At this live, one night only event, SHOWSEARCH presented the Top Six Musicals, which were judged based on originality, musicality, lyric writing and storytelling. Judges included Oscar and Tony award-winning actor Joel Grey, Marissa Jaret Winokur (actress, Hairspray), Chris Herzberger (Executive of Live Theatricals at Universal Pictures), Dr. Steven McCarthy (Arts Coordinator, LAUSD), and Courtney Harper (Artistic Associate and Outreach & Education Manager, Pasadena Playhouse).
SHOWSEARCH Mentors included: Jeff Marx (Avenue Q), David Zippel (City of Angels), John Bucchino (A Catered Affair), Michele Brourman (Dangerous Beauty), David Shire (Starting Here, Starting Now), and Ryan Scott Oliver (Darling, Jasper in Deadland, Mrs. Sharp).
Show Search is a NATIONAL search for the best 10-minute musical, written by 13 - 25 year olds! SHOW SEARCH performed for one night only at the beautiful Cortines Arts High School in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, March 23rd 2013 at 7PM. Admission was free.
The Musicals were judged on storytelling, musicality, performance, and originality. Director Richard Israel staged each of the musicals with an equity ensemble, and our Judges awarded one "Best Musical" Scholarship to the 16-18 year olds and one to the 19 - 25 year olds.
The TOP SIX musical teams were flown to Los Angeles, where the writers worked with calibers. The shows will then be performed and directed by Broadway professionals in a one night Staged Reading Event.
TODAY'S THE DAY: (Garrison Hall and Alexa Russo )
Best friends, Sam, Molly, and her twin brother, Mike, are quickly approaching high school graduation when they realize there are some things they each need to confess to each other before their lives change forever. This story, filled with friendship and newfound vulnerability, explores the possibilities of deciding that "Today's The Day"
INEXPERIENCED LOVE: (Jacob Tischler, Benjamin Viertel)
Take this fast-paced plunge into the mystery of new love with Jameson and Ruthie. He has always considered himself unworthy romantic material, but she has obsessed over Jameson for fourteen wishful years. Now they must battle their deep-seeded insecurities as fate flings them together.
TODAY'S THE DAY: (Garrison Hall and Alexa Russo )
Best friends, Sam, Molly, and her twin brother, Mike, are quickly approaching high school graduation when they realize there are some things they each need to confess to each other before their lives change forever. This story, filled with friendship and newfound vulnerability, explores the possibilities of deciding that "Today's The Day"
OCCUPY! THE MUSICAL: (Alex Karukas)
A farce on the modern social movement, Occupy! tells the story of a lone man who goes on a whirlwind adventure through New York City to find his place in the world. On the way, he meets a kooky cast of characters and learns all about the Occupy Wall Street movement...and himself!
NORA, I ADORE YA:(Bob Kelly and Kelly Pomeroy)
David, a shy high school freshman, and his struggle to work up the courage to ask Nora to dance at the upcoming winter formal. Nora, elated because the most popular boy in school has bumped into her, is completely oblivious of David's intentions.
JOHNNY THE PAPERBOY: (Dayna Smith, Amanda Baschnagel, Alex Smith)
JOHNNY is a musical set in the near future where all communication is through computers and technology. When the Internet is stolen, a group of kids must connect in a way they never have before to get it back - through paper!
PRE-SCHOOL: (Oliver Houser and James Zebooker)
The sweet and nurturing preschool teacher Ms. White is challenged when the compassionless Teacher Turner is brought in to teach alongside her.
INEXPERIENCED LOVE: (Jacob Tischler, Benjamin Viertel)
Take this fast-paced plunge into the mystery of new love with Jameson and Ruthie. He has always considered himself unworthy romantic material, but she has obsessed over Jameson for fourteen wishful years. Now they must battle their deep-seeded insecurities as fate flings them together.
"Kids who want to perform have lots of opportunities through their schools and local youth theater groups. But for those who create, the opportunities are practically non-existent. With Show Search we can begin to offer opportunities for up and coming talent to showcase their passion for musical theatre and the arts in a way that will reach thousands, speak to new audiences and will allow for prime exposure for these emerging musical playwrights."
— Bob Klein, Co-Executive Producer of the Festival
