Time for another episode of NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers, where we spotlight the creative minds behind the next big musicals. This week, host Jean-Paul Yovanoff is joined by co-hosts Jord Liu and Deepak Kumar from Baked! The Musical as they interview the team behind The Brass Teapot: Tim Macy, Ramaa Mosley, Chaz Cardigan, and Erik Kaiko.

Based on the 2012 indie cult film, The Brass Teapot is a magical, mischievous dark musical comedy with a driving alt-pop-rock score. The story follows a couple who discover a mysterious brass teapot that generates money when they feel pain. As their greed grows, the musical asks the big question: How far would you go to hurt the ones you love if it meant you’d want for nothing?

In this episode, the creators share the development journey of adapting the film into a musical, how the alt-pop-rock score enhances the darkly comedic themes, and the opportunities for theatrical magic that the show offers. With its unique blend of humor, magic, and moral questions, The Brass Teapot is sure to captivate audiences at the NAMT Festival and beyond.

Be sure to check out this episode and follow the journey of The Brass Teapot as it makes its way to the NAMT Festival.

Welcome to another episode of NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers, where we spotlight emerging talents in the world of musical theatre. This week, host Jean-Paul Yovanoff is joined by co-host Nikki Lynette as they interview Be Steadwell, the creator of the musical Dear Ex.

Dear Ex tells the story of a queer Black woman navigating the heartbreak of a major breakup. Through a series of letters to her ex, Be stumbles through the stages of grief, exploring themes of self-love, addiction, and healing. Set to a vibrant pop and soul score, Dear Ex features an all BIPOC, queer, and trans cast and brings a deeply personal, universal tale of love and loss to life.

In this episode, Be shares the inspiration behind this Black, queer, falling-out-of-love story, the musical influences that shaped the score, and why centering marginalized voices in love stories is crucial. Be also discusses a unique dream for the show: creating a community choir with the audience at every performance.

Join us for a conversation filled with heart, healing and hope. Don't miss Dear Ex as it makes its way to the NAMT Festival.

Welcome to another episode of NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers, where we spotlight emerging talents reshaping the future of musical theatre. This week, host Jean-Paul Yovanoff is joined by co-host Shannon Burkett to interview Parisa Shahmir, the creator of the musical Medusa.

Medusa is a folk-inspired retelling of the ancient Greek myth, reclaiming the narrative of Medusa and giving her the space to become the heroine of her own story. As Medusa embarks on a journey orchestrated by Hermes at the will of Zeus, she discovers the only power she has is her voice. This raw, powerful musical weaves together themes of strength, courage, and truth as it challenges the classical portrayal of Medusa as a monster and villain.

In this episode, Parisa discusses her inspiration for reimagining Medusa’s story, how she integrates folk music with Middle Eastern influences, and the themes of female empowerment and reclamation that run throughout the show. We also explore the developmental history of Medusa, from its early conception in 2023 to its current stage of growth, and what’s next for the show at the NAMT Festival and beyond.

Be sure to follow the journey of Medusa before it takes the stage at the NAMT Festival!

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!

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! ⁠

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!⁠

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!

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!