We recently sat down with the Writer and Lyricist of Arthur™ & Friends Make a Musical, John Maclay! TGS audiences will remember John’s work from our 2022 Fall production of R.L. Stine’s GOOSEBUMPS! John shares his experience working on this beloved story and why audiences should check it out!
Hi John! Welcome back to TGS! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’ve been involved in theater since I was 6. I have a Masters degree in Acting from the University of Illinois and a Masters degree in Wortimg from Spalding Inoversity In Louisville, Kentucky.
How did you get involved with Arthur™ & Friends Make A Musical!?
We were commissioned by First Stage Children’s Theater in Milwaukee to create the show. The premiere was in Fall of 2022.
Were you fans of the books prior to the project? If so, any favorite stories?
I was more familiar with the television series but, when we got the commission, I immediately went and started reading all of the books over and over. Obviously, “Arthur Tells a Story” was a favorite of mine, as it provides the basis of the story of our musical.
Who is your favorite Arthur™ character and why?
D.W. She makes me laugh the most.
Arthur™ has been around for about 30 years. Why do you think audiences love the Arthur series?
Growing up and figuring out life is hard. Marc Brown and the whole team at Arthur have done an important work taking hard moments that everyone experiences as a young person and showing a path forward.
Talk about your collaborative process! What came first? The music or the lyrics?
We generally start with figuring out all of the important points of the story and a first draft of words. Brett is often working on music along the way, but once we get some lyrics together he takes them and molds them in whatever way he thinks best to tell these moments of the story in the strongest musical way.
Why is Theatre for Young Audiences so important?
Theater is an important community experience and one of the great teaching tools we have as educators. In addition to sharing an entertaining or uplifting story, theater makers are inspiring critical thinking and a broader, more empathetic view of the world.
Fill in the blank: Arthur™ & Friends Make A Musical! IS: FUN.
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!
