Works We’ve Supported: 2024
In 2024, the National Foundation for Musical Theatre continued its support of new musical theatre through partnerships that gave artists opportunities to develop, refine, and share their work. From festival presentations to other forms of artistic development, our support helped new musicals move forward and connect with audiences and industry professionals.
National Alliance for Musical Theatre
36th Annual Festival of New Musicals
As a Producing Sponsor of the 36th Annual Festival of New Musicals at New World Stages in New York City, the National Foundation for Musical Theatre helped support eight new works presented to audiences and industry professionals. Presented by the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Festival continues its long tradition of introducing new musicals and the artists who create them to the field.
The Brass Teapot: A New Musical
Based on the 2012 indie cult film, The Brass Teapot is a magical, mischievous dark musical comedy with a driving alt-pop-rock score that asks: how far would you go to hurt the ones you love, if it meant you and they would want for nothing?
Dear Ex
Dear Ex is all about the big break up. In Dear Ex, the protagonist Be writes letters to her ex as she stumbles through the stages of breakup grief. This Black, queer falling-out-of-love story comes to life through the pop and soul music of musician Be Steadwell. Featuring an all BIPOC, queer and trans cast, Be Steadwell’s musical tells the story of heartbreak in a series of letters, scenes and songs. Dear Ex explores self-love, addiction, twerking, sex, life and death through the lens of a heartbroken, queer Black woman.
Helsinki
A down-on-her-luck waitress and down-on-his-luck factory worker spark a shy love affair that’s put to the ultimate test by the economically (and emotionally!) depressed landscape of 1990s Finland. Helsinki is an absurdly deadpan, achingly romantic dark comedy that asks if life’s losers can find (and keep!) the love they deserve.
In Clay
Based on a true story, In Clay is a one-woman musical told from a Parisian apartment in 1938. Ceramist Marie Cazin awaits her estranged childhood friend, and now celebrated artist, Henrietta Tirman. Her imminent arrival pushes Marie to reflect on the joys and sorrows of a life devoted to making art.
Lewis Loves Clark
Lewis Loves Clark is a funny, fast-paced epic about the famous Corps of Discovery expedition. Combining bluegrass, folk and pop, this tragicomedy follows Meriwether Lewis (a depressed closeted alcoholic), William Clark (just breathtakingly oblivious), Sacagawea (permanently exasperated), and York (would rather be birdwatching) as they grapple with the not-so-great unknown.
LIGHTHOUSE
With graduation in the rearview mirror, Bus is desperate to run away from her Minnesota hometown and everyone in it. The only problem? She can’t outrun herself. LIGHTHOUSE is a sweeping pop-country musical that celebrates the idea that maybe, just maybe every version of yourself is worth being.
Medusa
When you hear the name Medusa, what is the first thought that springs to mind? Mortal or Monster? Victim or Villain? Beguiler or Betrayed? This folk inspired, musical retelling of the ancient Greek myth, reclaims the narrative and gives Medusa the space to be the heroine of her own story.
Proud Marys
Three daughters shake up the strict traditions of their religious Filipino-American family when they all get knocked up out of wedlock at the same time. Proud Marys is a seriocomedy that busts wide open the myth of the model minority Asian-American family, one pop song at a time. It’s SIX meets a Fil-Am Fiddler on the Roof.
Rhinebeck Writers Retreat
Supporting the Development of New Musicals
The National Foundation for Musical Theatre was proud to support the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, which gives musical theatre writing teams the time and space to focus entirely on developing new work. Through fully funded, weeklong residencies, writers can step away from the demands of daily life and devote themselves to their musicals without giving up ownership or future royalties. In 2024, our support helped make possible the residency of Andy Roninson and Sean McVerry as they developed their new musical, The Real Kyle McCarren.
The Real Kyle McCarren
At 21, musician Andy Roninson received a phone call that Kyle McCarren died. Kyle was the guitarist in his rock band, his best friend, and an a**hole. Andy himself sits at the piano to grapple with the legacy of a complicated dude– who then materializes, guitar in hand. In this 90-minute musical/concert/séance, Andy encounters Kyle’s family and loved ones at the funeral, hearing stories that redefine his own chaotic friendship with the deceased. It sounds like a bummer, I promise it’s not.