Danny Abosch

Photo Credit: Paul Ruffolo

The World Premiere of “Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom Of The Auditorium“, with Book and Lyrics by John Maclay and Music and Lyrics by Danny Abosch, opened last month at First Stage in Milwaukee, WI, and Oregon Children’s Theatre in Portland, OR. Here’s what the critics had to say!

“Some of the best and most interesting lyrics I’ve heard in a long time…the relationship with Abosch, whom Maclay calls “a genius” is one that will hopefully spawn more and more works at First Stage.”
-OnMilwaukee
Link to article: First Stage’s “Goosebumps” conjures a fabulously frightful night for families

“Frightful fun…Danny Abosch’s creepy, slightly pop score sounds much more suited to Stine’s material than Danny Elfman’s erratic, overly cute instrumental arrangement for the recent film. In fact, Sony Pictures should grab the play’s opening song for the upcoming “Goosebumps” movie sequel. This is one of those rare musicals with a tune that sticks in your head, playing over and over, days later.”
-The Oregonian
Link to article: ‘Goosebumps the Musical’ is frightful fun from Oregon Children’s Theatre (review)

“Abosch is a highly talented musical composer and arranger, and the script is appropriate for children but holds enough humor, thrills and chills to hold the attention of an adult audience member for the 90 minutes or so of the show. When First Stage pledges that it’s theater for the entire family, it’s not an empty pledge.”
-OnMilwaukee
Link to article: First Stage’s formula for excellence and a “Book of Mormon” ticket lottery

“Funny, Scary, Delightful…First Stage Associate Artistic Director John Maclay and Music Director-Composer Danny Abosch have adapted the novel into a musical which will charm audiences of all ages.”
-Shepherd Express
Link to article: Funny, Scary, Delightful – First Stage turns ‘Goosebumps’ into a charming musical

“The company sends goosebumps through audiences on edge sitting in their seats with an exciting and entertaining production tinged with humor.”
-BroadwayWorld
Link to article: BWW Review: First Stage GOOSEBUMPS THE MUSICAL World Premieres TYA Chills and Thrills

“First Stage’s ‘Goosebumps’ serves chills with humor”
-Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Link to article: First Stage’s ‘Goosebumps’ serves chills with humor

“A silly, spooky adventure…family-friendly fun.”
-FOX6
Link to article: A silly, spooky adventure: First Stage presents a new show which promises chills and thrills

“Being a mystery buff myself, I have to admit there are a couple of twists and turns that would have even made Dame Agatha proud.”
-Dennis Sparks
Link to article: Goosebumps, the musical, Phantom of the Auditorium—Oregon Children’s Theatre—downtown Portland

“Stan Foote, artistic director of Oregon Children’s Theatre and director of this musical, again sets a high bar for a smart, funny and well-staged musical for younger audiences. Like any good children’s art, Goosebumps entertains adults, as well.”
-Oregon Artswatch
Link to article: Something Goosebump this way comes

For tickets, visit the links below:

First Stage – Milwaukee, WI
October 14 – November 13, 2016
Tickets available here: http://www.firststage.org/goosebumps

Oregon Children’s Theatre – Portland, OR
October 22 – November 20, 2016
Tickets available here: http://www.octc.org/goosebumps

Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom Of The Auditorium
Book and Lyrics by John Maclay, Music and Lyrics by Danny Abosch

Produced by special arrangement with GURMAN AGENCY, LLC, New York, NY
™ & © Scholastic Inc. SCHOLASTIC, GOOSEBUMPS and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered marks of Scholastic Inc. Based on Goosebumps® Phantom of the Auditorium by R.L. Stine.

All photos by Paul Ruffolo Photography.

More photos from the First Stage production: https://flic.kr/s/aHskJPZF2v

Photos from the Oregon Children’s Theatre production: http://www.octc.org/goosebumps

Art: First Stage, Scholastic

The World Premiere of “Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom Of The Auditorium“, with Book and Lyrics by John Maclay and Music and Lyrics by Danny Abosch, opens this week at First Stage in Milwaukee, WI, and Oregon Children’s Theatre in Portland, OR. The musical is based on the best-selling Goosebumps series of children’s horror fiction novellas by R. L. Stine, published by Scholastic Publishing. With more than 350 million copies in print, Goosebumps is the number two bestselling children’s book series of all time. The series was also adapted into a television series and 2015 feature film starring Jack Black.

