

Sing for Hope Presents
Don't Throw Away Your Shot
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Larry Siegel
An award-winning musical with the goal of empowering students to be future vaccine decision-makers by encouraging them to have conversations, ask the right questions, speak to trusted mentors and adults, and build confidence in the vaccination process.
Made possible through one of only 30 grants nationwide from the CDC Foundation and developed in partnership with students, teachers, administrators, PTAs, and community health officials.
Don’t Throw Away Your Shot is approximately 30 minutes in length, and is offered with a follow-up interactive workshop addressing issues related to vaccine confidence and hesitancy and representing theater as a powerful device to inform, engage, and challenge audience points of view. Learn how this musical theater piece was researched, conceived, and developed!
Available both in-person in New York City and the surrounding areas and virtually nationwide, don’t miss the opportunity to bring this presentation to your school or community group!
Interested in bringing this musical to your organization?
- Cast & Creative Team
- Synopsis
- Musical Numbers
- Song Lyrics
CAST
(in order of appearance)
Jam………………………………………….………………………………………..…………….Edoardo Amador
Zuni………………………………………………………………………….………………….………….Trinity Posey
Ms. Runcible……………………………………………………………………..……………….….India Shanelle
Mr. Hobey………………………………………..…………………………………….…………………Larry Siegel
Swing…………………………………………………………………………………….……………Janeena Piñero
CAST BIOS
EDOARDO AMADOR (Jam)
is a New York-Based Nicaraguan actor. Fostering the arts in his home-country, Edoardo has worked to progress third world country educational systems into more art-inclusive curriculums. Edo began his Musical Theatre training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. With stage experience in theatres such as the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and performing companies like the Performance Project and the Sociedad Actoral Hispanoamericana.
Edoardo, how do you feel about vaccines?
I have confidence that our scientists are constantly gearing us and working us towards the right direction. Science is real.
JANEENA PIÑERO (Swing for Zuni, Jam, and Ms. Runcible)
is an actor, director, poet, and theatre practitioner from the Atlantic City area of New Jersey. She is a recent graduate of Montclair State University where she received her Master’s in Theatre. Janeena has been awarded by the National Playwriting Program of the Kennedy Center for her performance of the original spoken word poem ‘My America’ and is a recipient of her university’s Citizens Award. She is very happy to be a part of this production and is grateful for all of her family, friends, and supporters of the theatre.
Janeena, how do you feel about vaccines?
I believe that it is crucial that we take the time to educate ourselves to further expand our minds on creating a better tomorrow, not only for ourselves, but for the better good of the public. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! I chose to get vaccinated, and though I was scared at first, I realized that as an asthmatic, I feel much safer and more protected that I had modern medicine on my side to help me get through it.
TRINITY POSEY (Zuni)
is thrilled to be a part of this project. Originally from Kalamazoo, MI, Trinity studied one year at NYU’s Tisch Drama program. Now an actor in the city, Trinity spends her time working on short films, serving as a background actor for different shows, and auditioning for upcoming projects. Some of her favorite credits include Little Inez in a production of Hairspray and Lorraine in All Shook Up. When not on stage or screen, Trinity can be found writing music on guitar or watching Big Brother. Her goal for all of her artistic work is “to bring humanity to the forefront.”
Trinity, how do you feel about vaccines?
I feel honored to be a part of this project encouraging everyone to ask questions. There is no shame in wanting to be adequately educated on such important matters. But once you have that information from the qualified professionals, go get vaccinated!
INDIA SHANELLE (Ms. Runcible)
is a musical theatre performer originally from St. Louis, Missouri. She is also the founder of a nonprofit called BlackLight Community, where they serve people of color in the entertainment industry through life, performance, and well-being. She’s played leading roles such as Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray, Percy in Spitfire Grill, and a contestant on Season 16’ of America’s Got Talent with the outstanding JW’s Inspirational Singers of New York City. India also takes joy in fitness through yoga, meditation, and bodybuilding.
India, how do you feel about vaccines?
When the vaccine became available, I was skeptical, especially with America’s history of the health and well-being of black people. After researching, I found facts that made me feel better about receiving the shot. I believe that vaccines are vital to health overall.
LARRY SIEGEL (Mr. Hobey)
Larry Siegel has made a lifelong career as a musician, singer, actor, composer/lyricist, director and producer. His original compositions range from songs to soundtracks, including twenty four episodes of the popular Hard Hat Harry children’s video series. For live theatre, Larry has written the music and lyrics for several shows on the Equity Theatre-for-Young-Audiences circuit. On the off-Broadway stage, he appeared as Spike Spaldeen in The Song of Singapore. Currently he can be seen heading the cast in Magicalicious: The Tale of the Tongue-Tied Prince, a show he originally created at the Jerry Orbach Theater in NYC and is producing tours of his musical biography of the Wright Brothers. He also has several albums of original music which can be found on www.freshbrewedproductions.com.
Larry, how do you feel about vaccines?
