TNC THEATRE 2024
Interview
TAYLOR
JAY
Producer / Director
Tue 2 July and Wed 3 July 2024
Times: 7pm and 9pm
May 13, 2024
Jeff and Hunter, two struggling writers, hear about a new musical theatre festival. However, the deadline for submissions is a mere three weeks away. With nothing to lose, the pair decides to try to create something new with the help of their friends Susan, Heidi and Larry on the eighty-eight. With the cast in place, Jeff and Hunter begin a conversation about what to write about. Eventually, Jeff suggests they write about what to write about. They make a pact to write up until the festival's deadline and dream about the show changing their lives. [title of show] -- taken from the space on the festival's application form which asks for the "[title of show]" -- follows Hunter and Jeff and their friends on their journey through the gauntlet of creative self-expression. In the span of 90 minutes they write and perform their show at the festival and learn lessons about themselves as people, friends and artists.
TNC spoke with producer/director Taylor Jay about bringing this Tony winning Broadway hit ‘[title of show]’ back to London.
What does it mean to you to bring [title of show] back?
I am honestly so thrilled to be bringing this Tony Award WINNING musical back to London for a limited run. I'm such a fan of the 90-minute four-hand musicals and I truly believe this one is the cream of the crop.
What was it about Jeff Bowen & Hunter Bell’s musical that connected with you so much?
I just think that it is so cleverly written - it's literally a musical focussed on the story of them making said musical. It feels like such a chicken and egg thing to me! I also love that they stay true to themselves, even when (spoiler alert) their show eventually moves onto bigger and better places...
As an independent producer how do you go about bringing a show like this to the west end?
It's a complete leap of faith. This is my third musical and I learn more and more every time I produce one. It's not easy - I work a 40-hour week full-time at another job to pay the bills - but the feeling I get from seeing people enjoy a show that i've produced is unmatched. I'm also very lucky to have a lot of support from the wonderful folks at the Phoenix Arts Club.
"It's going to be a tiring two weeks for us...Towards the end of August, I'm producing a production of 'Spring Awakening'; at the Phoenix Arts Club which should be lots of fun..."
What other shows do you have coming up that we should put on our radar?
A couple, actually! The week after [title of show] I'm co-producing a new musical called 'You and I' by one of my amazing friends Benjamin Ward - who also happens to be the Musical Director for [title of show]! It's going to be a tiring two weeks for us... Towards the end of August, I'm producing a production of 'Spring Awakening'; at the Phoenix Arts Club which should be lots of fun... But you can always keep up with my new projects on Instagram @taylorjayproductions
Is there any musical you’d really love to stage?
Ride the Cyclone is a REALLY cool musical and I think it would be amazing to stage over here. I'd also love to do Avenue Q. That one is just amazing.
And what would you like your audiences to take away from [title of show]?
The phrase 'It takes a village' springs to mind. They would really have struggled to even get their show off the ground without the help of their two friends and pianist - along many other Broadway people. But also, hard work pays off!