musical theatre writers' resource center NEWSLETTER
UPCOMING CONTEST DEADLINES |
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INSIDER TIPS AND ADVICE |
July 7, 2024 How to Get NO Feedback from Elise: Vlog 82 – How is this Musical Different from All Other Musicals? Part 3 – The Idea by Erik Bork. July 7, 2024 How to Get NO Feedback from Elise: Vlog 81 – How is this Musical Different from All Other Musicals? Part 2 – Dramatic by Chris Huntley. May 1, 2024 How to Get NO Feedback from Elise: Vlog 80 – How is this Musical Different from All Other Musicals? (a 4-part series). April 1, 2024 How to Get NO Feedback from Elise: Vlog 79 – The moment BEFORE and AFTER the Song April 1, 2024 How to Get NO Feedback from Elise: Vlog 78 – ACTIVATING THE “ENSEMBLE” SONG *** Visit the INSIDER TIPS page to see the full listing of insider tips and advice videos. *** |
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SAMPLE PUBLIC DOMAIN IDEAS |
Whose Dog?by Frances Gregg EXCERPT: The old man stood a moment, shaken. His pulpy brain worked dimly toward the conception of the pain that was consuming him. “Whose dog–” that man had asked–and he hadn’t meant to help it–“whose dog!” They could do it–tie up a dog to drown in sight of people–like that–cruel. He saw the policeman coming toward him again. In a sudden frenzy he clutched his tattered garments about him and began to run, to run toward the end of the pier. The boys raced after him. “What yer gonter do?” they shouted. “What yer gonter do?” The old man turned and looked at them a moment with twitching features. “I’m gonter die,” he said. “Come on, you fellers–come on–the drunk’s gonter dive–come on–he’s cryin’!” COMMENTS: There are not many events, but there’s a very interesting, dark premise here about an old man about to drown himself. The Queen of Quokby L. Frank Baum EXCERPT: “Your majesty, we have thought of a way to restore your kingdom to its former power and magnificence.” “All right,” replied his majesty, carelessly. “How will you do it?” “By marrying you to a lady of great wealth,” replied the counselor. “Marrying me!” cried the king. “Why, I am only ten years old!” The Man and the Eagleby Ambrose Bierce EXCERPT: An Eagle was once captured by a Man, who clipped his wings and put him in the poultry yard, along with the chickens. The Eagle was much depressed in spirits by the change. COMMENTS: Sardonic. Cynical. Fun. Boots And His Brothersby Sir George Webbe Desent EXCERPT: Once on a time there was a man who had three sons, Peter, Paul, and John. John was Boots, of course, because he was the youngest. I can’t say the man had anything more than these three sons, for he hadn’t one penny to rub against another; and so he told his sons over and over again they must go out into the world and try to earn their bread, for there at home there was nothing to be looked for but starving to death. A Night At An Innby Lord Dunsany EXCERPT: [BILL picks up a body under the arms.] THE TOFF. That’s right, Bill. [Does the same.] Come and help us, Sniggers…. [SNIGGERS comes.] Keep low, keep low. Wave their arms about, Sniggers. Don’t show yourself. Now, Albert, over you go. Our Albert is slain. Back you get, Bill. Back, Sniggers. Still, Albert. Mustn’t move when he comes. Not a muscle. [A face appears at the window and stays for some time. Then the door opens and, looking craftily round, the third Priest enters. He looks at his companions’ bodies and turns round. He suspects something. He takes up one of the knives and with a knife in each hand he puts his back to the wall. He looks to the left and right.] THE TOFF. Come on, Bill. [The Priest rushes to the door. THE TOFF knifes the last Priest from behind.] THE TOFF. A good day’s work, my friends. BILL. Well done, Toffy. Oh, you are a deep one! ALBERT. A deep one if ever there was one. SNIGGERS. There ain’t any more, Bill, are there? THE TOFF. No more in the world, my friend. *** Visit the PUBLIC DOMAIN IDEAS to see the complete stories *** |
As a Musical Theatre Writers’ Resource Center subscriber, you receive this newsletter once a month.
In it, you will find a listing of videos with insiders tips and advice; a listing of upcoming contest deadlines; links to our newest featured video releases; listings for new Writer Bank Members who have joined recently; some sample public domain ideas from our library; and some fun samplings of pictures, lyrics, and musical theatre historical trivia.
Make sure to visit the RESOURCE CENTER online to see complete listings; as well as listings of theatre companies, useful links, and links to online musical theatre videos.
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![]() Lillian Russell – 1888. From the New York Public Library collections. |
No more words. --Alain Boubil; trans. Herbert Kretzmer |
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MUSICAL THEATRE ARCHIVES |
September 16, 1924 Lauren Bacall, star of Applause and Woman of the Year who came to the musical stage after 25 years of movie stardom, was born today. September 2, 1910 Kitty Carlisle Hart, who appeared in numerous vaudeville shows and Broadway musicals – as well as on film with The Marx Brothers in A Night at the Opera – was born. Also well known for her 20 year leadership of the New York State Council on the Arts and as the wife of My Fair Lady and Camelot director Moss Hart. She died in April 2007 at the age of 97. September 26, 1957 The show created by one of the all-time starriest creative teams – Arthur Laurents (book), Leonard Bernstein (music), Stephen Sondheim (lyrics), Jerome Robbins (director/choreographer), and Harold Prince (producer) – West Side Story, opened on Broadway. September 12, 1933 Bela Lugosi, famous for his 1931 film portrayal of Dracula, made his Broadway musical debut in Murder at the Vanities. September 22, 1964 Fiddler on the Roof, arguably the last show of the golden era of musical theatre, opened. The original cast featured Maria Karnilova, Bea Arthur, Bert Convy, Austin Pendleton, Joanna Merlin, Julia Migenes, and, of course, Zero Mostel, who won his third Tony in five years for playing Tevye. |
When you see a guy --Frank Loesser |
![]() Window card for By Jupiter . 1942. From the Billy Rose Theater Collection, New York Public Library |
Talk to me nice. --Dave Frishberg |
new musicals ... illuminating |