The 2019 Season: Legend, Myth, and Lore
In 2019, the tales we grew up with and the storytelling methods we hold dear come to life in truly unique musical theatre experiences. 2019 also features three pieces by Wisconsin composers and three pieces composed by women!
February 28-March 9 The Brink Lounge, 701 E. Washington Ave
Book and Lyrics by Julia Jordan Music by Juliana Nash
Directed by Meghan Randolph Music Direction by Jennifer Hedstrom
The sexy, scandalous, wildly evocative MURDER BALLAD tells the story of Sara, a married mother who, out of boredom and self-loathing, begins a torrid affair with her ex-boyfriend, sexy bartender Tom. Her life soon unravels into a heap of lies, deceit, betrayal, and murder. Staged physically and immersively, MURDER BALLAD's twists, turns, and shocking ending are a delicious way to satisfy your craving for scandal and lust.
August 16-24, 2019 Play Circle, Wisconsin Union, 800 Langdon St.
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Nathan Fosbinder
Directed by Catie O'Donnell Music Direction by Mark Wurzelbacher
After an audience-informed workshop in 2018, MTM is thrilled to bring its first original work to life in a full staging. HEPHAESTUS, by Madison-born composer Nathan Fosbinder, brings to life the underdog of Greek myths: Lame-legged, seemingly useless Hephaestus, who pines for the love of Aphrodite and endures the scorn of his family. Wit and humor combined with soaring contemporary melodies bring the often one dimensional Greek Gods to palpable life in this, a true MTM and Wisconsin original.
October 17-19, 2019 Threshold, 2717 Atwood Ave.
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Meghan Rose and Kelly Maxwell
Directed by Meghan Randolph Music Direction by Lisa Mueller
In an unknown world, an unknown time and place, three childhood friends face a war on humanity and test the bonds of their love for one another. Trapped by a faceless, nameless captor, they travel through their lives together to unveil his identity. This Madison original, which debuted at Broom Street Theater in 2015 and had a run at the prestigious New York Musical Theatre Festival, comes home for a professional production. Glorious music and sumptuous storytelling make Held a truly one-of-a-kind musical theatre experience.
Plus: Wisconsin New Musicals Cycle Presents Ten Days In A Madhouse
Music by Jennifer Hedstrom, Book by Karen Saari
This show will have a reading in 2019, workshop in 2020, and go on to full staging in 2021, all with audience feedback along the way. As with HEPHAESTUS, audiences will get to trace a new piece as it takes shape. Written by local artists Jennifer Hedstrom and Karen Saari, TEN DAYS IN A MADHOUSE will explore the story of Nellie Bly, an 1800's journalist who got herself committed to an asylum in order to expose the atrocities taking place inside.
First reading: December 4, 2019, 7pm at Lakeside Street Coffeehouse
Workshop: Summer, 2020
Full production: Summer, 2021