I am very proud and grateful to everyone who is a part of the project. We hope you enjoy this raw performance and experience where the songs and stories take center stage. I also hope it inspires viewers to do what they love, to be creative, and to never give up on their dreams. No matter what anyone says.
This production was originally broadcast as a live stream from NYC’s The Revelation Gallery on New Year’s Eve 2020.
WATCH NOW on UK’s Lesflicks
Press for The Pass Live Stream Premiere (Lesflicks - Canal St Manchester)
The Pass playbill from its premiere performance at London’s The Playground Theatre.“A nuanced and fascinating show. It all fits like a glove. The songs featured in the show are all Marsa’s, and they are more evocative than provocative. The evening proved educational as well as inspirational for this reviewer.”
“Denise Marsa is one of a kind. She’s a force of nature, a life-affirming singer, an overwhelmingly positive presence. The songs are the real soul of the show...”
“A raw biographical performance comprised of life-defining moments, humour, heartbreak, and self-discovery accompanied by beautiful music.”