Music and Lyrics by Gaby Alter
Book and Additional Lyrics by Tommy Newman
Since "29" was performed at the Tisch GMTWP as a thesis reading, it was fully staged and produced by John Simpkins and the Steinhardt School of Education at the Provincetown Playhouse Theatre in Greenwich village in March 2007. Songs from the show have been performed at the Tisch on Broadway Gala hosted by Billy Crystal, William Finn's evening of new songwriters at Barrington Stage Company in Vermont, and at the Clear Space Productions New Works Festival in Delaware.
"29" is a tapestry of characters in their twenties who face defining moments of growing up--from getting a job to an unexpected pregnancy to a parent’s illness. As adulthood and the world bring increased separation and disillusionment, they struggle to stay connected to each other and to their real selves.
The score's style is pop/rock, at times recalling Billy Joel, Ben Folds and James Taylor. The piece’s overall tone is contemporary, and one of bittersweet optimism, with moments ranging from playful and funny to touching and uplifting.
Ensemble
Tituss Burgess
Tituss Burgess
Farah Alvin and Jason Williams
Ensemble
Farah Alvin
Gaby Alter
Anika Larsen
Anika Larsen
Lauren Marcus and Michael Kadin Craig
(Live performance)
Jason Williams
