New Musical for Writers' Theatre Receives NEA Grant

Glencoe-based Writers Theatre has received an NEA Art Works grant of $10,000 to support the world premiere of “Days Like Today,” a new musical inspired by the plays of Charles L. Mee. The show, with music and lyrics by Alan Schmuckler, and book by Laura Eason, will be directed by Michael Halberstam, with musical direction by Doug Peck (“The Jungle Book”) and choreography by Tommy Rapley. It is scheduled to run May 6-July 13, 2014 at Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe.

“Days Like Today” explores what it takes to sustain a relationship “in a world where love sometimes seems impossible, and considers how the first step in finding happiness might be getting out of your own way.” It homes in on “lovely, hopeful Tessa” who has vowed that she is through with love, despite the best efforts and conflicting advice of her parents (and their respective lovers). When a handsome young stranger arrives, Tessa must decide whether the idea of love might still be one worth fighting for.

“Days Like Today” has been developed through Writers Theatre’s Literary Development Initiative, and represents the second new musical to debut at Writers Theatre, following the 2009 “A Minister’s Wife.”

For more information visit www.writerstheatre.org.