'Twas a Year Full of New Line, 2023

'Twas a year full of New Line, and yep, we're still here!
Tell me, who would've guessed we'd survive one more year!
But we're quickly returning to more solid ground,
Thanks to New Line's supporters, whose help's been profound!
These dark times remind us how much we need Stories,
To help us make sense of our stumbles and glories;
So New Line's still here, busting all categories!

In March, from the bucket list came the divine
And surreal, Felliniesque, musical Nine!
It's rarely produced, but it's ballsy and bold,
With evocative music and rhymes like spun gold;
It's a streaming-of-consciousness, mad, masterwork,
About Guido, the sexist and genius and jerk,
And those shadows where all of our deepest fears lurk.

Then June brought us Sondheim's ridiculous Forum,
As free as can be of all decent decorum,
With big belly laughs, social satire, farce,
Lotsa pratfalls, cross-dressing, and kicks in the arse.
But some folks perceived it as sexist and dated,
And no one who thought that could be else persuaded
That things and their satire can't be equated.

The fall brought St. Louis a new world premiere,
Of adult, stoner, musical-comedy cheer;
With a title as long as the high notes in Wicked,
Subversive as shit, for the price of your ticket;
And family and memories and cute Christmas carols,
And mockery of all our pitfalls and perils;
Plus, racism aimed at with both fucking barrels.

So on to a new year, rehearsals, and shows,
But to what new adventures no one really knows;
Each show is alive and it goes where it goes,
And evolves and then blossoms like some magic rose.
So the trick is to let it be what it will be,
Let loose preconceptions and let it run free;
So that art can give all of us much more to see.

Stay Safe and Have a Happy New Year!
Long Live the Musical!
Scott

P.S. I started these year-poems on a whim way back in 2013. If you're a glutton for punishment, here are my year-end poems from 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022. Yes, I skipped 2021.

To buy the published script of Jesus & Johnny Appleweed's Holy Rollin' Family Christmas, click here. The vocal selections will be available soon!

To check out my newest musical theatre books, click here.

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