So Proudly We Hailed
a musical webseries honoring veterans in their own words
now available for licensing as a live stage show
The Series
“So Proudly We Hailed” is a webseries which honors veterans by dramatizing and musicalizing their story in their own words.
We pair our honorees with an artistic team comprised of a composer, lyricist, director, and dramaturg, and shape their story into a short musical retelling in a digital platform.
Book the Live Stage Show
This project includes many 10-15-minute one-person musicals. So you can design your own program, to suit your audience, cast, and venue.
1 to 4 performers. Any length from 15-minutes to a full evening.
Available for licensing beginning summer of 2022. Here’s a look at the stage show, including some excerpts:
Our Partners
This project is hosted by New Musicals Inc.
This activity is supported in part by generous grants from: the Helen and Jose Colton Foundation, the Peter Glenville Foundation, the Anonymous Fund (Marin County); and the California Arts Council, a state agency.
“This project gave me the opportunity to tell my story of three different deployments, and face the emotions that have been hidden for over a span of fifteen years. I hope my story can help open up insights into other veterans to talk about their experiences. To believe in themselves, and go for their dreams.”
~~ HM1 Billie Estes
THE VETERAN:
Jennifer Figueroa
THE EPISODE:
STILL STANDING PROUD
TOPIC WARNING:
Military Sexual Trauma
“I hope this musical raises awareness among both majority and minority groups and leads to better situations for future soldiers.”
~~ Erika Ito
Camouflage Can’t Hide Me
An Asian-American gets mistaken for a Korean prostitute, and it’s kinda funny, kinda awful.
Book by Sassy Chan, Lyrics by Sarah Horton, and Music by Erika Ito. Directed by Alison De La Cruz. Featuring Parissa Koo. Dramaturged by Elise Dewsberry.
Watch the full episode of “CAMOUFLAGE CAN’T HIDE ME”
“BACK HOME, IN CALIFORNIA, NO ONE CARED ABOUT MY RACE
BACK HOME, IN CALIFORNIA, NO ONE STARED AT MY FACE
BUT I LEFT CALIFORNIA FOR ADVENTURE FOR A CHANGE
NEVER THOUGHT THAT IN KOREA, I’D LOOK STRANGE”
An interview with the Veteran
Watch an interview with the performer and director
The “Camouflage Can’t Hide Me” Team
Sassy Chan
Veteran
Sassy S. Chan grew up in the melting pot of Southern California, and graduated from Chapman University with a BFA in Film/TV production. Her military background includes working in Multimedia for the U.S. Army, and teaming up with the Psychological Operations unit. Most recently, Sassy is an alumna of the Writers Guild Foundation’s (WGF) Veterans Writing Project, where she currently enjoys volunteering and helping her fellow scribes flourish. In addition to being an Animal Advocate and Cat Mom, Sassy is also a Screenwriter who loves to create high concept stories with comedic elements that celebrate Furry Creatures, the Supernatural, Romance, and especially Kick-Ass Women!
Parissa Koo
Performer
Parissa Koo is Chinese from her dad’s side and Persian from her mom’s, hence “Persianese”. Born in Los Gatos, CA, she grew up performing on the stage. After high school, she auditioned for American Idol and The Glee Project Season 2 which eventually led her to moving to Los Angeles, CA to pursue television, film, and theatre. Parissa has co-starred on The Disney Channel, USA Network, Funny or Die, and the YouTube Web series, Gal Pals. She has performed in numerous musicals in LA as well as the Norwegian Cruise Line Escape.
Parissa has modeled for Jansport and Wiseguise Face Masks, as well has appeared in commercials for Capital One, Freeform, and Chevron Gas. She was last seen in For the Record Live’s “Love Actually Live” at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.
“It was such an honor to get to tell Sassy’s story. Being able to step in her shoes and get the insightful direction of my incredible director Alison was an experience that will always stay with me. Sassy is one of the strongest and fiercest people I got to know through these monologues and songs. A story that really must be told to help educate our communities.”
Erika Ito
Music
Erika Ito is a Japanese composer and orchestrator with a diverse career in video games, films, and musical theater. She holds a bachelor’s degree in film scoring from Berklee College of Music and a master’s degree in film composition from Amsterdam Conservatory. Erika has traveled extensively around the world, working as an interpreter and music director on cruise ships. One of her notable credits includes the popular PS4 video game “Let It Die,” which has garnered over 7 million downloads worldwide. In 2022, her NMI 15-minute musical “Mother Russia” made its debut in Hollywood. For more information, visit www.erikaito.com.
“Being a composer for this project was an absolute honor for me. As an Asian female, I’ve faced some uncomfortable situations in the past as a minority, which helped me connect with Sassy’s story when I first read it. Transforming Sassy’s real story into a musical was a unique and enjoyable experience. Sarah and I asked Sassy numerous questions to ensure that the songs reflect her experience authentically. I hope this musical raises awareness among both majority and minority groups and leads to better situations for future soldiers.”
Sarah Horton
Lyricist
Sarah Horton is a lyricist from Seattle and is currently living in New York City. She graduated from Western Washington University with a self-designed interdisciplinary degree in Writing for Performance: Storytelling through Music, Theater, and Film. She completed the NMI Core Curriculum in 2022, which culminated in writing the lyrics for the 15-minute musical, The Cootie Conspiracy. In addition to writing musical theater lyrics, she also edits fiction and works at an adventure travel company.
