Original Musicals
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BOTTLE SHOCK! The Musical
A true story of love, rock and roll, and fermentation underdogs.
Music and Lyrics by Charles Vincent Burwell
Book, Lyrics & additional Music by James D. Sasser
1976. Before Napa was known for its grapes, a small group of California underdogs took on the establishment. The world of wine would never be the same. Based on the incredible true story of The Judgement of Paris, BOTTLE SHOCK is an American underdog tale about love, fermentation, and the spirit of rock and roll. Based on the 2008 cult hit movie Bottle Shock.
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World Premiere Production at California Center for the Arts Escondido, July 2023
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Upcoming California Short Engagement Tour (2024-25)
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National Alliance of Musical Theatre Frank Young Fund Award Winner
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General Management by Nathan Gehan and Jamison Scott of ShowTown Theatricals
Reviews for BOTTLE SHOCK! The Musical:
“Bottle Shock! delivers a memorable and enchanting theatrical experience that celebrates the triumphs of the human spirit.” Splash Magazine
“An upbeat, entertaining musical… a rousing tribute to wine.” Vista Press
“A truly enjoyable experience.” Desde Otro O/From Another Zero
Official Music Video
Official Promo Video
LOOKING FOR CHRISTMAS: The Clint Black Christmas Musical
A new musical based on the best-selling Christmas album by the multiple Grammy award winning country music legend.
Book by James D. Sasser, Music and Lyrics by Clint Black
Looking For Christmas follows the story of a young veteran Army medic returning home, and his wife and young daughter, who help him rediscover the true meaning of family, community, and Christmas. Based on Mr. Black’s best-selling Christmas album of the same name, with four new songs.
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World Premiere at The Old Globe, San Diego, Christmas 2018
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SE Premiere at the Cumberland County Playhouse Christmas 2024
Reviews for LOOKING FOR CHRISTMAS:
"Another definitive classic ...perfection for the holiday season. A friendly, warm story that upholds the meaning of Christmas for the entire family." San Diego Downtown News
"A cup of hot cocoa on a cold day, or that first bite of your favorite confection. A feel good musical where no matter what, love and family will triumph over any and all obstacles." Broadway World
"I suddenly became aware of just how poignant and timely the Clint Black musical is..." Vista Press
BY GEORGES! A Day in the Life of the Legendary Chevalier de-Saint Georges
Book and Lyrics by James D. Sasser
Music and Lyrics by Charles Vincent Burwell
Joseph Bologne The Chevalier de Saint-Georges was the first known classical composer of African ancestry, a virtuoso violinist, conductor of the leading symphony orchestra in Paris, and renowned champion fencer. A satirical imagining of a day in the life at the height of his fame, as he tries to balance the loss of a rich patron, raising money for his new opera, and fighting several duels over various matters of honor. Not much has changed for artists creating new work over the years, it seems.
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Commissioned by Lamplighters Music Theatre - its first new works commission in its 70 year history.
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WORLD PREMIERE May 2023 in San Francisco at the Presidio Theatre.
Reviews for BY GEORGES!:
“Smoothly engaging… light and whimsical – just as Gilbert and Sullivan might have done. A fascinating combination of past and present… [that] moves assuredly back and forth between faux 18th century strains and a fluid, hip-hop style for Saint-Georges.” Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle
“Rather than approach the story as a biography, the composers present a light-hearted look… The arias joyfully and with fun mimic the late eighteenth century music played in salons and on stages. [A] laugh out loud… glitter and glitz… that gives way to a more modern style and feel when the debonair Saint-Georges sings his assigned arias.” Eddie Reynolds, TheatreEddys