Signature Theatre Presents Two Musical Readings in Five Hours

Baltimore Composer and Lyricist Adam Gwon (Book by Joe Meno) and DC Composer and Lyricist Matt Conner (Book by Hunter Foster) Present Two World Premieres.

It is not often one gets to witness the staged readings of TWO World Premiere Musicals back to back. But that is exactly what transpired at the Tony-winning Signature Theatre on July 23 and 24, 2009.

Thanks to a $300,000 multi-year grant from the Shen Family Foundation for the Next Generation, this program to help emerging composers create new works for musical theater made its debut this past week. It's been dubbed "21/24 Signature Lab" since the composers work for three weeks (hence 21) working close to 24 hours a day refining their works for two presentations.

I've been following Gwon's career since he was a student at the Carver Center for Arts & Technology in Towson, MD and later as a student at NYU where I was so impressed with his musical Mother Courage. I knew it was only time this talented composer would be heard from in the future. This October his musical Ordinary Days will be the first musical presented at the Roundabout Theatre Co mpany's Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre (111 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036) with previews beginning October 2, opening on Oct. 25 and continuing until December 13.

Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer introduced the piece and mentioned that Gwon desired to put to music the book "The Boy Detective Fails" by Joe Meno. When Meno was asked about the possibility of turning his book into a musical, he responded that he would love to write the book for it. Meno and Gwon met for the first time three weeks ago but worked on the show via the internet. Joe Calarco directed a phenomenal cast which included Danny Ginstock, Christopher Bloch, Michael Bunce, Eleasha Gamble, James Gardiner, Amy McWilliams, Margo Silbert, Thomas Adrian Simpson, Stephen Gregory Smith, and Bayla Whitten. Working furiously on the piano was Gabriel Mangiante (Music Director).

Friday the 24th, the even ing began at 6 p.m. with Gwon's musical. He must have felt terrific to see the standing ovation afterwards that was so richly deserved. To learn more about this gifted artist, visitwww.adamgwon.com.

Following a short twenty minute break, it was back into the theater again for another musical, The Hollow based on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". Schaefer in his introduction mentioned that composer Matt Conner met Hunter Foster in a jail cell on the Signature stage while both were in the amazing production The Kiss of the Spiderwoman.

It was during the production that the genesis of The Hollow was born.

I've seen Connor many times on the Signature stage. He's also entertained audiences on the piano prior to many productions. I'll never forget his world premiere musical about Edgar Allan Poe, Nevermore, produced at the Signature in 2006 with orchestrations by Tony-winner Jonathan Tunick. His latest work with A.K. Brink and Ryan Dean, Martin: The King of Pizza, commissioned by Creative Cauldrin, Inc., will have its world premiere in Falls Church this summer.

The book of The Hollow was written by one of Broadway's most accomplished actors, Hunter Foster (see my article on Foster written while he was in Spiderwoman at the Signature elsewhere on this site). He originated the role of Bobby Strong on Broadway in Urinetown the Musical. But Foster is not only a consummate performer. He is also is known for writing the book for the successful Off-Broadway musical The Summer of '42 which was recently performed at Bethesda's Round House Theatre. His latest work was writing the book for the musical Bonnie and Clyde: A Folktale, which premiered at the New York Musical Theatre Festival and was named "Most Promising New Musical".

Eric Schaeffer directed The Hollow while Zak Sandler did a masterly job as Music Director/Pianist. Another all-star cast was assembled for this show which included Mickey Cafarellli, Sherri L. Edelen, Darin Ellis, Sam Ludwig, Channez McQuay, Christopher Mueller, Jordi Parry, Autumn Seavey, Chris Sizemore, and Russell Sunday.

Connor's music was haunting and beautiful as it was in Nevermore. Foster's book included many funny and clever lines. After the show, he mentioned he took some liberties with the story to make the tale even "darker" than the original.

It was almost 11 p.m. when both musicals ended. For those who attended both performances, this musical marathon was certainly a night to remember.

Signature Theatre FREE OPEN HOUSE AUGUST 8

Don't forget about Signature's FREE Open House from Noon to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 8 offering performances, master classes, demonstrations, and exhibits.

You can hear musical highlights from the upcoming season (including Showboat and Sweeney Todd), hear reunion concerts of past Signature shows, take some dance classes, hear Emily Skinner in concert (at 6:15 p.m.) and more.

For more information, see the article on this terrific event elsewhere on this site or visit www.signature-theatre.org. For comments, write to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

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