The Raft is an 85 minute musical play that follows two women through 25 years of friendship and tells the story of their lives, their losses, and their transformations. The book was written by Rebecca Bellingham and the songs are by Catie Curtis. Catie’s decades-long career as a singer-songwriter is reflected in the song choices that bring the story of Rebs and Gabby to life, performed by Rebecca and Marlene Montes. Along with special guest Rose Polanzani, Catie will be leading the band as the actors perform a staged reading of the musical.

For over 25 years, Catie toured full-time in the US and Europe, releasing 14 recordings and selling over 250,000 CDs (not to mention streaming and downloads). She has recorded for major (EMI Guardian) and independent (Rykodisc, Vanguard and Compass) labels, collaborating with some of the finest musicians and producers in the country.

Rebecca Bellingham is equal parts educator and artist. She began her career as a teaching artist working at elementary schools in the South Bronx with Dreamyard, a nationally recognized community arts organization. She went on to teach at The Berkeley Carroll School in Park Slope, where she was a 4th grade teacher and Literacy Coach. After receiving a master’s degree in Literacy Specialization at Columbia University Teachers College, Rebecca began working at Teachers College Reading and Writing Project as a staff developer and later as a full time instructor in the Literacy Specialist Program.