New Works
Brandon Ivie on New Musicals
Associate Artistic Director for New Works Brandon Ivie discusses new musicals and why he loves them.
Tell us about your favorite memory of creating a new musical.
My favorite memory was in the development process of The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes. For the mainstage production we conceived a 10-minute finale fantasy sequence that was a loving homage to musical theatre. We spent a few days in a rehearsal room mapping out the structure of this giant dance break sequence with colored notecards and spread them out, moved them around, and made some real magic. It was an example of going into the room with nothing and then leaving with a really exciting new number!
What new works are you excited about now?
I’m very excited about the next two new works we are developing in Issaquah – Eastbound and Miss Step. We have been developing both shows for years and are taking big steps forward. Eastbound is receiving a Beta production this June after being in our 2019 Festival and doing a 2020 Zoom reading, and Miss Step is getting a movement workshop later this spring. It’s an aerobics musical so movement and dance are going to be a huge part of it!
Why should audiences try seeing a new musical?
New musicals are like the Netflix or Hulu of the musical theatre world. Seeing revivals of shows you already know and love is one kind of thrill, but getting the chance to experience something brand new that is pushing the boundaries of the form and what musicals are about is so exciting! And I truly think you will be able to say, “I saw it first!” after these shows go on to big success in the future.
What makes Village Theatre’s New Works program different?
We develop musicals at every single stage of their process. Some shows come to us with great writers and a germ of an idea, and they come out to Village and just start to dream and begin writing. Other shows come more fully formed and are ready for a reading. Some shows need to be in production or get up on their feet to discover their next steps. We do it all!
Learn more about Village Theatre’s New Works programs here, and stay tuned for more information about this summer’s Festival of New Musicals, returning August 19-21.