New Musical Laboratory prepares for takeoff in ‘zany’ musical comedy

The New Musical Laboratory (NML), a joint program between Wharton Center for Performing Arts and the Michigan State University Department of Theatre, is featuring the 90-minute musical comedy, “Taking Off!” This is the 10th annual collaboration of the event. 

“Many times, these shows have never been on their feet,” “Taking Off!” director Adam Yankowy said. “This, for example, has never, ever, been staged, so it’s super exciting.” 

NML brings professionals from the theatre realm to campus to work with students, fostering a unique collaboration that involves them in the creative process of developing a show. These professionals could range from dramaturgs, research experts who work with creative teams to provide historical and textual context to shows, writers and even actors, Yankowy said. 

The process for students involves being cast in the show itself or working behind the scenes with guidance from professionals. 

For acting and music education senior David Meagher this is his first time being a part of NML. He is assistant to the composer and assistant music director, working alongside Matthew Lowy, the composer, and David Wendelberger, the musical director. 

“This show is just a bunch of fun,” Meagher said. “It’s wacky and zany, but also has a beautiful connection between characters.”

Set in 1967, the show revolves around Amelia Darehart, a female mechanic, who becomes a stewardess and quickly finds out it’s not as glamorous as she thought. Hijinks take place, bad dancing occurs and even a misguided diamond heist. The story blends humor and emotion while offering thoughtful commentary on gender roles.

“Taking Off!” began as a book by Sonya Hayden, who also penned the lyrics. The music was composed by Lowy. The production is directed by Yankowy, with musical direction by Wendelberger. This year, students are joined by Hayden and Lowy, as well as professional actor Arnie Rodriguez, whose roles include those from “Cinderella,” “Evita” and “A Chorus Line.” 

Finance and acting sophomore Aubriana Scott who plays Julie, an earnest and kind stewardess, said the experience is surreal. 

“I feel like students are so eager to learn,” Scott said. “A lot of us are acting majors or musical theatre minors, so we’re always constantly in this space of art and development. We’re so eager to get things on its feet and learn new things.” 

Each show concludes with a Q&A session, allowing audiences to provide feedback that will help guide the production after its residency at MSU.

“It’s important for writers to know, ‘where does the show go from here,’” Yankowy said.

Professionals who are invited to MSU get to provide insight to students and go into classrooms to give back to others who may not have access to the rehearsal room. 

“It’s actually really inspiring,” Scott said. “Arnie, our guest artist, came in as a guest professor to teach a lot of our classes. He gave us advice. And then, Sonya, getting her insight from my character has been really helpful for me.”

Yankowy hopes audiences have a good time, “I think we need laughter and joy right now,” he said. “I think it’s important for our society to be able to escape. And a musical comedy does that.”

“Taking Off!” will be shown Sept. 19-21 at the Pasant Theatre within Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Tickets can be purchased at https://arts.msu.edu/event/taking-off/.