The People in the Picture - Volume 3

Allison has headed off for the premiere of The People in the Picture! Today is our last entry about her involvement in the production:

Describe the process of getting the show on "its feet", how long it has taken to become produced, and why it took so long (were there speed bumps along the way and what were they?)

It is not unusual for a large musical to take 7-10 years to finally see a full scale production. The development is dependent on a continuous swing back and forth from script work, to new song development, hearing and seeing it with performers in workshops, and then back to the drawing board for more rewrites.  Every step along the way has to be funded, and supported, and shepherded by fans and friends.  Tenacity is key.  There are always hurdles to overcome when you are working in a collaborative art form. So, it's not unusual for the development to have fits and starts.  People go about their lives, create other plays and songs, and have many irons in the fire while they are working on the show.  They also have to make a living of course.  Rarely do they see any monetary gain until the show is produced, running for a while, and of course well received by audiences and critics.  It's a gamble, at best.

What else should we know about this production and your role in it?

A few years ago, a well known director became attached to the project, named Leonard Foglia. Many directors of new musical take over the dramaturgy as they prepare for production, and start to consider casting and staging issues. It was an indicator to me that the piece would have legs, as they say. I passed the baton to him, and I am happy to report, I was correct.  He is directing the Broadway production, and Donna Murphy stars in the lead role.  I am so proud to have traveled this journey with these amazing artists. Can't wait to see it!

For more information, visit their website!