NEXT FESTIVAL 2025
NEW MUSICALS IN THE MAKING
Theater Latté Da’s New Work Festival showcasing readings of three works that stretch the boundaries of musical storytelling, providing audience members the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of the creative process. Following each presentation is an in-depth conversation with the playwrights, composers, and lyricists. Be a part of Theater Latté Da’s commitment to the next generation of the Great American Musical.
3-Show Festival Passes available now! Save 24% on tickets and fees and gain early access to your choice of seats.
With gratitude to our Producing Sponsors Jennifer Melin Miller and David Miller.
THE HOMEFRONT
Presentations:
Friday, July 25 at 4:00pm
Monday, July 28 at 7:30pm
Music & Lyrics by Sam Salmond
Book by Malika Oyetimein and Jenny Stafford
When World War II comes to a close and the men return home, the women are immediately fired from their jobs at the factory. Two best friends—one black and one white—lead a movement to fight for the jobs of their fellow female workers. But when their progressive ideals fall short and it becomes clear that the black women and the white women will no longer have the same opportunities in this post-war world, they have to decide what – and who – they are willing to give up in the fight, and what happens when loved ones get caught in the crossfire.
Malika oyetimein
sam salmond
jenny stafford
HOW TO PLAY THE CELLO (UNTIL YOU DON’T)
Presentations:
Friday, August 1 at 4:00pm
Monday, August 4 at 7:30pm
Book, Music & Lyrics by Benjamin Emory Larson
How to Play the Cello (Until You Don’t) is loosely based on the life of Jacqueline Du Pré, one of the greatest cellists of all time, whose career was cut short in her 30s by Multiple Sclerosis. Through original songs and reimagined classical pieces Jackie guides us on the explosive journey of her life. She discovers the cello for the first time, falls in love with it, finds out she’s “talented,” becomes obsessed with greatness, conquers the world, falls ill, loses her ability to play, and ultimately has to face the question: what is an artist who can’t make art anymore?
benjamin emory larson
OKUNI
Presentations:
Friday, August 8 at 4:00pm
Monday, August 11 at 7:30pm
Book by Naomi Iizuka & Paul Hodge
Lyrics by Paul Hodge & Naomi Iizuka
Music by Paul Hodge
Okuni tells the story of the enigmatic woman from 16th century Japan who created Kabuki and has since been forgotten by history. The pop culture sensation of her day, Okuni went from performing for outcasts in the dry riverbeds of Kyoto to performing for the shogun himself. Challenging conventions of polite society and shining a light on the hypocrisies of the ruling class, her shows were as politically dangerous as they were erotic. Okuni asks what it means to be a woman in a man's world, and what it means to make art when the world is burning.
With gratitude to our Producing Partners Linda Svitak and David Feroe
paul hodge
naomi iizuka
Support for Theater Latté Da’s NEXT FESTIVAL is brought to you by:
