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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, \u201cTaking Off!\u201d This is the 10th annual collaboration of the event.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMany times, these shows have never been on their feet,\u201d \u201cTaking Off!\u201d director\u00a0Adam Yankowy said. \u201cThis, for example, has never, ever, been staged, so it\u2019s super exciting.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The process for students involves being cast in the show itself or working behind the scenes with guidance from professionals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis show is just a bunch of fun,\u201d Meagher said. \u201cIt\u2019s wacky and zany, but also has a beautiful connection between characters.\u201d<\/p>\n
Set in 1967, the show revolves around Amelia Darehart, a female mechanic, who becomes a stewardess and quickly finds out it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
“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 \u201cCinderella,\u201d \u201cEvita\u201d and \u201cA Chorus Line.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finance and acting sophomore Aubriana Scott who plays Julie, an earnest and kind stewardess, said the experience is surreal.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like students are so eager to learn,\u201d Scott said. \u201cA lot of us are acting majors or musical theatre minors, so we\u2019re always constantly in this space of art and development. We\u2019re so eager to get things on its feet and learn new things.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Each show concludes with a Q&A session, allowing audiences to provide feedback that will help guide the production after its residency at MSU.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important for writers to know, \u2018where does the show go from here,\u2019\u201d Yankowy said.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s actually really inspiring,\u201d Scott said. \u201cArnie, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Yankowy hopes audiences have a good time, \u201cI think we need laughter and joy right now,\u201d he said. \u201cI think it\u2019s important for our society to be able to escape. And a musical comedy does that.\u201d<\/p>\n