Philip A. Woodmore, PhD
We asked Last Stop on Market Street Music Director Philip A. Woodmore, PhD a few questions about MTC’s February production.
As the Music Director for Last Stop on Market Street, what do you do?
My role in this process is to explore the story from the lens of music. As storytellers, adding the artform of music offers a unique and dynamic layer to the messages we are sharing in this show. Music is transformative and allows the audience to soak in the drama in a different way, my job is to make this happen by facilitating music learning during rehearsals. Furthermore, I am participating in the production as an on stage musician to help guide the music during the show.
Can you tell us about the music of Last Stop on Market Street?
The music of Last Stop on Market Street is a unique take on a fusion between Motown and Hip-Hop music, created by father and son combo Lamont and Paris Ray Dozier. These songs bring life to the story and provide a dynamic throughline for the show.
What is one of your favorite musical moments of Last Stop on Market Street?
My favorite moment in the show is when the character CJ is sharing a beautiful lullaby he learned from his mother with Nana called "Que Descanses." Nana then joins CJ in singing this special song, followed by the full cast, painting a vibrant picture of love.
How does the music help tell the story?
The music brings an interesting layer to the story that connects with the audience in unique ways. Music is a link to many things happening in the play that allows vivid images for the audience which would not have been created without its power.
When you aren't working, what music or artists do you love to listen to?
I do not listen to much music because I am usually composing my own music, but when I do listen to music I like to enjoy other musical theater projects and experience their stories through the music. I am also a big gospel music fan, I love the old school peeps. Donnie McClurkin, Karen Clark-Sheard, Richard Smallwood, Hezekiah Walker, Yolanda Adams, and other amazing gospel artists.
What words of wisdom has a past teacher or mentor shared with you that you still live by today?
"Live in the moment, you will never get this moment again."
Last Stop on Market Street rehearsal, Jan 2022. Photo: Sarah Rugo.
About Philip A. Woodmore, PhD
Saint Louis native, Dr. Philip A. Woodmore has been an active member of the St. Louis music community for many years. Phil received his bachelors degree from Saint Louis University in Business Marketing and Music Vocal Performance, his masters from Webster University in Music Education, and his PhD in Music Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Phil was the Coordinator of the Voice Program at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA), the artist director of the Allegro Music Company from 2008-2017, the director of the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department Choir from 2009-2017, the director of the Northern Arizona University Gospel Choir from 2014-2017, Artist in Residency for the State of Arizona for a two year term 2016-2018, and minister of music at Trinity Community Church from 1992-2018. Phil composed the original score for Antigone in Ferguson which has been traveling the country for the past five years including a national university tour, Off-Broadway premiere, and international premiere in Athens, Greece. Phil has written original scores for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s last sermon “Drum Major Instinct” and a speech by Frederick Douglass both of which premiered in New York. Phil serves as the Music Director for Muny Kids, and is the author of the book, Antigone in Ferguson: A Journey Through the Transformative Power of Music. In effort to create a space for our St. Louis community to mourn the loss of life during the pandemic, Phil collaborated with Washington University Professor, Rebecca Messbarger on an event in St. Louis called “Requiem of Light,” where he was named artistic director and featured several of his original compositions.