I am seriously excited about this project to address and promote trust in vaccines. I am triple vaxxed and proud of it. I do, however, understand the need for each of us to come to that conclusion on our own, without undue coercion..
Our show takes place in a public school cafeteria, like the one you might have at your school! Zuni had an argument with her mom about whether she should get the COVID-19 vaccine, which her friend Jam has already gotten. Together with the school lunch worker, Ms. Runcible, and the school janitor, Mr. Hobey, the students talk about the vaccine and how Zuni can feel confident in having another conversation with her mom.
“Lunch”……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……….…..The Company
“Trust”…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….The Company
“Benefit/Cost”…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Ms. Runcible
“Get Him and Good”…………………………………………………………………………………………….……………….Jam, Zuni
“The World I Wanna Believe In”…………………………………………………………………………….……………….Jam, Zuni
“When the Bell Rings Out”………….…………………….………………………………………………………….….The Company
“Lunch”
JAM
Hey look there’s Zuni!
ZUNI
Hey look there’s Jam!
JAM
I didn’t see you in class this morn…
ZUNI
Don’t even ask me, man.
I had a big bad blow up
With my mom at home
JAM
Another talk about the vax?
ZUNI
Just relax – leave the topic alone
I just count to 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and I’m done
I hate arguing and that’s the only thing we do when I’m at home
JAM
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1? Blast off! And when your rockets roar I bet you soar away off into
the sun.
ZUNI
Whatcha got in your lunch bag?
JAM
Whatever, I don’t even care. I’m gonna trade it anyway if “someone” is willing to share.
ZUNI
I might be ready to trade you, if it’s PB & J.
JAM
Well that’s exactly what it is ‘cause that’s exactly what it is every day.
JAM & ZUNI
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – All right! We’re gonna wheel and deal ‘til the meal gets real, and
dealin’ with a meal is fun.
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – Blast off!
When our rockets roar we’re gonna soar away off into Lunch.
ZUNI
I had a nothing breakfast
MS. RUNCIBLE
Running late again today?
ZUNI
Yes, and now my stomach is rumbling and I’m ready to fill my tray.
MS. RUNCIBLE
Today we’re doing chicken nuggets
With a salad and fries
JAM
Oh yum, the frozen ones…
ZUNI
Wait, what? Those are my favorite kind.
What’s your favorite food for lunch, Mr. Hobey?
MR. HOBEY
Lasagna.
MS. RUNCIBLE
That was yesterday and I heard you say you didn’t really like the sauce.
(to Zuni) And what’s your favorite food for lunch?
ZUNI
Peanut butter and jelly on toast. ‘Cause when I’m at home and all alone
That’s what I eat the most.
What I’m talkin’ ‘bout is: Peanut, peanut butter – and Jelly
ALL
Peanut, peanut butter – and Jelly (repeat several times)
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – All right! We’re gonna wheel and deal ‘til the meal gets real, and dealin’ with a meal is fun.
10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 – Blast off!
When our rockets roar we’re gonna soar away off into Lunch
When our rockets roar we’re gonna soar away off into Lunch
LUNCH!
“Trust”
MR. HOBEY
Some people think trust is a permanent thing
It’s more like giving a friendship ring
‘Cause trust can melt like snow in Spring
Just leaving puddles
MS. RUNCIBLE
Do you think that trust can never change?
If so, I think that’s a little bit strange
In fact, it might end up a danger
And cause you troubles
JAM
I believe that I can trust most people
And there’s good in almost everyone I know
ZUNI
I don’t understand why everybody fights
For the sake of being right over somebody else
When we don’t agree, can’t we let it be
Isn’t that the key to the way you and me can TRUST
ALL repeat their verses simultaneously
“Benefit/Cost”
MS. RUNCIBLE
When got I started back in my little neighborhood
I didn’t know it but the water wasn’t good
I didn’t like it but I guess all the others did
So when I spoke up they only said, hey kid
It’s only water, so drink a soda if you want
I thought I oughta just open up a restaurant
Put in a filter so that the water tasted fine
Nobody noticed but I didn’t stop tryin’
What was my benefit? What was my cost?
What did I gain there and what have I lost?
That is the story of how I started out in food
That’s why I work here I wouldn’t leave you if I could
The food they send me maybe it isn’t all the best
But I can do things that make it better than the rest
I bring balance to every item that I cook
Oh, it’s a challenge but what I try to do is look at
All the benefits that I might try to give to you
And if the flavor fits then you might even like it too
What is my benefit? What is my cost?
What have I gained here and what have I lost?
What’s the advantage? Who pays the dues?
What will I gain here and what will I lose?
So to your questions about the virus and the vax
Here’s a suggestion what you can think about and ask
Does the advantage, or benefit
Outweigh the downside or doesn’t it?
These are the questions that I taught myself to ask
What are my options? And then what is my task?
So if you’re wondering how to get out of a mess
Some easy questions are what I suggest
What is your benefit? What is your cost?
What have you gained here and what have you lost?
What’s the advantage? Who pays the dues?
What will I gain here and what will I lose?
