NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: Up-and-Coming Composers

“Stephen Sondheim who???” Can you imagine anyone uttering those words today? You’d probably kick them in the teeth, right? But let us not forget that before the original 1957 production of West Side Story, Sondheim was still fairly unknown. Of course, now when you consider the great composers of your favorite Broadway musicals, you instantly think of names like Stephen Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, Flaherty and Ahrens, Stephen Schwartz… ABBA(?) Well, in just a few years, you’ll be able to add some new names to that list. There are a slew of up-and-coming composers getting lots of buzz from the musical theatre in-crowd, and we want you to keep an eye out for them. Here are our picks for the Top 5!

BENJ PASEK & JUSTIN PAUL – At age 21, these guys became the youngest recipients ever of the Jonathon Larson Award in 2007! Their inspiring work has since been performed by stars the likes of Gavin Creel, Billy Porter and Cheyenne Jackson. Pasek & Paul also write for the Disney Channel’s “Johnny and the Sprites.” “We enjoy more serious musicals and also love to write those filled with frivolity,” Pasek recently told BroadwaySpace. “Our goal is to write as much as possible, and hope that people respond to what we've created. Of course, we wouldn't mind if a producer wanted to produce them somewhere as well!” When asked about upcoming projects, Paul revealed, “We've been developing a new musical called Dogfight based on the 1991 River Phoenix/Lili Taylor film of the same name. Don't worry – nobody else has heard of it either. It was only released in two theaters! But we love the story and are really enjoying the process of figuring out the show.”

TYLER PHILLIPS – This Texas native is well on his way to great success as a composer and lyricist – and he’s only 20 years old! A self-proclaimed rocker by age 12, Tyler Phillips’ eclectic style blends modern pop/rock and hip-hop with classic Broadway. Five of his shows, including City Life and Sixteen have already been mounted in theatres around the United States, and a few of his original compositions have scored films on PBS and HBO Family. When asked about his most exciting moment as a composer, Tyler says, “Getting to see a reading of my show FAIREST OF THEM ALL on an Off-Broadway stage. As a seventeen year old it was wonderful to see how welcoming the NYC theatre community was to a new writer.” Tyler has many projects in the works, so add him as a friend on BroadwaySpace for updates!

MICHAEL KOOMAN & CHRISTOPHER DIMOND – These two sly foxes met at Carnegie Mellon University. Their musical Dani Girl has been workshopped at the Kennedy Center's New Visions/New Voices Festival, and was awarded the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival Award! When asked about their favorite part of composing, the duo said, “Every now and then a song just comes SO easily, almost effortlessly, and is a pure joy to work on from start to finish, which is a pretty incredible feeling. But the absolute best moments are the times we hear back from audiences, listeners, youtube watchers, broadwayspace users, etc. Sometimes people write to us with stories about how our songs have affected them personally, and that, for us, is the most fulfilling thing about writing.” Kooman and Dimond’s latest show, Golden Gate, recently debuted at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. And look out for their next production, JUNIOR CLAUS, which opens in December. Add them as a friend on BroadwaySpace for updates!

KAIT KERRIGAN & BRIAN LOWDERMILK – Recipients of the 2006 Jonathan Larson Award, these Pennsylvania natives have collaborated on numerous musicals since meeting at a theatre workshop in their hometown. The Woman Upstairs and Wrong Number were both featured in the New York Music Theatre Festival. Their acclaimed adaptation of the popular children’s book series Henry and Mudge enjoyed a run Off-Broadway and is currently touring the country.

SCOTT ALAN – Lots of us already know this handsome fella from his wildly successful albums “Dreaming Wide Awake” and “Keys”, which both feature the talents of some of Broadway’s best. Scott’s highly-anticipated musical Piece has already drawn an impressive fan base around the globe – and it hasn’t even opened yet! His song “Home” (from Piece) has quickly become a new favorite among theatre fans, thanks in part to Scott’s long-time friend Shoshana Bean, who has made it a staple in her repertoire. When asked about his young following, Scott compares it to his early experiences with the work of Jason Robert Brown. “When I was in college listening to [Brown’s] music, it was all about experiencing real life in a way that spoke to me,” says Alan. “Much of my fan base is younger kids who I hope relate to my music in the same way.” Add him as a friend on BroadwaySpace for updates!

By: Randy Rainbow

What other composers are on your radar?