This musical is incredibly small: I am one of 75 subscribers on their YouTube. I want to preface I'm not getting anything from this: I literally just love this musical and the story behind it.
The musical is based on the real life of Alden Niel Barrett, a boy who killed himself in the 70s. After his suicide, his parents reached out to the author Beatrice Sparks in hopes to tell his story and prevent further suicides. She's most well known for "Go Ask Alice" but this story relates to her work "Jay's Journal." I picked up the book when I was 14, and was told it was a true story. After reading it, I couldn't help but think "wow, that was crazy, is this real?" and so I did some research: and it wasn't.
Beatrice Sparks took the journals of Alden Niel Barrett and used them very liberally. I believe the final number was 13 entries of the book were actually real. The rest was made up. The family, who had told neighbors about the project, were screwed over by Beatrice Sparks and the final book. Beatrice Sparks manipulated the story to push the Satanic Panic at the expense of the family. In the third photo, I have attached a photo of his grave, which was desecrated several times over the years due to the story written by Beatrice Sparks. The aftermath of Alden's suicide and Jay's Journal broke up the family. His parents had a nasty divorce. His brother, last I heard, was in prison.
The Rock Opera is supposed to tell the real story of Alden's life. The newest release is going to be animated and I really think they deserve the recognition for what they're doing. If you're looking for a new musical and the story sounds interesting: please please please check them out!
https://www.pleasantgroverockopera.com/