Three musicals written by Chicagoans?two with California collaborators?were chosen by the prestigious ASCAP Foundation/Disney Theatrical Productions Musical Theatre Workshop.
Their musicals will be presented during a five-day workshop in April at the Chicago Cultural Center.
The three original works-in-progress chosen from nearly 100 applicants are:
“Ebenezer: Return of the Scrooge” by Dramatist Guild member Keith Huff, book and lyrics, and music and lyrics by Adryan Russ of Glendale, Calif. Christine enlists actors from her acting troupe to portray the ghosts of Christmas to spook Uncle Scrooge back to his penny-pinching senses. April 6 and 21.
“The New Kid,” book, lyrics by Jordan Mann and book, music by Jeff Thomson of Los Angeles. Dealing with contemporary themes, this is a story of unlikely heroes and finding hope and redemption in the face of apathy and injustice. April 6 and 20.
“Julian Po,” by Andrew Barrett, book, lyrics, and music by Ira Antelis; a rollicking yet cautionary tale of Man’s greatness. April 8 and 22. (See separate story in Jonathan Abarbanel’s column.)
The original works-in-progress will receive professional critiques by panelists, including Kevin Bannerman, independent producer; David Lee, theatrical director and creator of “Frasier,” and theatrical director Marc Jacobs, director of Conservatory Programs at Broadway by the Bay.
The workshop is directed by theatre composer/lyricist Craig Carnelia (“The Sweet Smell of Success,” “Is There Life after High School” based on Studs Terkel’s book).
Held in conjunction with the Chicago Dept. of Cultural Affairs, the Workshops are free and open to all: April 6, 8, 20, 21 and 22, at 7:30 p.m.
See ascap.com for more information.