“Get Him and Good”
VIRUS
You prob’ly thought I wouldn’t last very long
That I was just like the flu
In one – two weeks, maybe a month, I’d be gone
But you were wrong – dead wrong
They think I only have one trick up my sleeve
Don’t know ‘bout me but they should
If they think they can just relax ‘til I leave
Then what I give’em’s gonna get’em and good
What I give ‘em’s gonna get’em and good (X2)
VAX
I guess you thought that we’d just curl up and die
The minute you hit the scene
But we got doctors been researchin’ for years
So you’re wrong – you’re dead wrong
My vaccine formula wasn’t born in one year
You must have misunderstood
It’s only Virus now who needs to have fear
‘Cause what I give you’s gonna get you and good
What I give him’s gonna get him and good (X4)
VIRUS
You thought I’d only hit your lungs or your nose
But I’m not picky like that
I’ll travel anywhere a virus can go
Is that wrong? So wrong?
VAX
You’re not the only one who’s got a passport
To travel all through their blood
You hit some organ I’ll be there on your tail
‘Cause what I give you’s gonna get you and good
What I give him’s gonna get him and good (X4)
VIRUS
You can’t scare me with all your science and such
I’ll shut you down if you try
You may think knowledge can spread faster than fear
But you’re wrong – dead wrong
VAX
Well, let’s ask this group that’s sitting right here, right now
No one asks them, but they should
If you believe that we can beat him somehow
Then what we give him’s gonna get him and good
What we give him’s gonna get him and good (X4)
“The World I Wanna Believe In”
JAM
What do you wish the world would be?
ZUNI
A world that I can believe in
My trust is all busted everywhere I see
In the world I want to believe in
ZUNI and JAM
OOO The world I wanna believe in X2
ZUNI
I wanna world where I can feel free
ALL
A world I wanna believe in
ZUNI
One where someone really listens to me
ALL
The world I wanna believe in
OOO The world I wanna believe in X2
MS. RUNCIBLE and MR. HOBEY
A world that’s safe for my daughter and son
MR. HOBEY
That’ll still be here when our time is done
ZUNI and JAM
Where I don’t feel scared for the people I care for
A world I wanna believe in.
That’s the world I wanna believe in
JAM
I wanna world where I can feel strong
ALL
The world I wanna believe in
ZUNI and JAM
Where I can feel safe, where I can belong
ALL
The world I wanna believe in
OOO The world I wanna believe in X2
“When the Bell Rings Out”
MS. RUNCIBLE
So, where does that leave us
Do you want to believe us?
Believe not deceive
Just stick with the truth
The proof?
It’s right there inside of you
It’s true. Shout it out; it comes from you
JAM
So what can you say about the facts of the vax
And the cracks they make about the docs and the shocks
What do they do? They try to put a spell on me
Dude, that’s rude. ‘Cause lying is a felony
ZUNI
Clear the channels, throw away all the apps
Drop the social media, even if it’s free to ya
They greedier and needier
and always getting’ speedier
And fillin’ up my head with all that dread
What they said with the crazy ideas.
The crazy ideas and the fears, and the tears
JAM
Do you think it’s so strange that a lie can be true
That there’s really something evil ‘bout a person or a people
Who render an agenda meant to screw us and subdue us
Into thieving and believing the poison the big boys and
All their deep-state, cheapskate, make a buck selling hate
That’s what they’re brewing, so, what am I doing?
ZUNI
I gotta wipe out fear from the bottom to the top
Before I pop it and drop it
I gotta make it stop it
and just relax, and remember
(And remember)
And remember
When somebody says they know what’s true I say, That says way more about you
Than what is really true, so what do I do?
MS. RUNCIBLE
I’ll confess my approach if you insist I make a list, get the gist?
You don’t need to make a fist
What’s the upside, downside benefits
The pros and cons, what it means to me?
Only one thing:
How to think and be free
How to break away from that echo booth
Pouring out smoke and calling it truth
JAM
How to think: Not what I should think
How to feel: Not what I should feel
How to know: Not what I should know
And most of all how to stand up tall, don’t fall, don’t stall
One and all just stand up tall. Do the math, y’all
ZUNI
Right! It’s all in the numbers; look at the math
So many who refuse the shot and won’t take it
JAM
How many without that shot didn’t make it?
MS. RUNCIBLE
Over five million folks in the world so far
Over nine hundred thousand right here where we are
ZUNI
Do the math, y’all
It’s not complicated, overstated or inflated, but the misinformation’s way too conversated
ALL
Do the math, y’all. That’s all
Now it’s time to go
‘cause the bell’s gonna end this
We’re all gonna meet in a seat and friend this
Discuss the fuss and get down to us, to what’s real
To just feel it, seal it, maybe have to peel it
When the bell rings out, here it comes
When the bell rings out, here it comes
When the bell rings out, here it comes
When the…
(The bell rings)

Funding for this effort is made possible through a subaward from the CDC Foundation and is part of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) financial assistance award totaling $2,500,000.00 with 100 percent funding from CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.