John Stone

JOHN STONE is The Paper Bag Players resident composer and musical director.  He also tours with The Paper Bag Players playing the music live on the electric piano at every performance.

John began studying piano from the age of three with Paul Sheftel and Lori Glaze.  He studied composition with Max Lifschitz during his years at Vassar College where he graduated in 1992 with honors in philosophy and English literature.  His chamber works have toured nationally and internationally. His works for theater and film include the scores for Vanessa Redgrave’s production of “Antony and Cleopatra.” He has received grants from Meet the Composer as well as the W.K. Rose Fellowship of Vassar College.  A full-length concert of his music was presented at St. Mark’s Church.  One of his new works commissioned by the Queen’s Chamber Trio premiered in May at Merkin Hall.

Critical response to his music has been enthusiastic and includes Jennifer Dunning of The New York Times, “the music composed by John Stone provides just the right blend of evocative melody and nutty dissonance.”

On speaking about his composing for The Paper Bag Players John has said, “More than background or underscoring, music is a central character unto itself, a driving force that helps bind the other key elements of the show together to form a kind a children's version of Total Theater.  Of course, it is the performers who bring everything to life: singing the songs and dancing to the music, moving to atmospheric worlds of sound and color.  The styles of music (just as the sets and costumes) are of the everyday world, and yet rich with whimsy, humor, and sophistication”

Infectious, intelligent, fantastical, unforgettable music played live at every performance by the composer—just one more very good reason to see The Paper Bag Players!