New@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to an exciting episode of NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers, where we spotlight the emerging voices redefining the future of musical theatre. In this episode, host Jean-Paul Yovanoff from Musical Theatre Radio is joined by special guest co-host Lynne Shankel, alongside the dynamic duo behind the musical LIGHTHOUSE by abs wilson (Book, Lyrics & Story) and Veronica Mansour (Music & Story).

LIGHTHOUSE is a pop-country musical that follows Bus, a recent high school graduate trying to escape her Minnesota hometown—and herself. This episode takes you inside the creation of this heartfelt and groundbreaking musical that explores themes of self-discovery, identity, and embracing every version of yourself. We delve into what inspired abs and Veronica to bring LIGHTHOUSE to life, the character of Bus as an unreliable narrator, and how pop-country music enhances the storytelling in this genre-bending piece.

Tune in to hear about the creative journey behind LIGHTHOUSE, its development history, and what's next for this Richard Rodgers Award-winning musical. Whether you're a theatre enthusiast, a producer, or just curious about the future of musical theatre, this episode offers a front-row seat to the magic of new work.

Don't forget to check out more about LIGHTHOUSE before its debut at the NAMT Festival!

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For more information about LIGHTHOUSE, visit https://namt.org/musicals/lighthouse/

For more information on the 36th Annual Festival of New Musicals, visit ⁠https://namt.org/festivals/2024/⁠

Follow abs wilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abs.wilson2

Follow Veronica Mansour on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/veronicamansourr/Follow Lynne Shankel on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shanktunes

Welcome to a new episode of NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers, where we spotlight emerging voices in musical theatre. This week, host Jean-Paul Yovanoff from Musical Theatre Radio is joined by co-host Will Lacker (Fest '22) to introduce Mike Ross and Dylan MarcAurele, the creators of Lewis Loves Clark.

Lewis Loves Clark is a fast-paced, tragicomic musical that reimagines the famous Corps of Discovery expedition through a modern lens. With a genre-blending score of bluegrass, folk, pop, and show tunes, the musical explores the complex and humorous dynamics between Meriwether Lewis (a closeted alcoholic), William Clark (oblivious yet endearing), Sacagawea (constantly exasperated), and York (who'd rather be birdwatching).

In this episode, Mike and Dylan discuss their creative partnership, the inspiration behind Lewis Loves Clark, and the eclectic musical influences that shape the show. You’ll also get a sneak peek into the development process, from the Dramatists Guild Fellowship to the 2023 Richard Rodgers Award.

Join us as we dive into the funny, thought-provoking world of Lewis Loves Clark and learn what’s next for this unique new musical. Whether you’re a theatre professional or a fan of musical theatre, this episode offers a front-row seat to a fresh, original work that’s making waves.

Don't miss out—learn more about Lewis Loves Clark before its upcoming debut at the NAMT Festival!

Follow NAMT: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/namtpics⁠⁠

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More about NAMT: ⁠⁠https://namt.org/⁠⁠

More about Musical Theatre Radio: ⁠⁠https://www.musicaltheatreradio.com/⁠

For more information on Lewis Loves Clark, visit https://namt.org/musicals/lewis-loves-clark/

For more information on the 36th Annual Festival of New Musicals, visit https://namt.org/festivals/2024/

Follow Mike Ross on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikerosswrites/

Follow Dylan MarcAurele on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dylanmarcaurele

Follow Will Lacker on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelackattack/

🎭 NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers – Featuring Sydney Gray

In this season of NEW@NAMT, we continue to highlight the winners of the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students, presented by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with NAMT, Concord Theatricals, Disney Theatrical Productions, and the NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation. These student songwriters had their original songs fully orchestrated and performed live by Broadway professionals during Winners Weekend in New York City.

🎶 In this episode, host Jean-Paul Yovanoff is joined by co-host Zeniba Now to welcome Sydney Gray, who wrote the winning song “Little Miss Heard But Not Seen.” In this powerful and emotional anthem, we meet Nava Lee, a girl who longs to be more than a shadow moving through life. Fighting against the doubts in her head, Nava’s story explores the universal struggle for visibility and acceptance.

Sydney shares how “Little Miss Heard But Not Seen” is part of a full musical she is developing, reflecting on themes of identity and self-expression. Co-host Zeniba Now, who served as Sydney’s program mentor, offers insight into the growth and evolution of Sydney’s song from early drafts to the final orchestrated performance at Winners Weekend.