According to the show’s description: “Mysterious events befall the theater and no one can be sure if it’s just coincidence or the work of…The Phantom! Prepare to get “Goosebumps” as the mystery unfolds! This (only a little) spooky world-premiere musical is based on the beloved series from R.L. Stine.”

The First Stage production is directed by Niffer Clarke and runs at the Todd Wehr Theater through November 13. The cast includes: Carrie Hitchcock, Chris Klopatek, Marie Charles, Charles Kelley, Jake Koch, Chantae Miller, Bradley Nowacek, Georgina Pink, Mallorey Wallace, Cole Winston, Sam Gist, Riley Halpern, Heaven Lucas, Madeline McNichols, Gaby Musickant, Max Pink, Gabe Smith, and Matthias Wong. Understudies include Marques Causey and Lachrisa Grandberry. The Artistic Staff includes: Niffer Clarke (Director/Choreographer); Danny Abosch (Music Director); Martin McClendon (Scenic Designer); Nick Belley (Lighting Designer); Misti Bradford (Costume Designer); Matt Whitmore (Sound Designer); Melissa L. Wanke, Member of Actor’s Equity Association (Rehearsal Stage Manager); Carrie Taylor, Member of Actor’s Equity Association (Calling Stage Manager); and Cassidy Williams (Assistant Stage Manager).

The Oregon production is directed by Artistic Director Stan Foote and runs at the Newmark Theatre through November 20. The cast includes: Katie McClanan, Skylar Derthick, Sophia Takla, Laurie Campbell-Leslie, Andy Haftkowycz, Brendan Long, Josephine McGehee, Emma Stewart, Gabriel Porath, and Xavier Warner. The creative team includes: Stan Foote (Director), Eric Nordin (Musical Director), Kemba Shannon (Choreographer), Kristeen Willis Crosser (Scenic Designer), Emily Horton (Costume Designer), Ian Anderson-Priddy (Lighting Designer), John Berendzen (Sound Designer), and Kaye Blakenship (Props Master).

For tickets, visit the links below:

First Stage – Milwaukee, WI
October 14 – November 13, 2016
Tickets available here: http://www.firststage.org/goosebumps

Oregon Children’s Theatre – Portland, OR
October 22 – November 20, 2016
Tickets available here: http://www.octc.org/goosebumps

Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom Of The Auditorium
Book and Lyrics by John Maclay, Music and Lyrics by Danny Abosch

Orchestrations by Danny Abosch

Produced by special arrangement with GURMAN AGENCY, LLC, New York, NY
™ & © Scholastic Inc. SCHOLASTIC, GOOSEBUMPS and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered marks of Scholastic Inc. Based on Goosebumps® Phantom of the Auditorium by R.L. Stine.

Art: First Stage, Scholastic

Tickets are now on sale for the World Premiere of “Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom Of The Auditorium”, with Book and Lyrics by John Maclay and Music and Lyrics by Danny Abosch. The musical is based on the best-selling Goosebumps series of children’s horror fiction novellas by R. L. Stine, published by Scholastic Publishing. With more than 350 million copies in print, Goosebumps is the number two bestselling children’s book series of all time. The series was also adapted into a television series and 2015 feature film starring Jack Black.

According to the show’s description: “Mysterious events befall the theater and no one can be sure if it’s just coincidence or the work of…The Phantom! Prepare to get “Goosebumps” as the mystery unfolds! This (only a little) spooky world-premiere musical is based on the beloved series from R.L. Stine.”

