On Sept 21 and 22, 2023, a star-studded cast presented a staged reading of Runaway Home, a musical I co-wrote with Darren J. Butler, to an audience of theater, tv and film professionals and investors who can move it forward to full production. [UPDATE: We got standing ovations from almost full houses for both performances - very rare for readings, we are told!] This musical's journey has been a many-year, multiple-workshop re-worked odyssy. In this interview with my co-writer, we talk about how this musical has metamorphosized from a couple of monologues to a staged reading by headliners for heads of the entertainment industry in the middle of New York City. We are now tweaking script and music towards a full production, hopefully in 2024.

- LINKS -
Darren J. Butler's website: https://www.darrenjbutler.com/
Judy Rodman's website: https://judyrodman.com/

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- TIMESTAMPS -
00:00 Introduction
01:39 The initial seeds of our collaboration are planted by my sister Beki Ferguson.
04:59 Darren writes the first monologues are on a plane.
08:21 With a DVD for Rent and his first song lyrics, Darren talks me into writing for musical theater.
10:38 Our creation process, writing and getting feedback into the wee hours.
12:49 Our initial workshops in Decatur, Al and Bristol Connecticut,, what a workshop is and should accomplish.
19:47 Why we stopped, put the play on hold as years and life went by.
22:05 Darren emails me out of the blue - "it's time for Runaway Home".
22:39 New script needed new songs; after initial experimentation, we discover we're back!
25:18 Previously disaffected by musical theater, Darren discovers Dear Evan Hansen and falls back in love with the artform.
27:51 Emma Denson is chosen as our director for the reading.
30:16 We enlist and gather responses from a focus group.
32:19 Legendary NY talent agent Nancy Carson gives her thumbs up and helps us find our lead actor.
34:26 The incredible synchronicity of getting Todd Bartos comes onboard to lead the company, and his son to play a part he understands from his own trauma.
37:06 My friend, business mentor and vocal client Jack Dell decides to back us as sole investor, and help with deal structure - just in time for September!
39:11 Still sitting on go: Waiting on letters of intent so we can tell people about our stunning cast.
40:09 Drum roll: We name our staged reading cast!
46:51 We enlist Sean Pallatroni to do scores as music director for the reading.
47:58 Next steps for Runaway Home.
49:30 What's next for Darren and me.