“Off The Wall” Awarded First Prize in ANMT/NMI’s 2014 Search for New Musicals

Winners of the prestigious international Search for New Musicals were announced today at New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles.

First Prize goes to Off The Wall with book & lyrics by Sarah Rebell, and music by Danny Abosch.

Second Prize goes to The Anarchist Girl, with book and lyrics by J. Linn Allen and music by Cris Wo.

Third Prize goes to Invisible, with book by David Hollingsworth, and lyrics and music by David Orris.

The Search for New Musicals accepts entrants from around the globe; winners receive awards worth up to $25,000 in workshop productions, concert readings, feedback, and developmental support.

‘We are thrilled to sponsor the Search,’ says Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of NMI. ‘We love seeing what writers are creating; and of course our mission is to nurture the folks who are writing musicals, so announcing the winners of the Search is one of my favorite things to do all year!’

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 will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, feedback from the NMI staff, and will be presented in concert as part of the STAGES 2015 Festival of New Musicals this summer in Los Angeles.

More information is available HERE.