Meet the Composers of MURDEROUS MUSICAL MONDAYS- Spotlight on Pace New Musicals Writers' Room

By: Apr. 14, 2014
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The cast and creative team of the hit Off-Broadway musical Murder for Two are teaming up with some of New York's brightest up and coming composers and BroadwayWorld.com on select Monday nights for their spring concert series, Murderous Musical Mondays. Featured on Monday, April 21, 2014 will be the Pace New Musicals Writers' Room (curated by Ryan Scott Oliver), immediately following the 7pm performance of Murder for Two at New World Stages (Stage 5 - 340 West 50th Street).

Meet the new composers below!


David Gomez and John Michael Lyles

Who/what were some of your early musical influences?

Our early musical theatre influences were definitely Stephen Sondheim, William Finn, and Jonathon Larson. We're also really inspired by folk rock musicians like Laura Marling and Kings Of Leon.

Who in the theatrical/music community would you kill to work with?

We'd kill to work with Rufus Wainwright, Regina Spector, or Lillias White! We're all about unique voices and amazing storytellers.

What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this concert series?

We're stoked to see Murder for Two because all our friends have been raving about it, and we're also excited for a love-fest of old and new friends singing and drinking together. Let's get murderous!


Ian Fairlee

Who/what were some of your early musical influences

Oh all the usual suspects. Sondheim, Guettel, R + H. But if anyone, it's Ryan Scott Oliver who's my biggest influence. Mainly because it's him who got me to start writing in the first place.

Who in the theatrical/music community would you kill to work with?

I'd kill to maybe one day be good enough for a six by Sondheim situation. Five by Fairlee? RSO could fill the Oscar Hammerstein role? It'd be great. I'm laughing already.

What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this concert series?

I'm looking forward to finishing out a completely full experience. After this concert, I'll have had my material performed at New World, and I'll have had performed others material as well. I can't even begin to appreciate the opportunities to be this versatile thanks to RSO.


Aaron Albert and Katy Rea:

Who/what were some of your early musical influences?

Katy: Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Jonathan Larson,The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac

Aaron: James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Anais Mitchell, Richard Bona

Who in the theatrical/music community would you kill to work with?

Aaron: Adam Guettel, Sara Bareilles, Duncan Sheik, Michael Mayer

Katy: Ryan Scott Oliver, John Doyle, Glen Hansard, and Steve Martin

What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this concert series?

We are excited to hear these amazing performers interpret our material and we are huge fans of the other composers work!


Kailey Marshall:

Who/what were some of your early musical influences?

Sara Bareilles is probably my biggest writing influence. I think she's one of the best singer/songwriters of our generation. I've always really admired strong female writers, so Alanis Morisette and Amanda Palmer are definitely writers I admire as well. I gotta say though, Katy Perry knows how to write a HIT and I've definitely tried to take a lesson or two from her.

Who would you kill to work with in the theatrical/musical community?

I've admired Katie Thompson's work as both an actress and a writer for some time now, and I would DIE to work with her. Same goes for Shaina Taub, and I've always loved Jeanine Tesori's work.

What are you most looking forward to being a part of this concert series?

I think the thing I'm looking forward to the most is seeing new actors singing these roles. I love getting new perspectives on my characters, and this talented group of actors has a lot to bring to the table! Plus, I died for Murder for Two, so I'm still in awe that my work will be performed after that unbelievable show!


Jamen Nanthakumar

Who/what were some of your early musical influences?

When I was younger I was drawn to the drama of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music - perhaps that has to do with the fact The Phantom of the Opera was the first musical I saw on Broadway. I think that has carried into my music. I always try to have a high level of drama and theatricality in my music.

Who in the theatrical/music community would you kill to work with?

It's been my dream to have Audra McDonald sing "With Each Lace" - not gonna lie, I wrote it with her voice in my head!

What are you most looking forward to in being a part of this concert series?

I am very excited to get the chance to hear brand new voices on some of my music. It's always great to take away a unique perspective of the song based on the different performers who can shed new light on the work.



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