Titusville Playhouse to develop, debut new holiday musical
Titusville Playhouse is making its mark on the musical theater scene in a collaboration with theatrical development company Lively McCabe Entertainment.
In a news release, Lively McCabe and theatrical licensing agency Music Theatre International (MTI) announced that a new holiday jukebox musical, “What A Wonderful World,” will be produced at Titusville Playhouse in November 2024. Steven Heron will direct the show, and Spencer Crosswell will serve as music director.
The show, written in 2021 by Jeremy Desmon with musical arrangements by Jesse Vargas, follows Santa and Mrs. Claus as they try to retire, but they must pass the baton to a new Santa. Their choice, a young advertising executive from New York City, declines the job, putting the fate of Christmas in jeopardy.
The musical includes familiar Christmas tunes like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” along with other popular songs.
“It is a musical that MTI is now picking up,” Heron said. “The leadership and staff of MTI will all be coming in for our production to see it before it is released across the world in 2025.”
Heron says the theater will work with the show’s creators in making adjustments to the script and score.
“We will have the opportunity to make changes and revisions even as we are in the run of the show,” he said. “It is really exciting to not create from the bottom up, but really hone in and make the show the best it can be.”
The production marks the beginning of an agreement between Titusville Playhouse and Lively McCabe to help develop and produce new works before they are added to MTI’s extensive catalog. According to Heron, the plan is for Titusville Playhouse to debut one new show every year or two.
“It is a huge honor that they trust and respect our creative vision, production quality, along with the incredible performers we have at the Titusville Playhouse to reach out to us for this collaboration,” Heron said.
“I am so excited that we have been able to enter into this collaboration and look forward to many years of working together.”
Currently on stage: Wilkommen, bienvenue, welcome! Titusville's 'Cabaret' a tale of gritty, glittering Berlin
Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Titusville Playhouse to develop, debut new musical
