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“Bold New Works for Intimate Stages” is a project that supports the development of new musicals. Our first phase was a five-year commission of original world premiere musical, written by Matt Conner (Music) and Stephen Gregory Smith (Book and Lyrics). Over the past five seasons we premiered: The Turn of the Screw, Monsters of the Villa Diodati, Kaleidoscope, Witch and On Air. All of these productions received critical acclaim and can be now be licensed by other theater companies. Licensing Bold New Works webpage.
Our inspiration for “Bold New Works for Intimate Stages” came from our experience working in our intimate performance venue. The limitations of our space are obvious—there are no wings, a very small backstage area and only 92 seats in the house. It’s really not suitable for large-scale theater productions or casts. Yet the intimate size is precisely what our audiences have come to love about their experience at Creative Cauldron. As a work of art unfolds before them, the customary barrier between artist and audience seems to melt away, and audiences are keenly aware that they are an integral part of this moment of creation.
Our second phase of the project is called "Bold New Musical Voices ," The goal in this phase is to support the development of musical theater works written by women, and women-identifying writers and composers. We are looking for new and innovative theater that centers its gaze on gender-related experiences. We are interested in producing new musical works where more than 50% of the people involved are women. Queer women and women of color are openly welcome and encouraged to submit works for consideration in the festival.
These works will receive support from seasoned writers and directors, including our Bold New Works for Intimate Stages creative team. They will receive a staged reading using professional actors and musicians. Readings are currently scheduled for May 2021.
ON AIR 2019
Amidst the tumbling torrent that was the 1920s, Frank and Flora Conrad were on the edge of discovering mass broadcasting. These two unsung radio pioneers broke through the static and established the first radio station in America in their unassuming garage in East Pittsburgh. ON AIR follows their untold love story, and how radio became a constant companion, messenger and soundtrack of our lives over the past century of American life.
Just as Frank and Flora’s creative partnership brought a bold new invention, Conner and Smith bring us this captivating final “Bold New Work,” a celebratory culmination of their five year cycle of critically acclaimed musical premieres at Creative Cauldron. (Turn of the Screw 2015, Monsters of the Villa Diodati 2016, Kaleidoscope 2017, Witch 2018).
“On Air” is a tuneful, engaging tour through little-known history. Amid the seduction, tyranny and treachery of our own era’s mass media, the Conrads’ story feels meaningful, and maybe a little ominous". Washington Post
"Fifteen original musical numbers by Conner and Smith provide the engaging, emotional underpinnings to On Air and its easygoing dramatic action." DC Metro Theater Arts
"This is a lovely show about hope and dreams and a time when America still seemed to be excited about progress and believed that yes, we can" Maryland Theatre Guide
"On Air‘s heartfelt messages and buoyant music harken to earlier times of discovery, gathering together, listening to new ideas, and brand new concepts. And to each other." DC Theatre Scene
Learn More about On Air
WITCH 2018
From the dawn of time, women have been demonized, feared and objectified whenever their power challenged the traditional order. Weaving a thread from the Salem Witch trials through the zeitgeist of the #MeToo movement and modern day politics, this world premiere musical examines the complex and compelling stories of women who’ve been labeled as witches throughout the centuries
"Witch has a terrific cast" Washington Post
"A new, truly engaging, topical musical. The songs resonate to the soul.
"Works like this are essential in sparking conversations necessary for our society's advancement." Broadway World
"An evening of memorable music, great acting, and moments of laugh-out loud hilarity." Maryland Theatre Guide
Learn More about Witch
KALEIDOSCOPE 2017
Kaleidoscope takes us on a journey through the life of a legendary Broadway performer as she premieres her come back one-woman show. Her performance takes on a new dimension as we learn that she is experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Conner and Smith tackled this sensitive subject with pathos, humor, and insight, making it a musical gem.
"The show’s delicacy, in the score and in Lacey’s perceptive performance, is an asset." The Washington Post
"Poignant and real, with hints of raw laughter and joy where least expected." DC Metro Theater Arts
"Take time to see this new musical. You owe it to yourself to make Kaleidoscope a part of your journey." Maryland Theater Guide
Learn more about Kaleidoscope.
MONSTERS OF THE VILLA DIODATI - 2016
Monsters of the Villa Diodati draws its inspiration from one of the most pivotal moments in gothic history – a fateful summer night when some of the greatest literary minds of the 19th century gathered at a villa on Lake Geneva to entertain one another with ghost stories. Prodded by their “rock star’ host, Lord Byron, these writers set to work on producing the perfect tale of terror. And from that challenge two of the most iconic stories in literature were born: John Polidori’s The Vampyre and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
"Monsters delivers a powerful spark to all of the senses" - DC Metro Theater Arts
"Monsters of the Villa Diodati is a must-see" - Broadway World
"Introspective, powerful ballads dominate." -The Washington Post
Learn more Monsters of the Villa Diodati.
THE TURN OF THE SCREW - 2015
The Turn of the Screw premiered in January 2015
Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith adapted Henry James' classic novella into a hauntingly beautiful musical. The production received some of the most stunning critical reviews in our history.
“The Turn of the Screw is getting a fresh musical ride” – The Washington Post
“Smart, moving, amazing” – DC Theatre Scene
“Hypnotic and Unnerving!” – DC Metro Theatre Arts
“The first of what looks to be a promising series” – Broadway World
Learn more about The Turn of the Screw.
Bold New Works for Young Audiences
The “Bold New Works for Young Audiences” Fund helps us create original adaptations for our Learning Theater program! Our Learning Theater premieres require additional resources beyond the scope of a traditional production. We assume the costs of developing and writing the libretto, printing scripts, and more. We also create original music that we score, orchestrate and record tracks for use during performances.
This fund has supported our Learning Theater productions for Young Audiences including original adaptations of, The Wind in the Willows ,, Oliver Twist and The Emperor's New Clothes , Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and Wendy, A Little Princess Sara Crewe, The Snow Queen, The Jungle Book and our original work Cinderella's Dream. many more. For a sample of our work check Licensing Bold New Works for Young Audiences web page .