If you’re passionate about storytelling through music and the future of musical theatre, this episode is a must-listen!

It’s time to lower the lights, raise the curtain, and LX1 Go on NEW@NAMT! 🎭

Follow NAMT: ⁠https://linktr.ee/namtpics⁠

Follow Musical Theatre Radio: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/musicaltheatreradio/⁠

More about NAMT: ⁠https://namt.org/⁠

More about Musical Theatre Radio: ⁠https://www.musicaltheatreradio.com/⁠

For more information on the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge, visit ⁠https://namt.org/challenge/⁠

Watch Challenge Accepted! Featuring the Winning Songs: ⁠https://youtu.be/7ia5ebFAdrU?⁠

Watch “Little Miss Heard But Not Seen” from the Winning Concert: https://youtu.be/ZfecFDyJLsk?

🎭 NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers – Featuring Owen Yeh-Lee

In this season of NEW@NAMT, we continue to highlight the winners of the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students, presented by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with NAMT, Concord Theatricals, Disney Theatrical Productions, and the NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation. These student songwriters had their original songs fully orchestrated and performed live by Broadway professionals during Winners Weekend in New York City.

🎶 In this episode, host Jean-Paul Yovanoff is joined by co-host Jaime Lozano to welcome Owen Yeh-Lee, who wrote the winning song “Spacetime.” Inspired by the Chinese folktale of the Moon Goddess Chang’e, Spacetime follows Hou Yi as he mourns his wife’s departure to the moon, grappling with loneliness, grief, and despair.

Owen shares the inspiration behind his mythologically rich and emotionally charged song, along with insights into his songwriting process, his experience working with Broadway performer Telly Leung, and the lessons he learned about collaboration in musical theatre during Winners Weekend.

Co-host Jaime Lozano, who served as Owen’s program mentor, reflects on Owen’s musical storytelling, cultural influences, and artistic growth throughout the challenge.

✨ If you’re passionate about new voices in musical theatre and the future of songwriting, this episode is a must-listen!

🎭 It’s time to lower the lights, raise the curtain, and LX1 Go on NEW@NAMT!

Follow NAMT: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/namtpics⁠⁠

Follow Musical Theatre Radio: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/musicaltheatreradio/⁠⁠

More about NAMT: ⁠⁠https://namt.org/⁠⁠

More about Musical Theatre Radio: ⁠⁠https://www.musicaltheatreradio.com/⁠⁠

For more information on the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge, visit ⁠⁠https://namt.org/challenge/⁠⁠

Watch Challenge Accepted! Featuring the Winning Songs: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/7ia5ebFAdrU?⁠⁠

Watch “Spacetime” from the Winning Concert: https://youtu.be/ArlR_KtxlSc?

It's the next episode of NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers, where we highlight emerging voices in musical theatre! This week, host Jean-Paul Yovanoff is joined by co-host Justin Huertas to interview the creators of Proud Marys—Jennifer Paz (Book & Lyrics) and Anthony Fedorov (Music & Lyrics).

Proud Marys is a seriocomedy that follows three daughters in a religious Filipino-American family who shake up tradition when they all become pregnant out of wedlock at the same time. The musical busts open the myth of the model minority Asian-American family, exploring issues of reproductive health, family dynamics, and cultural expectations through a blend of pop and Latin pop, with elements of Filipino Rondalla.

In this episode, Jennifer and Anthony share their personal inspirations for the story, including Jennifer’s own experiences with family planning, and how they combined diverse musical styles to reflect the themes of the show. From its beginnings as a TV pilot to a genre-bending musical, Proud Marys offers a bold and thought-provoking look at family, women’s health, and the choices we make in life.

Be sure to check out more about Proud Marys before it takes the stage at the NAMT Festival!

Follow NAMT: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/namtpics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Musical Theatre Radio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/musicaltheatreradio/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More about NAMT: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://namt.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More about Musical Theatre Radio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.musicaltheatreradio.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more information about Proud Marys, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://namt.org/musicals/proud-marys/

For more information on the 36th Annual Festival of New Musicals, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://namt.org/festivals/2024/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Jennifer Paz on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jenniferpazofficial/

Follow Anthony Fedorov on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/anthonyfedorovmusic/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Justin Huertas on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/justinwritesmusicals/

Time for the next episode of NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers, where we explore the creative journeys of emerging talents in musical theatre. This week, host Jean-Paul Yovanoff is joined by co-host Martin Storrow to interview Barrett Riggins (Music & Lyrics) and Graham Techler (Book & Lyrics), the minds behind the dark romantic comedy Helsinki.

Helsinki tells the story of a down-on-her-luck waitress and a struggling factory worker who find love amidst the bleak landscape of 1990s Finland. Their shy romance is tested by both the harsh economic conditions and emotional turmoil of the time. Set against Finland’s economic depression following the collapse of the Soviet Union, this absurdly deadpan, romantic comedy asks: Can life’s “losers” find and keep the love they deserve?

In this episode, Barrett and Graham share insights into their creative process, how they blend dark comedy with romantic songwriting, and why Helsinki’s setting plays a crucial role in the story. We also dive into the developmental history of the show and what’s next for Helsinki as it makes its way to the NAMT Festival.

Whether you’re a fan of offbeat musicals or looking for a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre, this episode offers a front-row seat to a unique new work that balances humor, love, and melancholy.

⁠Be sure to check out more about Helsinki before it takes the stage at the NAMT Festival! ⁠

Follow NAMT: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/namtpics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Musical Theatre Radio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/musicaltheatreradio/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More about NAMT: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://namt.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More about Musical Theatre Radio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.musicaltheatreradio.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

For more information about Helsinki, visit ⁠https://namt.org/musicals/helsinki/

For more information on the 36th Annual Festival of New Musicals, visit ⁠⁠⁠https://namt.org/festivals/2024/⁠⁠⁠

Follow Barrett Riggins on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/barrettadamriggins/

Follow Graham Techler on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gr8h8m_t3chl3r/

⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Martin Storrow on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/martinstorrow/

Welcome to another exciting episode of NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers, where we highlight emerging talents transforming the world of musical theatre. In this episode, host Jean-Paul Yovanoff is joined by co-hosts Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie from Hi, My Name is Ben (Fest ’19) as they interview the creative team behind the one-woman musical In Clay—Rebecca Simmonds (Book & Lyrics) and Jack Miles (Music & Lyrics).

In Clay is set in a Parisian apartment in 1938 and follows the story of ceramist Marie Cazin as she awaits the arrival of her estranged childhood friend, now a celebrated artist, Henrietta Tirman. As Marie reflects on her life devoted to art, we are taken on an emotional journey through her memories, joys, and heartaches.

In this episode, Rebecca and Jack discuss what drew them to the life of Marie Cazin, how they crafted a compelling narrative with a single performer, and why they chose jazz to underscore the story. We’ll also explore the developmental journey of In Clay, which has garnered critical acclaim, including multiple Off West End Award nominations, and its upcoming American debut.

Whether you're a theatre professional or a fan of innovative storytelling, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at a show that blends history, artistry, and music in a captivating way.

⁠Be sure to learn more about In Clay before it hits the NAMT Festival stage!⁠

Follow NAMT: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/namtpics⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow Musical Theatre Radio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/musicaltheatreradio/⁠⁠⁠⁠

More about NAMT: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://namt.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠

More about Musical Theatre Radio: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.musicaltheatreradio.com/⁠⁠⁠

For more information about In Clay, visit https://namt.org/musicals/in-clay/

For more information on the 36th Annual Festival of New Musicals, visit ⁠⁠https://namt.org/festivals/2024/⁠⁠

Follow Rebecca Simmonds on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccalouisesimmonds/

Follow Jack Miles on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jackhasthisnow⁠Follow Claire McKenzie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairemckmusic/

🎭 NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers – Featuring Gwendellyn Doerfler

In this season of NEW@NAMT, we continue to showcase the winners of the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students, presented by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with NAMT, Concord Theatricals, Disney Theatrical Productions, and the NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation. These student songwriters had their original songs fully orchestrated and performed live by Broadway professionals during Winners Weekend in New York City.

🎶 In this episode, host Jean-Paul Yovanoff is joined by co-host Anessa Marie Scolpini to welcome Gwendellyn Doerfler, who wrote the winning song “The Cost.” The song takes us on an emotional journey to 1970s Nashville, where dreams and doubts collide. Through this heartfelt country ballad, Gwendellyn explores the courage it takes to chase a dream, even when you’re unsure if the choice is right.

