Dallas theater companies are adding more activity around original musicals, with upcoming local presentations involving both area creators and writers from outside Texas.
Director Rebecca Lowrey has been working with musical theater artists through MusicalWriters.com, an organization focused on developing new stage works. Lowrey said, "I am on a mission to show the world that Dallas-Fort Worth is a vibrant hub for new musical creation and development," as two projects connected to the group prepare for Dallas appearances.
Sell Me Yesterday is scheduled for a reading Sunday at 6 p.m. at 2422 Malcolm X Blvd. The musical is by Stephanie Ren, a New York writer credited with the book and lyrics, and Michael Matlock, a composer from Vancouver. The story centers on a drug that allows people to revisit the happiest moments from their past. Admission is free, with information listed at calendly.com/accompany/nemo.
Lowrey said the Sell Me Yesterday team spent the past year in MusicalWriters.com’s Development Series, which included support on the script, readings, marketing guidance and feedback before the staged reading. She also said local Dallas-Fort Worth performers have been cast for the presentation.
Another MusicalWriters.com project, Cleavage, is set for Oct. 15 through Nov. 1 at Theatre Three, 2688 Laclede St., Suite 120. The musical, conceived by Dallas plastic surgeon Ron Friedman and written with Laura Goodenow, uses comedy to tell a story tied to the history of breast implants. Tickets are listed at $34 to $40, with details at MusicalWriters.com/cleaVage.
