THE 2025-26 DAN FUND COMMISSIONS
We are delighted to announce two compelling new musical commissions: CLARA AT THE DOOR WITH A REVOLVER and THE CROSSROADS.
CLARA AT THE DOOR WITH A REVOLVER
Music and Lyrics by Ayanna Witter-Johnson
Book and Additional Lyrics by Susan Wokoma
Based on the book by Carolyn Whitzman
In Partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Danielle Manson and Jane Moriarty
Inspired by a real life Toronto true crime story in 1894, CLARA AT THE DOOR WITH A REVOLVER is murder mystery meets courtroom drama, with a complex protagonist who goes on one hell of a hero’s journey.
Clara Ford, a mixed-race, working-class, gender non-conforming, half Scottish, pipe-smoking, probably lesbian, 19th century single mother, gets arrested for the murder of a young wealthy white man. In police custody she confesses but once in court, pleads not guilty. If convicted, she will hang.
Before a jury of 12 white men, Clara must give the performance of her life.
MEET THE TEAM
Ayanna Witter-Johnson (she/her) is a composer, singer-songwriter, pianist, and cellist celebrated for blending classical, jazz, reggae, soul, and R&B. She’s collaborated with artists including Anoushka Shankar, Andrea Bocelli, Nitin Sawhney, Jools Holland and Peter Gabriel. A Trinity Laban and Manhattan School of Music graduate, and Amateur Night at the Apollo winner, Ayanna has composed for the London Symphony Orchestra, Kronos Quartet and productions at The Young Vic & Bush Theatres, among others. Her solo releases include Road Runner (LP) and Colour War (EP). She has performed on BBC, Jazz FM, and at the Royal Albert Hall and is a recipient of the Silver Clef Classical Award. Photo by Misan Harriman.
Susan Wokoma (she/her) is an acclaimed writer, actress, and director. She wrote and starred in the Sky Comedy short film Love the Sinner which was selected for London Film Festival, won a Broadcast award and was longlisted for a BIFA. She recently wrote and starred in her second short film Dark Skin Bruises Differently, which is also her directorial debut. Susan wrote for Sex Education S2 and The Reluctant Landlord S2, and is developing film and series projects with BBC Films, Objective Fiction, Complete Fiction, and Netflix. Acting credits include Enola Holmes, Crazyhead, and Chewing Gum. A RADA graduate, she has performed at top theatres including the Royal Court Theatre, Bush Theatre, Almeida Theatre, National Theatre, Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse and St. Ann’s Warehouse in New York.
THE CROSSROADS
Book & Lyrics by Kalos Chu
Music & Lyrics by Ian Chan
After the disastrous opening day of his Toronto Chinatown restaurant, Kevin discovers an old family recipe from his late father, a soup made with extra-spicy Szechuan peppercorns, labeled “For Emergencies Only.” When he tastes it, everything changes. Kevin is transported to The Crossroads, a metaphysical realm where he can see the outcomes of his decisions before he has to make them. Armed with the ability to know what comes next, Kevin embarks upon a campaign to save his restaurant, uphold his father’s legacy, and preserve the identity of his community — ultimately learning not just what it takes to keep a restaurant afloat, but also how our decisions, and, perhaps more importantly, our regrets, shape the people we become.
MEET THE TEAM
Kalos Chu (he/him) is a Los Angeles-based writer, likely currently sitting in traffic. Most recently, he wrote the book for OUT: An Asian American Musical, which premiered at the Agassiz Theater in April 2023. He has also previously written for The Hasty Pudding Theatricals, the oldest theatrical organization in the United States. Kalos currently works at DreamWorks Animation in the Feature Development department.
Ian Chan (he/they) is a Hong Kong-Canadian composer, arranger/orchestrator, and music director/pianist. Broadway: Queen of Versailles, Hell’s Kitchen, SMASH, The Heart of Rock and Roll, 1776. Off-Broadway: See What I Wanna See, CATS: The Jellicle Ball, Walk On Through. Regional: Working Girl, DOLLY: A True Original Musical, Carol of the Bells, many projects at A.R.T. He is the composer of OUT: An Asian American Musical, which was part of the inaugural National Centre for New Musicals at Theatre Aquarius.
Sponsors
THE 2025-26 DAN FUND COMMISSIONS
We are delighted to announce two compelling new musical commissions: CLARA AT THE DOOR WITH A REVOLVER and THE CROSSROADS.
CLARA AT THE DOOR WITH A REVOLVER
Music and Lyrics by Ayanna Witter-Johnson
Book and Additional Lyrics by Susan Wokoma
Based on the book by Carolyn Whitzman
In Partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Danielle Manson and Jane Moriarty
Inspired by a real life Toronto true crime story in 1894, CLARA AT THE DOOR WITH A REVOLVER is murder mystery meets courtroom drama, with a complex protagonist who goes on one hell of a hero’s journey.
Clara Ford, a mixed-race, working-class, gender non-conforming, half Scottish, pipe-smoking, probably lesbian, 19th century single mother, gets arrested for the murder of a young wealthy white man. In police custody she confesses but once in court, pleads not guilty. If convicted, she will hang.
Before a jury of 12 white men, Clara must give the performance of her life.
MEET THE TEAM
Ayanna Witter-Johnson (she/her) is a composer, singer-songwriter, pianist, and cellist celebrated for blending classical, jazz, reggae, soul, and R&B. She’s collaborated with artists including Anoushka Shankar, Andrea Bocelli, Nitin Sawhney, Jools Holland and Peter Gabriel. A Trinity Laban and Manhattan School of Music graduate, and Amateur Night at the Apollo winner, Ayanna has composed for the London Symphony Orchestra, Kronos Quartet and productions at The Young Vic & Bush Theatres, among others. Her solo releases include Road Runner (LP) and Colour War (EP). She has performed on BBC, Jazz FM, and at the Royal Albert Hall and is a recipient of the Silver Clef Classical Award. Photo by Misan Harriman.
