Blake Allen's The Shards of an Honor Code Junkie: World Premiere Recording Now Available

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Blake Allen (KHN Alum 2020) announced the release of his world premiere recording of The Shards of an Honor Code Junkie. The album was released on Setpember 17, 2021 on No Reverse Records, with engineering by Grammy-nominee Daniel Alba, mixed by Grammy-winner Alex Venguer, and mastered by Grammy-winner Oscar Zambrano.

An American opera oratorio meets storybook album, the shards of an honor code junkie is an autobiographical story of a homosexual Mormon that embarks on a journey of self-love while challenging Brigham Young's staunch Honor Code Rules, unhinging demons of drugs, sex, and suicide in a victorious coming-of-age story.

Originally premiered in 2017 as a staged concert in New York City, Allen has conceptualized a new record that merges together both script and score in a thirty-track tour de force featuring some of Broadway's most celebrated voices. The record cast includes Tony Award nominee Alison Fraser (The Secret Garden, Romance/Romance), Michael Lowney (La Cage Aux Folles), Teal Wicks (The Cher Show, Finding Neverland, Wicked), Kristy Cates (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Finding Neverland, Wicked), J Harrison Ghee (Mrs. Doubtfire, Kinky Boots), Hannah Cruz (Hamilton 1st National Tour), singer and actress Tori Scott, and opera soprano Cree Carrico, supported by ensemble voices Drama Desk Award winner Kuhoo Verma (Plan B, Octet, Big Stick), Isaac Phaman Reynolds, Josh Daniel (Book of Mormon), Ron Tal, and RuPaul's Drag Race season 12 contestant Brita Filter.

Congratulations Blake!

www.blakeallen.org/works

ffm.to/shardsalbum

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My favorite aspect of the residency was the undistracted, solitary time to work! My studio (#2) was wonderful with both the natural and track lighting and the garage door.

Myszka Lewis

Visual Artist, 2018 — Madison, WI

There's so much I like! I like the intimate nature of the residency and how the very excellent alone time is balanced with just a bit of togetherness with the organized lunch and invites to some stuff in town. I love the Third Thursday open house.

Betsy Andrews

Writer, 2018 — Brooklyn, NY

I thought the number of residents was perfect. It was easy to get to know everyone, and feel comfortable here. Both my living and studio accommodations were very comfortable and welcoming.

Hannah Newman

Visual Artist, 2018 — Springfield, MO

The Staff was very supportive, it was easy to reach out and discuss anything. The facilities are also very comfortable, and the environment is great for working.

Jayoung Yoon

Visual Artist, 2018 — Beacon, NY

The open gallery night was especially wonderful. I really enjoyed the chance to share my work with the larger community and to hear their feedback and questions — as well as to see and hear the work of the other residents.

Sonia Scherr

Writer, 2018 — Norwich, VT

For me, the most valuable aspect was the open structure that allowed for plenty of time and space to make work, make friends, think, read, write and be. The apartment was beautiful, comfortable and inspiring. With the studio only a few steps away, it was easy to be productive.

Katy Mixon

Visual Artist, 2018 — Brooklyn, NY

This place is shockingly quiet. The welcome letter mentions that, but it's nothing compared to the actual silence on the grounds. The town itself aids to this, and it yields an excellent environment for creativity.

Kory Reeder

Composer, 2017 — Kearney, NE

The interdisciplinary structure is really beneficial and generates unique conversations while providing mutual inspiration for residents. The staff is engaged but is also very conscious of respecting the time and space of each resident. Nebraska City has excellent institutions but still provides a quiet and slow-paced setting. The apartment and studio are well equipped, clean, and well maintained.

Kari Varner

Visual Artist, 2017 — University City, MO

Facilities, staff, and the ease with which I was able to simply settle in and work all exceeded my expectations!

Lauren W. Westerfield

Writer, 2017 — Moscow, ID

I think the facility at KHN could not be more ideally suited for an artist residency program. I felt like I was staying in a very comfortable private home and I had everything that I needed to do my work, and having the private bathroom and spacious kitchen was wonderful.

Gary Peter

Writer, 2017 — St. Paul, MN

Peace and quiet. Beautiful facilities! Piano was great, staff was very friendly and helpful. And that Mexican place is EXCELLENT.

Jonathan Russ

Composer, 2017 — Brooklyn, NY

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Amanda Breitbach

Visual Artist, 2017 —Lincoln, NE

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Julia Staples

Visual Artist, 2017 — Philadelphia, PA

The space and set up were great! This is one of my favorite residencies thus far. The location of the apartment wasn't too far from civilization but also in a good area for it not to be super noisy nor was there lots of traffic or other sounds. The middle school across the street wasn't at all a distraction. I also really loved the dessert spots and greatly appreciated the staff's flexibility and availability to help, answer questions, drive you to the store when needed. All the details were thought of right down to a bathroom mat and miscellaneous supplies available in its own closet.

Jennifer Baker

Writer, 2017 — Kew Gardens, NY

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Rachel Peters

Composer, 2017 — Brooklyn, NY

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Dan Fishback

Composer, 2017 — Brooklyn, NY

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Katherine Bickmore

Visual Artist 2017 — Albany, NY

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Parini Shroff

Writer, 2017 — Los Altos, CA

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Megan Kruse

Writer, 2017 — San Marcos, TX

I love the combination of solitude and camaraderie...getting an extended period of time to do nothing but work on my fiction is a rare and much-appreciated gift, but I also love meeting the other residents and learning from them.

Jen Bergmark

Writer, 2012 — Los Angeles, CA

The time and space away from my daily routine, jobs, relationships and responsibilities allowed me solitude and focus. The residency provided an opportunity to work in an environment of serious, like-minded artists and writers, which has pushed my practice and provided a platform to build a new body of work. It was a great experience.

Christina Vogel

Visual Artist, 2013 — Omaha, NE

I was able to produce more in my 3 week residency than I can normally in half a year. The building itself was inspiration for me and I enjoyed the small number of artists present at one time. The staff was incredibly helpful with their time, resources and ideas.

Desiree Moore

Visual Artist, 2016 — Indianapolis, IN

The residency was flawless in all areas. Facilities were charming and clean, the program structure open-ended, staff talented and kind, Nebraska City vibrant and idiosyncratic. I truly cannot single out any particular facet, as all aspects complemented the others: the architecture promotes seclusion and community, the structure promotes exploration and collaboration, the staff promotes well-being and cohesiveness, and the town promotes discovery in digestible pieces. Perfecto!

Todd Robinson

Writer 2016 — Omaha, NE

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Blake Allen's The Shards of an Honor Code Junkie: World Premiere Recording Now Available

Blake Allen's The Shards of an Honor Code Junkie: World Premiere Recording Now Available

What the Artists are Saying...

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