Musicals
To Be Fred
The story involves
a returning Vietnam veteran, Richard Adamson, who moves into the basement of his parent’s townhouse house in New York City. Unable to cope with everyday life, Richard retreats to the problem free world of Fred Astaire movies.
« I had to go on all alone, dawn’s emptiness to hold. »
- McNealy & A. Kuhns
The show was first optioned by E Lansbury of “Godspell” fame, then by C. Rubin, who produced “No No Nanette“. It was ultimately produced by the Words and Music theater in Los Angeles and directed by J. Ward.
Primrose Hill
“Primrose” is about
a woman who becomes unhinged, checks into a motel, and is confronted by her past, played by her Id, Ego and Superego who also double as her mother, her father and
her lover.
« Round the crystal lake put your arm in mine, let your dreams unwind. »
- McNealy & A. Kuhns
The show received a grant from Portland State University, then from the American National Theatre Academy where it was produced in Los Angeles. The libretto and score have been inducted into the CA public Library system.
Algie & Worthing
The personalities
of two bears are as different as chalk and cheese, but together they represent most facets of human nature which children and adults alike will recognize in themselves.
« With 365 days a year, I can’t cheat. Why can’t there only be six days a week? »
- McNealy & A. Kuhns
This animated children’s television pilot was produced by the BBC, starring Dame J. Dench and Sir M. Williams and written by M. Sigley. A charming story, it involves the adventures
of two eccentric bears, Algie and Worthing.
Hotel Romeo & Juliette
“Hotel Romeo & Juliette”
was translated from French and adapted by Alice Kuhns, is a classic farce involving the rendez-vous of two unhappily married couples who accidentally meet in a threadbare, run down hotel.
« I might have stopped in time. I’m asking your forgiveness... Is that a crime? »
- McNealy & A. Kuhns
Originally produced on Broadway (“Hotel Paradiso“), this show was winner of a national competition and grant from Elmira College in New York. It’s based on the play “L'Hôtel du libre échange“ by Georges Feydeau.
Gauguin, Savage
To abandon his
conventional life, Gauguin pursues his dreams to become
an artist, but his life becomes a fraught with conflict as he struggles for greatness. In the end, as he abandons those he loved, he wonders why.
« The spirits of darkness are gone. The nearness of tomorrow’s song... »
- McNealy & A. Kuhns
A musical based on the life of the painter, Paul Gauguin, as seen through the eyes of his dying daughter, Aline. Set in the late 1900’s, frustrated with his life as a stockbroker, Paul Gauguin convinces his wife Mette to follow him.
Take A Fable
The show was
performed at the Edinburgh Festival, then Stage West Theatre in Massachusetts, and
in the latest 2013 production of the musical, it was updated and re-written by McNealy and Kuhns and performed in Pasadena, CA
« How I can carry burning coals that are burning holes right through my wings? »
- McNealy & A. Kuhns
The script, originally written by M. Sigley, includes a lively tale of animals from different species, who, using Aesop's Fables as their guide, overcome their differences to deliver an Animal Bill of Rights to the President of the USA.
The Griffin
The myth takes place
in the village of Miffany, Wales, during the 17th century. The villagers and animals are being starved by the corrupt Mayor and his cronies until a 14 year old boy, Arthur, tries to save them. Then, the Griffin unexpectedly arrives...
« But when the king uncovered the basket, he had but hogs, bristles. »
- The Brothers Grimm