Most think the iconic Norman Rockwell lived a life that looked just like one of his 'feel-good ' pictures. Well...think again. A high school drop-out at 15, only his art instructors nurtured him. His dismissive mother insisted he would end up penniless and alone. To prove her wrong, at 22, he married a girl who didn't love him....or his art. All his success couldn't prevent Irene from running away with another man. His second marriage was even more heartbreaking. Mary Barstow, his greatest champion, adored him, but Norman began to suffer from bouts of depression. As be became anxious and unsure about his art, he withdrew from Mary. Only when Mary turned to alcohol for comfort, and he seemed to be losing her, did Norman realize what makes a family picture perfect. Perfect Picture offers both Norman Rockwell enthusiasts and Broadway lovers a unique insight into the life of an American legend. With a combination of poignant love songs, driving musical theater numbers, hot jazz, comical ditties, and even a new Christmas song for the holidays, Perfect Picture has something for everyone. '.....an A- list cast for the album has been assembled that includes Mark Jacoby, Beth Leavel, Andrea McArdle, Lillias White, and Tom Wopat. Gail Bluestone has written a Baker's dozen of songs that are as wonderfully nostalgic as the covers that Rockwell created for THE SATURDAY EVENING POST and Eileen Bluestone Sherman's lyrics match the artist's blend of sweetness and comic bite.' Andy Propst 'Show Music Direct: Hot New Cast Recordings' BROADWAY DIRECT.
