The creative process, according to presenters, "began Sunday, March 6 at 9 PM when all participating artists convened at the National Arts Club on Gramercy Park with a prop or costume piece to inspire the writers. After the company was briefed, the actors and directors left the writers to create the book, music and lyrics for their 15-minute musicals …in just eight hours. At 7 AM Monday morning, the directors returned to read the completed musicals and finalize casting. An hour later, the actors returned to begin the twelve-hour rehearsal process. At 8 PM, ink barely dry, the four new musicals were performed for a live audience. Although the actors only had one day to memorize lines, lyrics and music, create characters and learn blocking, the musicals were performed without scripts in hand."
Here's a look at the final presentation:
Proceeds from The 24 Hour Musicals benefit the Exchange, a NYC not-for-profit that develops new theatre work through productions and its development center for innovative theatre companies and artists in the Catskills, the Orchard Project.