Susan Wokoma (she/her) is an acclaimed writer, actress, and director. She wrote and starred in the Sky Comedy short film Love the Sinner which was selected for London Film Festival, won a Broadcast award and was longlisted for a BIFA. She recently wrote and starred in her second short film Dark Skin Bruises Differently, which is also her directorial debut. Susan wrote for Sex Education S2 and The Reluctant Landlord S2, and is developing film and series projects with BBC Films, Objective Fiction, Complete Fiction, and Netflix. Acting credits include Enola Holmes, Crazyhead, and Chewing Gum. A RADA graduate, she has performed at top theatres including the Royal Court Theatre, Bush Theatre, Almeida Theatre, National Theatre, Old Vic, Donmar Warehouse and St. Ann’s Warehouse in New York.
THE CROSSROADS
Book & Lyrics by Kalos Chu
Music & Lyrics by Ian Chan
After the disastrous opening day of his Toronto Chinatown restaurant, Kevin discovers an old family recipe from his late father, a soup made with extra-spicy Szechuan peppercorns, labeled “For Emergencies Only.” When he tastes it, everything changes. Kevin is transported to The Crossroads, a metaphysical realm where he can see the outcomes of his decisions before he has to make them. Armed with the ability to know what comes next, Kevin embarks upon a campaign to save his restaurant, uphold his father’s legacy, and preserve the identity of his community — ultimately learning not just what it takes to keep a restaurant afloat, but also how our decisions, and, perhaps more importantly, our regrets, shape the people we become.
MEET THE TEAM
Kalos Chu (he/him) is a Los Angeles-based writer, likely currently sitting in traffic. Most recently, he wrote the book for OUT: An Asian American Musical, which premiered at the Agassiz Theater in April 2023. He has also previously written for The Hasty Pudding Theatricals, the oldest theatrical organization in the United States. Kalos currently works at DreamWorks Animation in the Feature Development department.
Ian Chan (he/they) is a Hong Kong-Canadian composer, arranger/orchestrator, and music director/pianist. Broadway: Queen of Versailles, Hell’s Kitchen, SMASH, The Heart of Rock and Roll, 1776. Off-Broadway: See What I Wanna See, CATS: The Jellicle Ball, Walk On Through. Regional: Working Girl, DOLLY: A True Original Musical, Carol of the Bells, many projects at A.R.T. He is the composer of OUT: An Asian American Musical, which was part of the inaugural National Centre for New Musicals at Theatre Aquarius.
The Aubrey & Marla Dan Fund for New Musicals is Canada’s first-ever fund dedicated exclusively to the commissioning of new Canadian musical works. This opportunity is managed by The Musical Stage Company, thanks to funding from the Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation. The fund offers financial and dramaturgical support to creators in creating and developing a first draft of a new musical. Ideas that exemplify the most potential will be awarded an $8,000 commission and a reading of the first draft.
The Musical Stage Company is committed to the development and production of new Canadian musical works. As such, commissioned projects may subsequently be offered additional development or production opportunities upon completion of the commission. The commission contract will outline the terms of these continued opportunities.
Funded Projects
HALF MAGIC
Book & Lyrics by Rosamund Small
Music & Lyrics by Britta Johnson
Co-commissioned by The Musical Stage Company & Soulpepper Theatre, with funding from the Slaight Family Foundation and The Aubrey & Marla Dan’s fund for New Musicals.
JOHANNES
Book by Morris Panych, Music & Lyrics by Ryan deSouza & Darren deSouza
BLACKOUT (aka CYGNUS)
Book by Steven Gallagher, Music & Lyrics by Anton Lipovetsky.
KELLY v. KELLY
Book by Sara Farb, Music & Lyrics by Britta Johnson.
IN REAL LIFE
Music & Lyrics by Kevin Wong, Book & Lyrics by Nick Green.
DIXON ROAD
Book, Music & Lyrics By Fatuma Adar. Arrangements and Orchestrations by Adam Sakiyama.
MONOCEROS
Music & Lyrics By Ben Elliot and Anton Lipovetsky, Book By Josh Epstein and Kyle Rideout.
THE PREPOSTEROUS PREDICAMENT OF POLLY PEEL
Book by Julie Tepperman, Music & Lyrics by Kevin Wong.
YOU ARE HERE
Book by Brian Hill, Music & Lyrics by Neil Bartman.
STARWALKER
Book, Music & Lyrics by Corey Payette.
NIGHTINGALE PARTY
Book, Music & Lyrics by Veda Hille and Amiel Gladstone.
COWBOY TEMPEST CABARET
Book by Niall McNeil, Lucy McNulty & Anton Lipovetsky, Music by Anton Lipovetsky, Lyrics by Niall McNeil.
MEAT
Book by Aaron Jan & alaska b, Music & Lyrics by alaska b.
THE TRIALS & TRIUMPHS OF A TAR BABY
Book, Music & Lyrics by Jewelle Blackman. Book by Meghan Swaby.
SOFT MAGICAL TOFU BOYS
Book, Music & Lyrics by Kevin Wong
THE 7 FIRES, A NEW MUSICAL
Music & Lyrics by Landon Doak
Book & Lyrics by Dillan Meighan Chiblow