Writers Blog

'40 is the New 15' wins Best New Musical Prize

Larry Todd Johnson — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 15:26:45 +0000

‎'40 is the New 15' received one of StagesceneLA's Top Overall Honors of 2009-2010: Best New Musical. '40 is the New 15' also received awards for Best Direction, Outstanding Production, and Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Cast. Thanks so much to Steven Stanley and StagesceneLA for recognizing us!

'40 is the New 15' - 7/16 Preview is a Hit!

Larry Todd Johnson — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 20:19:30 +0000

'40 is the New 15' opens July 16th

Larry Todd Johnson — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:37:54 +0000

A few pieces of '40 is the New 15' information for you!

1. Remember that tomorrow night (Friday 7/16, 8PM) is our 'friends and family only' opening night at the NoHo Arts Center. Tickets are available at http://www.anmt.org/events_reservation_1.asp?eventid=137

2. This coming Saturday matinee 7/17 (3pm) is a special Benefit performance for the GMCLA. 20% of the ticket sales go to this great organization. Plenty of seats are still available for this special performance. When booking your tickets at http://www.anmt.org/events_reservation_1.asp?eventid=137, use the code GMCLA.

3. You can join the Facebook event for the show at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121566407865042,

"40 is the New 15" Casting Announced

Larry Todd Johnson — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:27:37 +0000

"40 is the New 15" Casting Announced

Larry Todd Johnson — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:24:47 +0000

"40 is the New 15" Casting Announced

Larry Todd Johnson — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:23:06 +0000

"40 is the New 15" Casting Announced

Larry Todd Johnson — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:21:07 +0000

"40 is the New 15" Casting Announced

Larry Todd Johnson — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:18:40 +0000

June 17th 2010 - Rehearsals Continue

Larry Todd Johnson — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:04:44 +0000

"40 is the New 15" Rehearsal

Dana Meller as Sarah rehearsing "Higher" and "Better Than This" with Cindy O'Connor, composer

The first week of rehearsals is in full swing, and it's an exciting time. With 5 new songs, and several new scenes, we're smoothing out the new material and solving problems/answering questions as we go. We've built a 'gap week' into the schedule, so that we can spend some time next week doing revisions and issuing a revised script, before we go back to work again.

I had a bit of a meltdown yesterday when we were exploring the new monologue and song for the character of Winter. It's difficult sometimes, when working with some real pros, to maintain my ego and not get defensive in the face of criticism and tough questions. I'm getting better at it, but I also need to remember that in the end, I have to trust my instincts and hold true to my vision, or I will regret it. Sink or swim, this will have my name on it (and Cindy's!) and we have to be proud of the message and the impression it leaves on the audience. So, it's all a balance.

June 14 - Production Meeting Angst

Larry Todd Johnson — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:02:52 +0000

Stage Manager Ernie Fimbres, Producer Scott Guy, Director Michele Spears

We had our first big production meeting, and things were a bit... tense. The schedule is a bear, with 5 very busy cast members, and the desire to have plenty of time to explore and revise the script as necessary. In the end, we were able to formulate a rehearsal schedule, after much wrestling. Onward and upward!