The Pasadena Musical Theatre Program (PMTP) is a unique non-profit performing arts training organization in Pasadena, California, dedicated to developing and nurturing creative talents in the performing arts by encouraging students to embrace musical theatre as a method of self-exploration to enhance their personal growth and professionalism. Established in 1995, it continues to grow under the leadership of Artistic Director Ryan Scott Oliver, with two theatre companies serving elementary through high school students, a conservatory, masterclasses, concerts, and more throughout the year. It provides the highest level of arts education while also remaining the lowest costing theatre organization in Pasadena, dollar-per-hour. Find out more at http://www.pasadenamusicaltheatre.org.

TheaterMania’s review of the PLACEBO Original Concept Cast Recording:

“This concept recording will prompt many listeners to wonder when this giddy, utterly delightful new tuner will reach a stage near them. The show focuses on the populace of a small town that’s willingly suckered into believing in a miracle cure-all drug. While the recording doesn’t fully indicate how Joshua Borths’ satiric book will play, Danny Abosch’s tunes are an infectious, ear-pleasing joy, particularly the exuberant “Everything You’ve Ever Dreamed Of” in which the population of Silverville falls into the thrall of the titular drug.”
-Andy Propst, Theatermania.com

In May, I graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.M. in Music Education, and also became a certified teacher. PLACEBO was also workshopped in May at Emerson College in Boston. Later that month, I music directed and conducted BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the Power Center at the University of Michigan. I spent much of June working on an expanded orchestration of PLACEBO. In July, I music directed ONCE ON THIS ISLAND Jr. with Young People’s Theater in Ann Arbor, and was the pianist for their production of ALADDIN earlier this month. At the moment, I’m getting ready for my move to New York City, where I will be studying in NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Program. Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy the rest of your summer!

“This concept recording will prompt many listeners to wonder when this giddy, utterly delightful new tuner will reach a stage near them. The show focuses on the populace of a small town that’s willingly suckered into believing in a miracle cure-all drug. While the recording doesn’t fully indicate how Joshua Borths’ satiric book will play, Danny Abosch’s tunes are an infectious, ear-pleasing joy, particularly the exuberant “Everything You’ve Ever Dreamed Of” in which the population of Silverville falls into the thrall of the titular drug.”
-Andy Propst, Theatermania.com

“PLACEBO THE MUSICAL, written by University of Michigan students Danny Abosch and Joshua Borths is unique, clever and tuneful, venturing into new musical theatre territory never mined before…When the overture started I sat up and took notice of the strong melodies Mr. Abosch provides, showing a sure hand and a knowledge of musical theater…the score is highly promising, reminiscent of a diverse number of great modern scores with a happy nod to Broadway’s past. Mr. Abosch has a great ear for melody, creating both catchy show tunes and lilting ballads that serve the story well…the CD is highly entertaining and a strong indication of amazing things to come from these talented young writers.”
-Jason Fortner, Broadway Cafe Society

“Placebo: A New Musical, music and lyrics by Danny Abosch and book by Joshua Borths, had me feeling its effects all day, and I say this in the best way possible.
It’s been a while since I’ve been so fascinated by a show’s concept, and despite the fact that a musical of this title could easily be a one trick pony, I was surprised at the many facets of human relationships that one little pill could reveal…These details really lend themselves to some skilled, thoughtful songs, many of which explore the idea of a placebo for all its nuances.”
-Kimberly Lew, Emerging Musical Theatre

OCUStripped, Oklahoma City University’s student-run musical theatre organization announces the selections for their New Musicals Project. OCUStripped received a record 26 submissions from the US, UK, and Denmark. Shows will be presented on February 5 and 6, 2011.

Placebo, by University of Michigan students Danny Abosch and Joshua Borths follows the story of two brothers who persuade their town to purchase what they claim to be a miracle pill, invented by their late father, the scientist Dr. Wilson. The pill is actually a placebo made of nothing but sugar, but the town, believing it to be real, becomes carried away with the ‘miracles’ that the pill is reportedly responsible for.

Piggy in the Middle by English composers Andrew Pollard and Steven Markwick is a playful showbiz retelling of the familiar Three Little Pigs featuring the title as a do-wop singing girl group and the big bad wolf as a lascivious producer intent on exploiting their talents.

Seasons, by New York Composers Katie Hammond and Elaine Pechacek is an intimate look into the lives of four people: Helen and Peter, a young couple dealing with an unexpected surprise; and Hope and her mother Mrs. Jones, who are trying to cope with Mrs. Jones’ diagnosis of stage three breast cancer.

These three shows will be presented in 45-minute excerpts and will perform in OCU’s Petree Recital Hall February 5 and 6, 2011, free admission.

Photo by Chris Dzombak

The world premiere production of “Placebo” was a huge success! All four performances were completely sold out, and we received very helpful feedback about the show. We recorded a cast album as well, with full cast and orchestra. Stay posted for details about the album release! Thanks again to everyone involved and everyone who came out to see the show, it was a very exciting experience and a vital step in the development of this piece. Click here for more information about “Placebo”.

Also, check out some recent articles about the show!

‘Placebo’ musical is super effective — Michigan Daily, 11/8/2010

New musical ‘Placebo’ premieres via U-M’s Basement Arts this weekend — AnnArbor.com 11/10/2010

Placebo: A New Musical
Conceived by Danny Abosch and Joshua Borths
Music and Lyrics by Danny Abosch
Book by Joshua Borths

November 11th-13th at 7pm, November 12th at 11pm
Studio One, Walgreen Drama Center
1226 Murfin Ave, Ann Arbor, MI

Tickets are FREE on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Check back here and at Basement Arts’ website for more information, and feel free to email me with any questions!