Here, via email, we hear from composer Lance Horne, who will perform songs from his album "First Things Last" March 31 at Birdland Jazz Club with special guests Alan Cumming, Rachel Dratch and Alice Ripley.

What show recently impressed you?
I just saw Emma Rice's production of Tristan & Yseult at the Berkeley Rep, and it gave me simultaneous faith in love and theatre. I'm really excited to get to work with her and Meow Meow for our new show there this fall. She's the real deal, and there's barely enough room on her sleeve for all that heart.

What production are you most excited to see?
If/Then. It's all my mates on stage making a new musical. Honestly, what could be more exciting? That's the dream we all had getting into the business, and I'm so happy for our community that good, new, original work is thriving and being supported.

If you could write a musical for any actor, who would you choose and why?
Judy Blazer. I cannot say enough about her as an artist, an interpreter, a person and a muse. I would write whatever she wanted, especially if Paulette Haupt could help guide it. Paulette is an undersung hero of new work in the world. And truly, if I could, I would wallpaper my life with Judy Blazer.

What are your current/upcoming projects?
The Night Before My Wedding, a new stage work with text by Neil Gaiman, a score and original songs for the upcoming animated feature "Bremen," a great new musical with Craig Lucas, and the upcoming 24 Hour Musicals for the Orchard Project (I did it before and had an amazing time — it's documented in "One Night Stand"). I'm so excited to be reuniting with Rachel Dratch at Birdland, and with Alan and Alice on board, it feels like home on stage. I really hope you can all join us.