The show will receive simultaneous premiere productions at at First Stage in Milwaukee, WI, and Oregon Children’s Theatre in Portland, OR. For tickets, visit the links below:

First Stage – Milwaukee, WI
October 14 – November 13, 2016
Tickets available here: http://www.firststage.org/goosebumps

Oregon Children’s Theatre – Portland, OR
October 22 – November 20, 2016
Tickets available here: http://www.octc.org/goosebumps

Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom Of The Auditorium
Book and Lyrics by John Maclay, Music and Lyrics by Danny Abosch

Produced by special arrangement with GURMAN AGENCY, LLC, New York, NY
™ & © Scholastic Inc. SCHOLASTIC, GOOSEBUMPS and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered marks of Scholastic Inc. Based on Goosebumps® Phantom of the Auditorium by R.L. Stine.

“Waiting In The Wings: The Musical,” the award-winning movie musical featuring two songs by Danny Abosch, has been officially released on DVD. The film is also available for streaming and digital download. Since its debut in 2014, “Waiting In The Wings” has picked up awards at film festivals all over the country, including “Best Musical” from the Manhattan Film Festival and “Best Feature Film” from the Central Florida Film Festival, QFlix Philadelphia, and Rhode Island International Film Festival.

The cast stars Jeffrey A. Johns, Oscar-winner Shirley Jones, Emmy winner Sally Struthers, Christopher Atkins, Adam Huss, Rena Strober, Lee Meriwether, Blake Peyrot, Harrison White, David Pevsner, Mitch Poulos, Matt Wool and Arie Gonzalez.

According to production notes, “Waiting In The Wings: The Musical” follows two entertainers, destined for the big time, who are mismatched in a casting office from two very different online contests. Tony (Adam Huss), a stripper from New York, is cast in an Off-Broadway musical and needs to trade in his tear-away trunks for tap shoes and tights. Anthony (Jeffrey A Johns), a naive musical theatre enthusiast from Montana, needs to decide if he can strip all the way down just to stay in town. Hilarity ensues as they realize that in order to “make it” they’re going have to learn some new tricks. Shirley Jones, Sally Struthers, and Lee Meriwether round out this heartwarming homage to Broadway with some delightful cameos.

A sequel, Waiting in the Wings: Still Waiting, has been announced and is currently filming. In addition to the return of cast members Sally Struthers and Lee Meriwether, the film will also feature television legends Edward Asner and Bruce Vilanch. The film is also slated to feature more original music by Danny Abosch.

To purchase the film, and for more information, visit http://www.witwthemusical.com/

Art: First Stage, Scholastic

“Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom Of The Auditorium”, with Book and Lyrics by John Maclay and Music and Lyrics by Danny Abosch, will receive its World Premiere in October 2016, with simultaneous productions at First Stage in Milwaukee, WI, and Oregon Children’s Theatre in Portland, OR. The musical is based on the best-selling Goosebumps series of children’s horror fiction novellas by R. L. Stine, published by Scholastic Publishing. With more than 350 million copies in print, Goosebumps is the number two bestselling children’s book series of all time. The series was also adapted into a television series and 2015 feature film starring Jack Black.

According to the show’s description: “Mysterious events befall the theater and no one can be sure if it’s just coincidence or the work of…The Phantom! Prepare to get “Goosebumps” as the mystery unfolds! This (only a little) spooky world-premiere musical is based on the beloved series from R.L. Stine.”

Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom Of The Auditorium
Book and Lyrics by John Maclay, Music and Lyrics by Danny Abosch

Produced by special arrangement with GURMAN AGENCY, LLC, New York, NY
™ & © Scholastic Inc. SCHOLASTIC, GOOSEBUMPS and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered marks of Scholastic Inc. Based on Goosebumps® Phantom of the Auditorium by R.L. Stine.

First Stage – Milwaukee, WI
October 14 – November 13, 2016
Tickets available here: http://www.firststage.org/Shows–Events/2016-17-Season/Goosebumps-The-Musical/

Oregon Children’s Theatre – Portland, OR
October 22 – November 20, 2016
Tickets available here: http://www.octc.org/goosebumps

Musical Theatre Factory in association with The Chelsea Symphony will present the gala concert event “Get Yourself Some New Orchestrations,” the launch of an exciting new series which pairs emergent musical theatre writers with Broadway orchestrators to commission stunning new orchestrations of their shows. Excerpts from four new musicals (and one reimagined favorite!) will be brought to life by the 35-piece Chelsea Symphony and a cast of Broadway stars. In addition to the new works audiences will also get to enjoy an exclusive performance of the touring cast of The Bridges of Madison County, staring Elizabeth Stanley and Andrew Samonsky. “New Orchestrations,” will take place at Merkin Concert Hall (129 W 67th St) on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 8PM. Tickets are $50 and are available online at mtf.nyc/neworchestrations.

