Overview
An adopted Chinese American High School senior, Mei Li Goodson has a dream that takes her on a journey to her birthplace in China – Guilin.
Guilin, a China Story is a musical fantasy about a magical land known by the Chinese as “the most beautiful place under heaven.” Once there, Mei Li finds a father that she never knew; a man that longed to know her. She discovers a land that is magical, where the people there can do extraordinary things. At its core, Guilin is a story of love between a father and daughter, and a rediscovery of self that can only happen in “the most beautiful place under heaven.”
2024 Development
2024 brings new script modifications with enhanced cultural elements creating stronger cultural authenticity. More levels of complexity are defining character motivations with more depth. Fantasy elements are being added to enhance the journey of wonderment. New songs are being written and recorded along with scene modifications and development. Existing songs are being rearranged and orchestrated with a more economical approach, putting greater emphasis on the lyrics and vocal performances.
Characters and Songs
Mei Li Goodson (the protagonist)
Mei Li’s songs are about discovery, wonderment, personal turmoil, hurt and confusion.
AT THE END OF THE RIVER
Mei Li first arrives at the banks of the Li Jiang River via her dream. She wonders what may be waiting for her at the end of the river.
GET ME OUT OF HERE
Mei Li runs away from Zhuang Guo after he reveals that he is her father. Scared and confused she runs away, becomes lost and tangled in a nightmarish dream.
FLY
Mei Li is confused about the dreams calling her back to China, a foreign place that she does not remember. But her dreams are so vivid they seem to be real.
IF I KNEW THE ANSWERS
LIFE WOULD BE SO SIMPLE
I WOULD KNOW THE REASONS WHY
THAT SOME HOW I AM DIFFERENT
YET STILL I AM THE SAME AS THEM
INSIDE
IF I HAD MY WAY
I’D SOAR ABOVE THE CLOUDS AND THEN FROM HIGH
I’D SEE WHY
IF ONLY I COULD SPREAD MY WINGS AND
FLY JUST FLY…
Zhuang Guo (the main character)
Zhuang Guo’s songs are those of regret, hope, longing, love, and need for affection and redemption.
IN HEAVEN
Zhuang Guo sings “In Heaven” the first time he sees his daughter Mei Li, 18 years after he took her to the orphanage.
I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SEE YOU AGAIN
I NEVER THOUGHT THAT YOU WOULD COME HERE
SO MUCH TIME HAS LONG PASSED BEFORE ME
AND MEMORIES ARE NOT AS CLEAR TO SEE
I ALWAYS THOUGHT I’D SEE YOU IN HEAVEN
SOMEHOW, I THOUGHT THAT YOU WOULD MEET ME THERE
WHERE MISTAKES MADE IN LIFE ARE FORGIVEN
AND LOVE IS AS FRESH AS THE COOL AUTUMN AIR…
A COLD NIGHT IN JANUARY
Zhuang Guo sings as he carries his infant daughter Mei Li to the orphanage. The path to the orphanage follows the Li Jiang River.
IT’S A LONG WALK ALONG THIS RIVER
MUCH THE SAME WAY THROUGHOUT THE YEARS
I COULD CLOSE MY EYES AND WALK THESE STREETS FOREVER
FOR SO LONG I’VE KNOWN
IT’S A COLD NIGHT IN JANUARY
THERE’S A NORTH WIND BLOWING THROUGH THE TREES
IN THE MOONLIGHT I SEE THIS IMAGE
A CHILD, A CHILD SO SMALL
THERE’S A PLACE IN THIS WORLD FOR YOU TO GO TO…
STAY WITH ME MEI LI
Now that Zhuang Guo has found his daughter and brought her to his home in the village, her birthplace, he prays that she will want to stay with him.
STAY WITH ME
IT’S YOUR HOME
AND I PROMISE YOU
YOU’LL NEVER BE ALONE
STAY WITH ME
HERE’S YOUR ROOM
AND IT’S JUST THE WAY
WE LEFT IT HERE FOR YOU
STAY WITH ME NOW
I WILL LOVE YOU
FOR THE REST OF MY DAYS
MEI LI
MEI LI…
Zheng Hu (a secondary important character)
Zheng hu is The Mayor of Guilin, Zhuang Guo’s friend and moral conscience. He is capable of magical things. His songs are a Guilin historical narrative, positive and educational. He is wise, a story teller, and an observer of beauty. When he speaks, everyone listens.
Yo Ping (a secondary character integral to the plot)
Yo Ping is Mei Li’s guide and love interest in China. He is able to move from fantasy to reality throughout the story. So, like Zheng Hu, he too is capable of magic.
IF WE BELIEVE
If We Believe is a love song featuring Yo Ping and Mei Li
ONE PLACE ONE TIME
HERE WE CAN BE
FREE TO FOLLOW OUR HEARTS
BEFORE MY EYES
SO CLEAR TO SEE
YOU’RE EVERYTHING I HOPED YOU WOULD BE
THIS TIME IS OUR TIME
TO SHARE THIS ONE LIGHT
THAT GUIDES US ON LIFE’S JOURNEY
IF WE BELIEVE…
Additional Songs
WE ARE EAST NOT WEST
The Elders
UNREST
The Politburo