What could be more riveting than even the city of Chelsea itself? A musical of the city of Chelsea. Well, one is in the process of being written, named, “The Only Man in Town.” James Parry Eyster is writing a musical about Frank Glazier, the man who built the clocktower and many other buildings in town. Eyster states, Glazier “brought electricity, water, the telephone, and major industry to the town.” The musical has been submitted to two national competitions, and could possibly be performed this upcoming August because of such competitions. It will also be performed here in Chelsea in the summer of 2019.

Frank Glazier was originally a banker, operating out of the present-day court house. He then went on to be the owner of Glazier Stove Company; this business eventually funded the building of the clocktower. Glazier also built the Welfare Building, along with many other forms of infrastructure. He was also the mayor of the town,as well as Chair of the school board a number of times. Glazier had planned to run for governor, but the Bank Panic of 1907 prevented that plan by exposing some of the “scrutiny of his borrowing and to his indictment and conviction for misuse of state funds.” Aside from his business experience and work, the musical will include many aspects of Frank Glazier’s life.

The inspiration for the musical came from Eyster’s interest in theater and music composition. He used these interests in his career as a lawyer. About his first job he states, “Part of my job was attending plays and making sure that actors were safe and the conditions of their dressing rooms, etc., were healthy.” He also studied composition at Julliard School of Music.Eyster moved to Chelsea in 1981 and continued to use these passions in the workplace. Not only so, but he also learned about Chelsea’s rich  history while living here. “When I learned about Frank Glazier, I suddenly felt inspired to write a musical about him.” He continued on to say, “I cannot provide any detailed explanation for this, which is why they call it inspiration.”

Eyster’s conclusion summed everything up perfectly: “Frank’s story is a big tale and music can sometimes express what words alone cannot. That is why I have written his story as a musical.”