Review Fix chats with “Blank! The Musical†Executive Producer Matt Britten, who discusses the upcoming production, set for a Nov. 1 premiere at New World Stages in New York City at 340 West 50th Street. From the inspiration of the show to their partnership with NYC’s Uprights Citizens Brigade and ImprovBoston, Britten gives us an inside look at the production.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for the show?
Matt Britten: I saw Mike, Mike and T.J.’s “One Night Only†musical improv show in 2012. It was hilarious, and the audience was wowed by this musical being created completely on the spot. I had been looking for an event-style show to produce, and my mind immediately began going through all of the ways that this show could be ‘plussed’ into a truly unique theatrical experience for New York audiences. The inspiration for BLANK! THE MUSICAL is to really recreate the feel of a Broadway show. Whereas many other comedy shows primarily go for the laughs, our goal is to filter everything through the lens of Broadway. We’re not afraid to have quiet, intimate moments, or to really delve into characters. Which, in the end, is really just all the more funny.
Review Fix: How do people’s smart phones play a role in the production?
Britten: At the top of the show, the audience will use a web app to suggest and vote on all of the elements that will comprise their musical. They’ll get the chance to title the show, write lyrics, and even to pick the notes for the primary theme. For the first time, every single member of the audience has input. And folks without smartphones will still have a chance to contribute or not contribute as they like.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy the show the most?
Britten: The beauty of this show is that the show is what each audience dreams it to be. So, anyone can really come to BLANK! and have an exciting evening. Of course those who love theater will enjoy it, but so will anyone who wants to see some of the best live comedy in New York City!
Review Fix: You need a talented cast to pull this off. Can you tell us about the performers and what makes them special?
Britten: Our cast is soon to be announced, and I look forward to bragging about each of them individually. But yes, it takes an incredibly talented group of performers to pull this off. We’re lucky to have found them. Even our auditions were incredibly entertaining. These performers have to be skilled as improvisors and as musical theater performers. It takes a special combination of talent, wit, intelligence, and courage to be in this show. And that goes for the band and even the light and sound board operators, too!
Review Fix: How important are the partnerships with NYC’s Uprights Citizens Brigade and ImprovBoston?
Britten: We’re thrilled to partner with Upright Citizens Brigade and ImprovBoston. Their commitments of time and talent ensure that we have the best improvisers coming to play in midtown Manhattan.
Review Fix: What are your goals for the show?
Britten: The goals for this show are all rooted in our talented team’s pure love of musical theater. We hope that theater enthusiasts and comedy fans will come out and experience the show, and that everyone has as much fun experiencing it as we have had creating it!
Review Fix: How do you want this run at the New World Stages to be remembered?
Britten: It would be rewarding if this run at New World Stages was remembered both as the first-ever app-enabled theatrical experience, but also…just as a really fun evening of live musical theater!
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