These Days - What Makes a Good Life

04/11/2026

I am writing on behalf of the Henry David Theatre Troupe announcing a Co-Director opening for an upcoming musical production of These Days. The ideal candidate will also be able to provide vocal and intimacy coaching. Links for music examples are listed at the bottom of this announcement. Note: some versions are being updated to be more contemporary and upbeat. Script is available upon request.

These Days tells the story of one person’s struggle to find the meaning in life, challenged with competing interests of a dream symphony job in Boston and a far less exciting and more routine agriculture co-op job in a small Montana community. Time, relationships, perspectives, all that could be, all that has been, and so very much more collide in this journey of exploration and self-discovery. By the end of this two-act musical, the answer to the question “what makes a good life” is answered, and the audience members are left with an uplifting message of hope and optimism. The activities of authentic expression, connection with the community, and acts of compassion provide the key principles of a good life.

This is the second production of These Days, with an updated music track. The original production at the Bit Theater in Aurora confirmed that this script and music need to continue. The music will be performed by Suno AI, but the songs were all written by Mark Collins ... including all lyrics, song structures, chord progressions, and melody. If interested, please contact Mark or Vicki at the email addresses below. Compensation may be available depending upon the production schedule and venue selection.

Link 1 https://www.youtube.com/playlist...
Link 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8d4BDvhRhY...

Location: Chicagoland area, based in Glen Ellyn

Mark and Vicki
Mark: [email protected]
Vicki: [email protected]

04/11/2026

I am writing on behalf of the Henry David Theatre Troupe announcing a Co-Director opening for an upcoming musical production of These Days. The ideal candidate will also be able to provide vocal and intimacy coaching. Links for music examples are listed at the bottom of this announcement. Note: some versions are being updated to be more contemporary and upbeat. Script is available upon request.

These Days tells the story of one person’s struggle to find the meaning in life, challenged with competing interests of a dream symphony job in Boston and a far less exciting and more routine agriculture co-op job in a small Montana community. Time, relationships, perspectives, all that could be, all that has been, and so very much more collide in this journey of exploration and self-discovery. By the end of this two-act musical, the answer to the question “what makes a good life” is answered, and the audience members are left with an uplifting message of hope and optimism. The activities of authentic expression, connection with the community, and acts of compassion provide the key principles of a good life.

This is the second production of These Days, with an updated music track. The original production at the Bit Theater in Aurora confirmed that this script and music need to continue. The music will be performed by Suno AI, but the songs were all written by Mark Collins ... including all lyrics, song structures, chord progressions, and melody. If interested, please contact Mark or Vicki at the email addresses below. Compensation may be available depending upon the production schedule and venue selection.

Link 1 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpo-i0wl-wpLtItG9DH3ZABHFebE6nDLH

Link 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8d4BDvhRhY&list=PLpo-i0wl-wpLMp4O6kZJtpISgDU0ZE3Pm

Mark and Vicki
Mark: [email protected]
Vicki: [email protected]

09/25/2025

The Henry David Theater Troupe is expanding its team to include a Music Director. This role has the potential to include several tasks: vocal coach, liaison to theater sound personnel, development of vocal arrangements, creation of vocal sheet music, supervise vocal rehearsals, and/or related music activities. The troupe recently completed a two-show production of These Days (www.thesedaysthemusical.com). It went so well that the troupe is exploring a second production run. The role of Music Director could help elevate the music and vocal part of the production. If you would like to have an exploratory conversation regarding this role, please contact Mark Collins at either 630/280-9695 or [email protected]. The Facebook messaging is not monitored on a regular basis so all interested parties should use that phone number or email address. Thanks!

09/13/2025

This ain’t your Aunt Hilda’s cheesy musical!

No, “These Days” is prolific and moving … a story and soundtrack for the ages. A piano foundation with orchestra arrangements provides a soundtrack that you won’t find on every stage. Come out and see the world premiere Friday Sept. 19 or Saturday Sept. 20. Links for the tickets are below.

Also included are two videos of one of our performers rehearsing songs for the show. The show will not disappoint!

Rehearsal Cut:
Broken Down: https://youtu.be/XPMYvC81nvQ
I’m Seeing the Road: https://youtu.be/7f-RXaQuBOg

Website:
www.thesedaysthemusical.com

Tickets for Friday:
https://www.bitimprov.org/event/these-days-295/register

Tickets for Saturday:
https://www.bitimprov.org/event/these-days-296/register

A story for the ages, with compelling and prolific music that provides an unforgettable evening of musical theater.

09/01/2025

We are getting closer to our weekend performances of "These Days". It's great to see the troupe growing and developing into their roles as we get closer to the date.

"These Days" is an original piece with a compelling and prolific sound track. The performers deliver dialogue and song with professionalism and emotion. The musical answers the question - what makes a good life? It is a premiere performance not to be missed.

The performance is being held at the Bit Theater in Aurora. This is a great theater space and provides the perfect atmosphere for this musical.

You can go to the musicals website to sample some of the music and hear more about the plot and characters: www.thesedaysthemusical.com.

The links for tickets are below - hope to see you there!

Friday, Sept. 19: https://www.bitimprov.org/event/these-days-295/register

Saturday, Sept. 20: https://www.bitimprov.org/event/these-days-296/register

Mark and Vicki
Directors, "These Days"

by Mark Walden Collins

08/29/2025

In need of an actor/vocalist for fill-in lead role in an upcoming role in the musical “These Days” (Aurora, Bit Theater, September 19/20). I can explain the background in more detail with a live phone call at the number below.

This is a paid role and open to any gender/vocal range … the role is on the younger spectrum, not the older. The role needs to learn 6 songs and will have 2,500 words of dialogue.

Given the short time – those interested in more discussion please contact me ASAP at 630/280-9695. Mark Collins

Website: thesedaysthemusical.com

08/12/2025

Happy to announce that tickets are available for "These Days - What Makes a Good Life". The Bit Theater in Aurora is the location (West End of Naperville) - a great theater and a great location for a night of musical theater. Tickets can be purchased at:

Friday, Sept 19 7:30PM, Tickets: https://www.bitimprov.org/event/these-days-295/register

Saturday, Sept 20 7:00PM, Tickets: https://www.bitimprov.org/event/these-days-296/register

These Days tells the story of one person’s struggle to find the meaning in life, challenged with competing interests of a dream symphony job in Boston and a far less exciting and more routine agriculture co-op job in a small Montana community.

Time, relationships, perspectives, all that could be, all that has been, and so very much more collide in this journey of exploration and self-discovery. By the end of this two-act musical the answer to the question “what makes a good life” is answered, and the audience members are left with an uplifting message of hope and optimism.

Link to Website:
https://thesedaysthemusical.com/

Link to Website with Music Example: https://thesedaysthemusical.com/hear-the-music

Mark and Vicki

A story for the ages, with compelling and prolific music that provides an unforgettable evening of musical theater.

07/20/2025

I’d like to highlight a change to the website for These Days. We’ve added information about one of our principal composers – Jakko Libreros! Please feel free to share this link with anyone that you think enjoys musicals or enjoys the style of music that Jakko provides. Our composers are adding wonderful arrangements which often include orchestral strings and brass!

A story for the ages, with compelling and prolific music that provides an unforgettable evening of Chicago theatre.

07/13/2025

A stack of scripts and just several days away from the first rehearsal! These Days - a story for the ages, with compelling and prolific music that provides an unforgettable evening of Chicago theatre.