THE LIFE OF DAYS LIKE TODAY, FROM CONCEPTION TO PREMIERE
June 2009 –
While performing in the world premiere of A Minister’s Wife at Writers Theatre, Alan Schmuckler begins exploring the works of playwright Charles Mee in the hopes of finding a piece to musicalize.
August 2009 –
The first musical adaptation of Charles Mee’s play Summertime is presented as a staged reading at The Music Theatre Company in Highland Park. Schmuckler wrote the music & lyrics and co-wrote the adaptation in collaboration with TMTC Artistic Director Jessica Redish. Writers Theatre Artistic Director Michael Halberstam was in attendance at the reading.
January 2010 –
Michael Halberstam invites Schmuckler to further develop the musical with Writers Theatre. The Theatre offers to bring on board a bookwriter for Schmuckler to collaborate with.
March 2010 –
Laura Eason joins the project as bookwriter.
October 2010 –
Eason’s first draft of the new book has a staged reading at Writers Theatre without music.
October 2011 –
A developmental workshop of the musical is held at Writers Theatre, incorporating brand new music by Schmuckler. After the workshop, the decision is made to step back from adapting Charles Mee’s play and instead work towards creating an original piece inspired by Mee’s work.
September 2012–
Eason completes an outline of the new direction for the musical, which is enthusiastically received by Schmuckler and Halberstam. The musical’s new working title is A Perfect Wedding.
Spring 2013 –
Michael Halberstam programs the musical as part of the 2013/14 season, joining the project as Director. The musical’s title officially becomes Days Like Today.
July 2013 –
A developmental workshop of the musical is held at WT, concentrating on a new draft of the first half of the musical by Eason and almost completely new songs by Schmuckler. Much of the production’s world premiere cast participates.
December 2013 –
In another developmental workshop at WT, Eason and Schmuckler focus on revisions to the middle third of the piece. The decision is made to make the musical two acts with an intermission.
March 2014 –
A final developmental workshop is held at WT where the entire musical is read and sung through.
April 2014 –
Days Like Today begins rehearsals in Glencoe in anticipation of its world premiere in May.
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