NEW YORK

"The Next Thing You Know"

"The Next Thing You Know" is the product of the wonderful team of Joshua Salzman (music) and Ryan Cunningham (lyrics).  It is a song cycle currently in development with director John Simpkins.

This dynamic duo met at the NYU Tisch Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program and their thesis musical entitled "I Love You Because" went on to be professionally produced Off-Broadway, earning them a Drama Desk nomination.  It has since spawned a cast album on PS Classic and has been produced both nationally and internationally.

"The Next Thing You Know" features some very clever and wonderful songs.  Keep your ear to the ground on this one.

"Piece" features the collaboration of the extremely talented composer/lyricist Scott Alan and very talented writer Kate Wetherhead.  The show enjoyed a week-long workshop at NYC's Ripley-Grier Studios during the week of June 8-12 under the direction of Bud Martin, Artistic Director at Act Two Playhouse in Ambler, PA.

The show features gorgeous music.  Standout songs include "Never Neverland" and "There It Is," both hauntingly beautiful.

The book is very clever and takes a look at one character at four different stages of her life.  Stay tuned for this future winner.

"Radio Girl" is a musical based on  the novel Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin and the 1938 Twentieth Century Fox film starring Shirley Temple.  The book is by Daniel Goldfarb, with music by Henry Krieger and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead.

The story line centers around Rebecca Winstead, a spunky ten year-old with a wonderful voice and a determined attitude.  Her singing talents and bright personality win her the title of "Lucky Little Radio Girl."

The project is the brainstorm of Kelly Gonda (East of Doheny), who has put this talented creative team together.  The show is delightful and should enjoy a great run as family entertainment.  It will certainly draw comparisons to the Broadway megahit "Annie," but that is certainly nice company to be keeping.

PHILADELPHIA

"The Next Reunion"

Larry McKenna (Playwright)

"The Next Reunion" is a hilarious comedy by Philadelphian Larry McKenna about two guys who go to their 10-year high school reunion only to find that nobody remembers them.  They team up with the class "goth girl" and, together, the three of them decide to bag their own reunion and crash two other ones in the same hotel.  They all assume false identities and the laughs come when things do not go quite as planned.

The show enjoyed a very successful reading at Act Two Playhouse in Ambler, PA and was picked up the Society Hill Playhouse in Philadelphia.  It will do a six-week run from May 13 to June 20.  Auditions will be held in October.

The website is www.TheNextReunion.com and will be up and running in September.