The Honorary Host Committee includes Tony Award-winners Daryl Roth (Kinky Boots, August: Osage County), James Lapine (Into The Woods, Sunday In The Park With George), Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, Parade) and Michael Cerveris (Fun Home, Assassins), and all proceeds will benefit the Musical Theatre Factory.

The “New Orchestrations” Series, created by founding Musical Theatre Factory Members Danny Abosch and Mira Magrill, aims to be MTF’s most ambitious project to date. The series pairs up-and-coming musical theatre composers with Broadway orchestrators, with the mission of freeing composers from the traditional economic limitations of instrumentation, to unlock new possibilities through a fully-realized reading of their scores. The size and scale of the program is unprecedented; it allows for the creation of orchestrations beyond the scope of what’s practical for a musical production, even on Broadway.

Recently hailed by the New York Times as “Heart-healing Musical Theatre…in Broadway’s backyard,” the Musical Theatre Factory is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to helping musical theatre artists develop and present new work in a collaborative atmosphere free from the pressure of critical or commercial success. Musical Theatre Factory’s Artistic Director Shakina Nayfack is the recipient of the 2015 Lilly Award for Working Miracles for her achievements in founding, and growing, the Musical Theatre Factory.

The performance will feature the 35-piece Chelsea Symphony premiering fully orchestrated excerpts from:

THE FIREBIRD
Music by Lisa Whitson Burns
Words by Christopher Staskel
Orchestrated by Matt Aument

ONLY ANNE
Music by Will Buck
Book and Lyrics by John Dietrich
Orchestrated by William David Brohn (Tony Award Winning Orchestrator of Ragtime, Wicked, Miss Saigon)

RADIOACTIVE
Music by Will Reynolds
Book and Lyrics by Eric Price
Orchestrated by Doug Besterman (Three-time Tony Award Winning Orchestrator of The Producers, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Fosse)

THE WHITE CITY
Music by Avi Amon
Words by Julia Gytri
Orchestrated by Kim D. Sherman

And an orchestral re-imagining of:
THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY
Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Book by Marsha Norman
Based on the Novel by Robert James Waller
Orchestrated by Charlie Rosen (Drama Desk Award nominee for Honeymoon in Vegas, Charlie Rosen’s Broadway Big Band)

The NEW ORCHESTRATIONS Series is directed by Danny Abosch and Mira Magrill.
The Chelsea Symphony is conducted by Matthew Aubin, Reuben Blundell, and Mark Seto. NEW ORCHESTRATIONS is generously supported by the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation.

“Get Yourself Some New Orchestrations” takes place on November 9, 2015 at 8pm at Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Music Center, 129 West 67th Street, New York, NY 10023. Tickets are available online at mtf.nyc/neworchestrations.

Musical Theatre Factory is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to helping musical theatre artists develop and present new work in a collaborative environment free from the pressures of critical or commercial success.

For more information, please contact:
Joe Trentacosta (joe@jt-pr.net) or Program Director Danny Abosch (danny@mtf.nyc)

Two staged readings off “Off The Wall” (Music by Danny Abosch, Book and Lyrics by Sarah Rebell) will be presented in the Los Angeles area August 22-29 as part of the STAGES Festival of New Musicals. The readings are produced by New Musicals Inc., which awarded “Off The Wall” First Prize in their 2014 Search for New Musicals.

The prestigious STAGES festival of new musicals, now in its 18th year, features new musicals presented in concert readings. This year’s festival features six musicals, presented in two venues over two weekends: August 21-23 at the Academy for New Musical Theatre, 5628 Vineland in North Hollywood and August 28-20 at 3D Theatricals, 1255 N. Knollwood Circle in Anaheim, CA 92801.

