When I first saw the story of an 18-year-old winning the mayoral race in Hillsdale, Michigan, I immediately thought it would make a great story for a musical. However, the more I looked into the story, the less interesting it became. So, I jazzed it up a bit by adding harmonicas, some fashion consultants, a crush, and a style-challenged mayor.
First performed in 2006, “Hillsdale Blues” opens with a Bob Dylan inspired song about the town (Hillsdale Blues). News reporters are interviewing townspeople about the race between 18-year-old Michael Sessions, and the incumbent Doug Ingles. In a series of flashbacks we learn how Michael, when quite young, ran for the head of a Hillsdale Area Harmonic Club Harmonica), only to lose to Chipper Ingles, Doug’s son. Michael’s friend Milton suspects that Michael might be trying to impress a girl, and Milton is right. Monica (who we never see) is the one that Michael has always had a crush on. A street musician introduces Michael to the blues (Slim-Harpo Blues), though he is not sure Michael has the right to sing the blues.
Michael again runs for office, this time in high school, and is again defeated by Chipper who promises everything in the world (Ice Cream and Roller Skates). With his political plans dashed, Michael stumbles into the possibility of running for mayor! With Milton’s help he signs up and prepares to do battle with the current mayor, Doug Ingles (Let’s Go Win an Election).
At a pivotal debate, Michael scores big with the townspeople leading Doug Ingles to reconsider his image. Chipper recruits three fashion consultants from Toledo to take on the makeover (Tom Cruise). Doug is still not confident so he gets a pep talk from Chipper, who clearly has his own political plans (I’m The Mayor Of This Town). Election day comes…and well, I wouldn’t want to give away the ending.
I appreciate your comments. Enjoy.
THE SONGS: Missing Song “Ice Cream and Roller Skates”, “Let’s Go Win and Election.”
Sean Breen 