Gwendellyn shares how “The Cost” began as a personal school project and evolved into a universal anthem for dreamers everywhere. Co-host Anessa Marie Scolpini, who orchestrated the song, offers insight into the creative process and the emotional impact of hearing the song performed live by Desi Oakley at Winners Weekend.

If you’re passionate about storytelling through music and the future of musical theatre, this episode is a must-listen!

It’s time to lower the lights, raise the curtain, and LX1 Go on NEW@NAMT! 🎭

Follow NAMT: https://linktr.ee/namtpics

Follow Musical Theatre Radio: https://www.instagram.com/musicaltheatreradio/

More about NAMT: https://namt.org/

More about Musical Theatre Radio: https://www.musicaltheatreradio.com/

For more information on the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge, visit https://namt.org/challenge/

Watch Challenge Accepted! Featuring the Winning Songs: https://youtu.be/7ia5ebFAdrU?

Watch “The Cost” from the Winning Concert: https://youtu.be/vksgCRdnLIk?

🎭 NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers – Featuring Luisa Paraguassu

In this special season of NEW@NAMT, we continue to spotlight the winners of the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students, presented by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with NAMT, Concord Theatricals, Disney Theatrical Productions, and the NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation. These emerging songwriters had their original works fully orchestrated and performed live by Broadway professionals during Winners Weekend in New York City.

🎶 In this episode, host Jean-Paul Yovanoff is joined by co-host Jesse J. Sanchez to welcome Luisa Paraguassu, who wrote the winning song “Talk Pretty.” The song explores the deeply personal experience of feeling disconnected from one’s heritage due to language barriers. Inspired by Luisa’s own multicultural background, “Talk Pretty” tells the story of Mariana, a second-generation Brazilian-American, and her struggle to connect with her grandmother, Iara, who only speaks Portuguese.

Luisa shares how “Talk Pretty” came to life through a spontaneous writing session, the emotional impact of hearing her song fully orchestrated for the first time, and how she reclaimed her dream of pursuing music as a career through the Songwriting Challenge. Co-host Jesse J. Sanchez, who orchestrated the song, adds insight into the creative process and the powerful themes behind Luisa’s work.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about storytelling, identity, and the future of musical theatre.

It’s time to lower the lights, raise the curtain, and LX1 Go on NEW@NAMT! 🎭

Follow NAMT: https://linktr.ee/namtpics

Follow Musical Theatre Radio: https://www.instagram.com/musicaltheatreradio/

More about NAMT: https://namt.org/

More about Musical Theatre Radio: https://www.musicaltheatreradio.com/

For more information on the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge, visit https://namt.org/challenge/

Watch Challenge Accepted! Featuring the Winning Songs: https://youtu.be/7ia5ebFAdrU?

Watch “Talk Pretty” from the Winning Concert: https://youtu.be/Os8V2O4DuOA?

🎭 NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers – Featuring Tabitha Moore

In this special season of NEW@NAMT, we’re shining a spotlight on the winners of the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students, presented by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with NAMT, Concord Theatricals, Disney Theatrical Productions, and the NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation. These student songwriters had their original songs fully orchestrated and performed live by Broadway professionals during Winners Weekend in New York City.

🎶 In this episode, host Jean-Paul Yovanoff is joined by co-host Tim Huang to welcome Tabitha Moore, whose winning song “What Did Love Do to You?” is a pop-infused duet exploring the boundaries set between two people and the importance of embracing individuality. Tabitha shares the story behind her song, from its humble beginnings on ukulele to a fully orchestrated piece inspired by Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.”

With insights from orchestrator Teresa Lotz and program mentor Tim Huang, Tabitha reflects on the journey of developing her song, the magic of hearing it come to life during Studio Day, and the connections she made with other winners during Winners Weekend.

If you’re curious about the future of musical theatre, this episode is packed with inspiration, creativity, and a glimpse into the next generation of musical storytellers.

It’s time to lower the lights, raise the curtain, and LX1 Go on NEW@NAMT! 🎭

Follow NAMT: https://linktr.ee/namtpics

Follow Musical Theatre Radio: https://www.instagram.com/musicaltheatreradio/

More about NAMT: https://namt.org/

More about Musical Theatre Radio: https://www.musicaltheatreradio.com/

For more information on the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge, visit https://namt.org/challenge/

Watch Challenge Accepted! Featuring the Winning Songs: https://youtu.be/7ia5ebFAdrU?

Watch “What Did Love Do to You?” from the Winning Concert: https://youtu.be/1VU2a9pztVI?