Stone Crossed Soars

Image Source: Broadway World

With music and lyrics by composer Philip David Stern, Stone Crossed follows the tale of the land of Arkose, divided into two hostile sides by an ancient fault line. Although each side believes the other is dangerous and encourages separation, two young lovers, Stoney and Jewel, cross the forbidden boundary and discover their similarities and newfound affection for each other. Throughout the album, Stern expertly weaves together heavy drumbeats, gentle strings, and lovely guitar melodies, constructing a world of both animosity and hidden love. From the entrancing harmonies in the opening number “In Stone”, to the rousing and folky “Cave Rock”, Stern is a master of both intimate and grand musical moments.   

The first stand-out song on the recording is “Just Out of Reach”, sung by Antonio Cipriano, who portrays Stoney. His voice is smooth, and his tone perfectly captures a curious adolescent searching for something beyond the divide. When Stoney and Jewel (portrayed in this recording by Mean Girl’s Krystina Alabado) first meet (“Lost”), the instrumentation and vocal compatibility of Cipriano and Alabado results in a soaring meditation on the beauty and sense of belonging in love. “Wanderer” is another prime example of vocal harmony, with Samantha Williams and Gabi Campo masterfully capturing both the eeriness and loveliness of this number. “Breathe,” showcasing once again the incredible vocal range and emotional believability of Antonio Cipriano, highlights the dangers of excessive division. In my opinion, this album is most successful in its duets.  

The talents of Stern, both musically and lyrically, as well as the cast of stunning performers, inspire hopes of a future, staged production. I am so pleased that this piece of theatre is immortalized through the studio recording, and I want to see these songs come to life on the stage! Stone Crossed has a sweet, soaring score that celebrates love across boundaries. It carries with it an important message for our times– harmful, indoctrinated beliefs and prejudices that divide us ought to be examined and dismantled, so that we may better know and love one another despite of, and even because of, our differences.