We recently sat down with the Composer and Lyricist of Arthur™ & Friends Make a Musical, Brett Ryback! Brett shares his experience working on this beloved story and why audiences should check it out!
Thanks for joining us Brett! Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m originally from Milwaukee, WI, but now I live in Los Angeles, CA. I went to school at UCLA and graduated with a degree in music composition. My first time working in theater was when I was 5 years old — I played Fudge in Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.
Were you a fan of the Arthur™ books prior to the project? If so, any favorite stories? I was new to the Arthur Universe when I signed on. I didn’t grow up with it, so I came to it as an adult.
Who is your favorite Arthur™ character and why?
My favorite character is Francine. I relate to her drive to make the world a better place for everyone.
Arthur has been around for about 30 years. Why do you think audiences love the Arthur™ series? The characters are so relatable. We recognize parts of ourselves in each one.
Talk about your collaborative process! What came first? The music or the lyrics?
John Maclay (Book Writer & Lyricist) always writes the book and a draft of lyrics first before I then take his lyrics and adjust them to work with the music that I create. But while John and I talk a lot about what he’s working on, I’m beginning to imagine what style of music the show might need.
What do you hope audiences will get from seeing Arthur™ & Friends Make A Musical?
I hope they learn how to cope with their own anxieties individually and as a group. And I hope a tune or two gets stuck in their heads.
Why is Theatre for Young Audiences so important?
The narrative form is incredibly educational for all ages. When theater is engaging, it pushes the audience to think about their own lives, and learn the lessons of the characters they are watching. This creates self-awareness and empathy, traits that are foundational to forming a functioning society.
Fill in the blank: Arthur & Friends Make A Musical! IS: COLORFUL!
Arthur™ & Friends Make a Musical! runs March 8th through the 24th with performances on Saturdays at 4PM, Sundays at 2PM and a Special Opening Night performance, Friday, March 8th at 7:30PM. Group Rates available!
