Music by Julia Meinwald
Full-length musical
3 women, 3 men
Anita Bryant always knew that she was destined for greatness. So did Tommy, her biggest young fan, who, like Anita, was searching for himself. As Anita reinvented herself as a beauty queen, a singer, a spokeswoman, a professional homemaker, and a cultural crusader, Tommy grew up and discovered his sexuality and his political voice. When they find themselves on opposite sides of the same battle, Tommy and Anita’s journeys of self-discovery collide with a single pie to the face.
Written in the inaugural Ars Nova Uncharted musical theatre writers’ group, curated by Kent Nicholson. Developed at the 2013 Weston Playhouse Writers Retreat, Two River Theater.
(Formerly known as PIED! and I Love You, Anita Bryant.)
Photos by Studio Simpatika from the 2018 world premiere at Diversionary Theatre.
PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT HISTORY
2018 World Premiere Production
Diversionary Theatre (San Diego, CA)
Matt Morrow, director / Patrick Marion, music director
Featuring Steve Gouveia, Sam Heldt, Allison Spratt Pearce, Lauren King Thompson, Shaun Tuazon, Marci Anne Weubben
2016 Reading
NAMT Festival of New Musicals
Michael Berresse, director / Rich Silverstein, music director
Featuring Robert Ariza, Sam Heldt, Eric William Morris, Brynn O’Malley, Dana Steingold, Pearl Sun
2015 Concert Production
Polyphone Festival, University of the Arts (Philadelphia, PA)
Benjamine Kamine, director / Christopher Tolomeo, music director
Featuring Marcus Briddell, Bryce Crandall, Patrick Henkel, Katie Markey, Elexis Morton, Matthew Oster, Hannah Parke, Cody Swanson, Jackson Teeley, Bianca Teresi, Carrie Thorwarth
2014 Reading
Ars Nova OutLoud
Portia Krieger, director / Andrew Resnick, music director
Featuring Max Chernin, Sam Heldt, Greg Hildreth, Victoria Huston-Elem, Julia Mattison, Brad Standley, Dana Steingold
2013 Concert
Ars Nova Uncharted
Benjamine Kamine, director / Rich Silverstein, music director
Featuring Ally Bonino, Max Chernin, Sam Heldt, Andrew Kober, Amy Linden, Michael Marcotte, Emily Walton
2013 Reading
The Bats
Benjamin Kamine, director / Rich Silverstein, music director
Featuring Jaspal Binning, Lauren Hayes, Marlowe Holden, Brett Hunter, Kerry Ipema, Christine Lee, Evan Maltby, Sean McIntyre, Will Turner