Off The Wall is a musical comedy loosely inspired by the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre. In this ninety minute, original musical, the Mona Lisa is brought to life when Vincenzo, a museum worker who idolizes the famous painting, kisses her. Much to Vincenzo’s dismay, Mona Lisa immediately starts causing chaos all over Paris. This fresh, tongue-in-cheek musical may take place in the Belle Époque, but it whimsically explores contemporary themes, including the glorification of celebrity, the obsession with physical beauty and the importance of taking a second glance at preconceived notions of love and art.

Off The Wall was previously developed at NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, and at The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival.

The readings are directed by Allison Bibicoff and music directed by Jan Roper.

For more information, visit http://nmi.org/stages-musical-theatre-festival/

Broadway In Chicago and Emerald City Theatre have announced FANCY NANCY THE MUSICAL, based on the bestselling book series by Jane O’Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser, will play the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut) July 11 through August 23, 2015. FANCY NANCY THE MUSICAL will be directed by Emerald City Theatre Artistic Director Ernie Nolan with a book and lyrics by Susan DiLallo and music and lyrics by Danny Abosch.

FANCY NANCY THE MUSICAL will star Katrina Kiss as Fancy Nancy, Micah Kronlokken as Lionel and Claire Kaiser as Nancy’s Mother. The cast also features Angela Alise as Bree, Samantha Mitchell as Wanda and Hayley Reynolds as Rhonda.

From the tip-top of her twinkly tiara down to her sparkly slippers, Nancy’s eager to steal the spotlight in her first dance recital. But when someone else gets picked to be the prima ballerina (that’s a fancy word for star of the show) Nancy is stuck playing a dreary, dull tree. Through practicing kindness, Nancy must become a musical hero by finding the fancy flair in her new role. Adapted from the bestselling book series, this show is full of funny, frilly ballet ballads.

Group tickets for 10 or more for FANCY NANCY THE MUSICAL are now on sale by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Individual tickets for FANCY NANCY THE MUSICAL will go on sale at a later date. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Chicago Tribune: ‘Fancy Nancy’ moves downtown

Fancy Nancy celebrates a decade in this special 10th anniversary edition of the first Fancy Nancy picture book by the New York Times bestselling team of Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser. This special edition features a link to a free downloadable song from Fancy Nancy the Musical (“Anyone Can Be Fancy”, by Danny Abosch and Susan DiLallo) and includes a sheet of lyrics to the song in the back of the book. The book is currently available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and in bookstores nationwide.

On Monday, November 24 at 8pm, Musical Theatre Factory (MTF) will host a developmental reading of MILES & ME, a new musical with Book and Lyrics by Kendell Pinkney, and Music by Danny Abosch (Fancy Nancy, Placebo). The reading will feature Ben Fankhauser (Newsies), Michael Mendez (Chaplin), and Jill Abramovitz (Cinderella) along with Jenny Rose Baker, Ally Bonino, Eric Stephenson, Jessica Kahkoska, Michael Fidalgo, and Michael Lapinsky.

MILES & ME is a coming-of-age comedy that follows the story of Cameron Jones, an aspiring musical theatre composer overwhelmed by his overbearing Jewish mother, his relationship-obsessed girlfriend, and a temporary job from Hell. When a mysterious producer, Miles, offers him the career-boost he needs, Cameron travels across the country only to find out that Miles is not at all who he claims to be.

This presentation of MILES & ME, part of the Musical Theatre Factory developmental reading series, will be directed by MTF Artistic Director Shakina Nayfack, with musical direction by James Dobinson and assistant musical direction by Chris Gurr.

MILES & ME takes place November 24 at 8pm and has a $12 suggested donation at the door. $10 advance reservations can be made online at http://mtf.nyc/events/miles-and-me/

Musical Theatre Factory is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping musical theatre artists develop and present new work in a collaborative atmosphere free from the pressures of critical or financial success. More information can be found at www.MTF.nyc

Musical Theatre Factory is located at 250 West 40th Street (between 7th & 8th Aves) on the fourth floor.