The Show
Flower & Ash explores a dystopian America born of violent political differences. The post-apocalyptic story chronicles an epic journey of two 20-somethings—Flower and Ash—who find each other on the quest for a purpose beyond survival. Along the forgotten roads that lay between The Island (Manhattan) and Fishcamp (Gloucester, MA), the two develop deep bonds with unlikely friends (Steel, Sasha, and a few dozen outlandish characters). Facing danger from wayward tribes, the anarchic Confeds, and a primal landscape after “The Fall,” the journey calls on Flower and Ash to discover and embrace their authentic (super) powers.
Why Flower & Ash?
At the heart of Flower & Ash is a conversation—a conversation about what it takes to fight for true freedom; freedom of expression, of gender identity, of chosen family, of who we love. Perhaps it takes an apocalypse to understand what America is all about. While the play portion dives into the messy, dystopian details, the folk/roots songs speak to universal humanity, the power of connection, and how hope survives in the darkest corners. At a time when suppression of minority and vulnerable voices is making a dramatic resurgence, our project aims to elevate and celebrate the Queer community along with the greater American community, fractured as it currently may be.
The Author
Mike Descoteaux is a songwriter with over 25 years in the industry. In addition to his singer/songwriter catalog, he’s written musicals including Ready for Life, Dia De Los Muertos, Sodomites!, The Fundamental Skip, and Warfield: USA. He’s worked with Ellis Paul, Jason Robert Brown, Jackie Hoffman, Dickie Smothers, Laura Hall, William Finn, and many more. His songs have been performed at venues like The Second City, Club Passim, Chicago Shakespeare and New World Stages.
Mike is the creator of the Training Center Music Program at the legendary Second City in Chicago, former artistic director of several New England nonprofit arts and comedy organizations, and has been seen on NBC, A&E, WGN, and WGBH. He's “composed” and “conducted” over 1,000 completely improvised musicals with BLANK! the Musical (Off-Broadway), Baby Wants Candy, Musical! the Musical, and others. Mike leads workshops in improvisation, sketch, music direction, and music improv at festivals internationally.
Time & Setting
The story is set 15 years after The Fall of America in the post-apocalyptic Northeast spanning from The Island (formerly Manhattan) to Fishcamp (formerly Gloucester, MA). While the journey unfolds in real time, the On-Stage Band exists further into the future than the story timeline--a pseudo Greek Chorus interpreting and reflecting the “gospel” of Flower and Ash. Acoustic in a dystopia without electricity, The Band and its singers (ensemble actors) weave a folk/roots concert throughout the play.
The Artists
Heartfelt gratitude goes out to all the artists and creatives who have helped to shape Flower & Ash along the journey. The many folks who have donated considerable time and talent include:
Deana Criess
Dawn Simmons (and SpeakEasy Stage)
Pearl Scott
Britt Garner
Thain Bertin
Jono Mammel
Ali Reed
Jeffrey Bouthiette
Kristine Niven
Jeff Sweet
Laura Klayman Welsh
Rebekah Walendzak
Aniela McGuinness
Pamela Victor
Michelle Boncek
Lila Blue
Casey Murray
Cameron Kirkpatrick
McCoy Plaisted
Will Neely
Abby Altman (and Club Passim)
The Summer Salt Writers’ Retreat
The Development
Flower & Ash has a finished book and score. The show is currently in grant and workshop phase.
Songs have received audience sea trials at live music venues throughout Greater Boston and online through Mike’s social media accounts (follow @mike-d-makes-music on IG).
A concert version of the music debuts at City Winery in Boston on April 16th, 2026. More information here. Made possible through a generous grant from NEMPAC.
The show has received a grant from the MCC for its first staged reading in Winthrop, MA in the late spring of 2026 (dates TBD)