REPRINT REWIND: FANGIRL
Over the next three weeks, as part of our new #ReprintRewind Series, we will be releasing three new Canadian musicals via podcast that were created and performed in REPRINT.
REPRINT is the inaugural production of Launch Pad, a ground-breaking musical development residency from The Musical Stage Company and Yonge Street Theatricals. This innovative program offers a 10-month residency in which musical theatre creators and artistic teams navigate a full developmental process, shepherding 30-minute musicals from conception to production, with guidance from internationally renowned mentors.
These three original musicals were prompted by major breaking news and surprising niche headlines, inspired by the archives at The Globe and Mail. Following the 10-month development process, these new works premiered August 2019 on the 17th Floor of The Globe and Mail building.
The first musical to be shared via podcast is FANGIRL. Written by Anika Johnson (music & lyrics), Barbara Johnston (music & lyrics) and Nick Green (book), with performances by Brandon Antonio, Michael De Rose, Kaylee Harwood & Kelsey Verzotti.
“Our musical prompt is a photo of a huge group of teenagers freaking out at a Beatles concert in Toronto. It’s an iconic image. The Beatles aren’t in view, but through this crowd’s reaction, you somehow know everything you need to know about them and their significance in the world at that time. The fandom in this photo comes to represent the music, celebrity, values, and culture of a generation. We asked ourselves how the ‘fangirl’ has evolved since this photo was taken.
Today, YouTube stars become multimillionaires through their vlogs, make-up tutorials, homemade music videos, pranks, and more. Their fandom is ferocious, as a generation of people find community through their love of a mentor who seems to speak their language. Through the stars’ pranks, partying, and apology videos, a generation is feeling seen, understood, represented, and ultimately defined by their militant fandom. FANGIRL is a love letter to the fans who are trying to find themselves, and a call to action for all the mentors out there. Your fans deserve the best.“
— Nick Green, Anika Johnson, and Barbara Johnston
Additional Credits:
- Director: Tracey Flye
- Music Director & Supervisor: Adam Sakiyama
- Program Directors: Robert McQueen & Lynne Shankel
- Accompanist/Copyist: Jonathan Corkal
- Stage Manager: Dustyn Wales
- Apprentice Stage Manager: Hannah MacMillan
- Production Manager Andrei Mazuruc
- Production Designer: Brandon Kleiman
- Costumes Provided by: Alex Amini
- Audio Recording & Mix: Earl McCluskie, Chestnut Hall Music