Telling a Story: One of the Integral Functions of a Musical

Abstract

The beginning of an original theatre work always starts with a workshop, which is the initial staged performance of a musical or play after it has been written and rehearsed. My musical workshop, “That’s All She Wrote,” narrates the story of an aspiring young journalist. She takes a summer internship at a newspaper in her mother’s home state of Minnesota. Although she’s not enthused by her plans for the summer, she boards a train with an open mind, knowing this is the first step in her journey to work for The New York Times. Through her job she meets Mason, a paper mill delivery boy. At first their affair is fun and aloof, but then the two begin to fall in love. Riley is bombarded for the first time with the all-consuming and confusing aspects of love. When confronted with news that could change the projection of their relationship, Riley grapples with following her heart or her mind, and tries to navigate the pangs of love without compromising her own ambitions. “That’s All She Wrote” incorporates acting, spoken word, dance and song. The book and lyrics of the musical has been written by me and has music composed by one of my peers, Collin Yates. The score of this piece is guitar-based. This musical workshop is produced through the Fifth Street Players student-run theatre company. My musical workshop benefits all School of Theatre and Dance majors who work on it, providing the unique opportunity for students to work on a musical from it’s nebulous to production. Many aspiring actors and actresses dream about originating a role, and to originate a role, one has to become involved in an original theatrical work. The musical provides the unique opportunity for students to work on a musical from it’s nebulous to production. There’s no precedent as to how the show should be performed, giving large creative freedom and responsibility to all involved.