MySpace Becomes a Musical with Young Team's 'Top 8'

Musical theatre and one of the internet's most popular online communities have converged with Top 8: The MySpace Musical.

The show features book and lyrics by Jordan Beck, and music by Jonathan May.

"Once upon a time, a man named Tom started an online community called MySpace. It has since become the preeminent networking tool for musicians, comedians, filmmakers, actors, singers and people in general. All around the world, people are joining MySpace by the millions. It has become a cultural phenomenon. We've decided to musicalize it," explain notes on the MySpace Musical's MySpace page.

"Eight characters based on people you would meet on MySpace come together on stage for a hilarious night of musical comedy. They are all from different walks of life. But they seek one thing in common. The approval of others on MySpace.com.  But before we launch the show live on stage, you'll get to watch the entire show unfold right here on MySpace! That's right! Music videos of each song will be produced and uploaded in the order they happen in the show...right here on this profile.

As for the characters, check out their profiles! Watch as these characters vie for your approval as they try to convince you that they're worthy of being on your Top 8!"

Beck is 23 years old. As a member of the Academy for New Musical Theatre in North Hollywood, CA, he has studied under John Sparks and Scott Guy. Previously, he wrote the book and lyrics to Sequins! The Show Choir Musical with composer Gregory Nabours, as well as a musical adaptation of Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities. As a lyricist, he has also collaborated with composers Jason and Nolan Livesay, the Violin Twins. He also works as a producer.

May is 19 years old. He began studying classical piano at age 5 with Elizabeth Beck and at 13 began studying jazz piano with UCR Jazz Piano Professor Larry Flahive. At 15 he began playing with the UCR Jazz Ensemble, directed by Bill Helms. He currently plays solo jazz piano at the Citrus City Grille in Riverside, the Citrus City Grille in Orange, and he performs with his uncle, Benjamin May, in a piano/bass duo every week at the New York Grille in Ontario, CA. He also plays solo ragtime piano weekly at Disneyland's Refreshment Corner on Main Street, and has worked as an arranger.

As of this writing, the MySpace profile for Top 8 has accumulated almost 6,000 friends.  Visit www.myspace.com/top8musical to hear songs from the show, and to add Top 8 as a friend.