Lafayette Sisters Co-Create “Swell” Musical at AcA

"Swell," a Unique Concert Experience Will Debut at Acadiana Center for the Arts

LAFAYETTE, La. (press release) – Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA) will host the debut of  “Swell: In Concert,” a musical-in-the-making that organizers say offers a peek behind the curtain of a Broadway-style musical.

“Swell” tells the story of a fictional Louisiana coastal town dealing with life, love, the reality of coastal erosion and the threat of extreme weather.

Written and produced by Chasah West and Charliese West, two Lafayette-based sisters, this family-friendly concert brings local singers to the theater to showcase the songs of the musical while it’s still in the developmental stage.

• When: July 31 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee performance on August 1 at 3:00 p.m.

• Where: Acadiana Center for the Arts, 101 W. Vermilion St. Lafayette, La., 70501

Tickets are available on the AcA website.

“The most exciting part is seeing this cast shine,” said “Swell” Co-Creator Chasah West. “We had a great time working with theater makers, worship leaders and local talent to create this experience for audiences.”

Charliese West, the other co-creator of “Swell” said, “We want this to inspire others to ambitiously produce more creative things right here in Acadiana.”

The performance is a part of the AcA Spotlight Theater and Dance Series.

AcA organizers share, “Audience members will be carried through the characters’ journeys by song and narration. Live vocals will be accompanied by a mixture of music tracks and stripped-down live piano. Take a peek behind the curtain of “Swell” through a unique and resonant performance that shouldn’t be missed.”

The concert will feature performances by Alena Fields, Aren Chaisson, Brittni Charles, Diamond Williams, Dominique Hawthrone Williams, Josiah Price, Kabrina Bland, Nathan Sam, Neekee Hall, Tahj Gallien and Teka Briscoe.

“Swell” began as a concept album written by the West Sisters. The self-taught songwriters originally recorded and released the concept album with music arranged and orchestrated by Brad Anderson.

The “Swell” album was created through funding from the We Are Family Foundation, a non-profit founded by legendary music producer Nile Rodgers. Fiscally sponsored by The New Orleans Foundation for Francophone Cultures, the concept album is available for listening across all music streaming platforms.

The West Sisters also established Set West, a storytelling company. They have directed and produced short films that have been screened at Vermilionville’s Creole Culture Day, the New Orleans African American Museum and the Cannes International Pan-African Film Festival, among others.

Chasah and Charliese are alumni of New Orleans Film Society’s Emerging Voices Directors Lab, Full Armor Conservatory’s Screenwriting Intensive, Acadiana Center for the Arts x New York Foundation for the Arts Artists as Entrepreneurs Program and the Leadership Institute of Acadiana.