A World Transformed (2025)
Music & Lyrics by: Paul William Keefe
Selected Demos: Performed by Paul William Keefe
Recordings: © 2025, PK Publishing LLC, All Rights Reserved
Based on the One-Act Children’s play, A New World for Columbus by Ronn Kistler, this show marks my fourth musical, and my second collaboration with Kistler. (The first being Odyssey: the Musical). At first, I was skeptical of taking on this project. The musical would end up being a one act musical, and Columbus is a controversial figure in the 21st Century given his harsh treatment of Native Americans. However, after much discussion with Kistler, I realized that a musical about someone as significant (and controversial) as Columbus would allow us to focus on two important and relevant themes: Prosperity (or rather, the search for it), and Reputation — how it lasts for a limited time when someone does the wrong thing, resulting in the need for Self-Improvement, which we can all relate to.
In Columbus: A World Transformed, a young Italian named Christopher Columbus wants to help Europe obtain the prized Orient Spices without paying outrageous middleman fees to the Moors. After many years of Navigation study and persuasion to Kings and Queens, Columbus is finally able to sail West, and he is respected as a leader – until he finds land. When his search for goods turns into a hungry pursuit for power, will Columbus be remembered for his discoveries? Or will he be looked down upon by his atrocities?
The show has 11 songs, some of which have the most technically challenging music I’ve written for the piano. The show’s opening, “The Very Spice of Life” is reminiscent of Sea Shanties, “Adventure Awaits!” and “Days or Weeks” has elements of Rock, as does “Go the Extra Mile” — with that one containing a few meter changes. If you’re used to playing either classical music, or modern musical theater, then reading this score should be a breeze.
The show is available for Purchase and Use from Creative Educational Systems (CES). You can access it Here. If you’re having trouble obtaining the score, please reach out to me in the Contact Page.