Ryan Layden brilliantly uses bold and subtle elements of film, live music, dance, and visual artistry to uniquely deliver the message and experience of love & loss to the under-served community and beyond. This production, entitled Tangerine, is a multi-conceptual show with a universal message of love far beyond the tangible. Recounting touching and heart wrenching events in Austin based singer/songwriter Ryan Layden’s life, a breathtaking story is revealed on stage. His first true love, his life and songwriting partner, Danielle, departed this world in 2006.

Tangerine features 10 songs that he and Danielle wrote both independently and together, and they are performed in front of a live audience accompanied by an impressively large band and orchestra. Ryan tenderly narrates the events of the Tangerine story. He speaks about the journey to overcome grief and loss, and how music was an advocate that paved the path. Tangerine uses striking concepts and effective vehicles to reach out to every audience member who, as everyone does, has their own story and burdens of loss. As the magical “Tangerine Forest” he promised her on their first date begins to grow on stage, video of past moments with his beloved are perfectly placed as transitions between narration and orchestral accompaniment.

Ryan Layden’s goal to bring this to fruition is multifaceted. It is his own vehicle of healing but most importantly he’s made arrangements to give portions of any profit of merchandising, performance, and show donations to noted organizations whose mission is to help those suffering from loss and bereavement and provide services to the under-served. Tangerine has a life of its own that will continue to evolve into the message of hope and healing Ryan Layden so optimistically envisions.