Connecticut's Goodspeed Musicals has launched GoodWorks, a new commissioning program for creating and developing new musicals. The regional theatre inaugurates its newest program with two works: The Snow Goose by Noisemaker's Scott Gilmour and Claire MacKenzie, and Little Miss Perfect written by Joriah Kwamé.
Adapting Paul Gallico's novella The Snow Goose, Scottish writing pair Gilmour and MacKenzie will begin writing the stage musical version in earnest in early 2023. The story follows two characters: Philip Rhayader, an artist and hermit living in an abandoned lighthouse in Essex, England, and Fritha, a young local girl, who are brought together by an injured snow goose.
GoodWorks' second commission will be a full-length musical by New York City-based artist Joriah Kwamé inspired by his song "Little Miss Perfect." Writing of the coming-of-age queer musical of the same name is well underway. Following Noelle, who is struggling over coming out, Little Miss Perfect began with the single track which won the 2020 Write Out Loud contest and was sung by Tony nominee Taylor Louderman. It was then presented at New York Theatre Barn as part of its New Work Series in 2021.
According to a statement by Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton, the program's mission is "to commission and develop musicals that reveal the best in humankind, celebrate that which is good in our world, and will resonate with and inspire our audience."
Check out Tony nominee Taylor Louderman sing "Little Miss Perfect" below.
