The evolution of a new musical...

First the writers must stare down the blank page and muster the gumption to plug in a title followed with —by "me." What makes them think they can write a hundred pages of magic? Compose artful songs and walk with giants like Webber and Sondhiem and those Tuna Christmas guys? How will they survive all night writing sessions at Waffle House, pouring out their congested hearts only to have a daughter say, 'I'm not going to lie Dad, that's not too good?' Their days become weeks and months; years go by as they agonize over the next logical step when they know full well there may not be one. But one shining day, it finally starts to take shape, a beginning, middle and a tragically unsatisfying ending. They're done, for now. So they go to Kinko's on three cent copy day and make a few dozen to send to the theatrical gatekeepers listed in the book they bought at Barnes and Noble, the 2008 edition and wait. Surely there will be calls at home in the middle of the night wanting them to fly to NYC for high-level talks about their Tony acceptance speech. Certainly they will collect an impressive stack of love letters from theaters and admiring artists from across the theatrical world. No. Actually they collect a massive pile of rejection letters from literary intern assistants who were born in the nineties, regurgitating drama speak they heard at a seminar. But they're not bitter. They hang onto a fragile hope until they finally come to the realization that everybody but them thinks their baby is ugly. Is this a reason to quit? Heck no! Because if they've learned anything, it's that success is two parts talent and ten parts wanting it more. So they get mad! They know their musical is good because they've come in second in some major national contests. Those in the know would love to produce their project right after they do their own. The indicators are present. What are a couple of scribes to do? Get some actor/musician friends together at the Troutt Theater and read and sing the piece for the whole world to hear? Great idea! Make the case that what they've created is special and those who love and support the arts will want to help move it forward. Then go immediately to Waffle House for some eggs and a double helping of rewrites.

Now that you know what we've been through we hope you'll support a future production of 21 Baker Road. Writer's Stage is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) and contributions may be tax deductible.