“This is a story of a war waged off the battlefield against sexist and racist microaggressions. And though the details are specific to Sassy, the themes of resilience, good humor, and self-compassion are universal. My biggest takeaway from participating in this project is a reevaluation of what I thought I knew about service and the “typical” soldier experience. Thank you to Sassy, Elise, and Erika for the privilege of being on this team, telling this story.”
“I believe this piece allows us to understand the difficult realities of what it is to be a leader in the military, knowing that you have to make difficult choices for the greater good, even when it hurts those you may care about.””
~~ Catie O’Donnell
Out Here On The Edge
Based on a true story of a U.S. officer who discovers that last night’s raid killed the brother of his trusted Afghan friend and cook
Book by LtCol Brian Kerg, USMC, lyrics and music by Joshua H. Cohen. Directed and dramaturged by Catie O’Donnell. Featuring John David Wallis
The full episode of “OUT HERE ON THE EDGE”
“We already had Apaches nearby, so we called for close air support, and used helos to wipe those guys off the map. It didn’t feel good. But it felt right.”
An interview with the Veteran
An interview with performer John David Wallis
The “Out Here on the Edge” Team
LtCol Brian Kerg, USMC
Veteran
Brian Kerg is a writer and a veteran of the war in Afghanistan. He was a prior enlisted infantryman in the U.S. Marine Corps before commissioning as a Marine officer. He served in operational assignments across the globe, including operations and exercises in Afghanistan, Japan, Thailand, Kuwait, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and the Republic of Korea. His award-winning fiction has appeared in The Iowa Review, Line of Advance, The Deadly Writer’s Patrol, CIMSEC, Proceedings, and in the short-story collection Our Best War Stories. His professional writing has appeared in War on the Rocks, The Marine Corps Gazette, Proceedings, CIMSEC, SIGNAL Magazine, and The Strategy Bridge. He was the 2020 Expeditionary Warfare Officer of the Year and the 2021 U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings Author of the Year. Follow or contact him on Twitter @BrianKerg.
Joshua H. Cohen
Music and Lyrics
Joshua H. Cohen is thrilled to return for his second episode of So Proudly We Hailed. His honors include a Jonathan Larson Grant, the Anna Zornio Children’s Theatre Playwriting Award (lyrics, Keep On Walkin’), and a MAC Award nomination for his cult cabaret hit “The Sacrifice of Love” (a.k.a. the waxing song). Productions include play The Thirteenth Commandment (Libra Theater, 7 NY Innovative Theater Award nominations, 2 wins; publication, Next Stage Press), musical Tamar of the River (Prospect Theatre, 2 Drama Desk nominations, world premiere recording from Yellow Sound Label), and children’s musical Flight School (Vital Theatre, OCR, national/international tour). Many other productions, readings, and workshops across the country; for more details: www.JoshuaHCohen.com.
“I am the son of a Vietnam Marine who was denied a veteran’s license plate because he wanted it as a vanity plate that said PEACE. I’m honored to be a part of telling the vital stories of the veterans of America’s 21st-century military operations.”
John David Wallis
Performer
John David Wallis is a certified massage therapist and a graduate of UCSB. In 2022, he played Mr. MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie at Conejo Players Theatre, Snyder in Newsies at 5-Star Theatricals, and ensemble roles in Something Rotten! at Canyon Theatre Guild. He has also performed as Sweeney in Sweeney Todd, Roger in The Producers, and Frederick in Young Frankenstein. In January of 2023, John will be performing in Rembrandt Perfected at The Main in Santa Clarita.
“I would like to thank Brian, Joshua, and Catie for allowing me to share this story that so eloquently illustrates the hidden complications and contradictions of wartime friendship. I hope this piece serves to enlighten others as we appreciate our friends and loved ones who serve, both as Americans and allies. I want to dedicate my performance to my late brother-in-law, Arn Tretsven, a firefighter and paramedic.”
Catie O'Donnell
Director/Dramaturge
Catie O’Donnell is a freelance theatre, events and film director, producer and educator. She has spent over 15 years working on artistic projects in the industry, directing dozens of critically acclaimed professional productions across the United States and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She specializes in dramaturgy and directing for new musical theater works. Recently, she directed a reading of a new musical with After Hours Theater Company and two productions in the Hollywood Fringe Festival, including leading the directing team for NMI’s first live production of So Proudly We Hailed. Her film In The Cloud was named as an official selection at the London Shorts film festival. She is an alumni of Lincoln Center Directors Lab in New York, Directors Lab West in Los Angeles and Chicago, and holds a BA in theater and music from the University of Miami, FL.
“I have so much respect for Brian and his experiences as a US Veteran. I learned so much from him getting to be the dramaturge and director of this piece. I believe this piece allows us to understand the difficult realities of what it is to be a leader in the military, knowing that you have to make difficult choices for the greater good, even when it hurts those you may care about.”
“It’s always a great honor when I get to do art that aims to heal and bring light on topics that are ignored and not talked about. This is why I do what I do. I really hope the piece touches someone.”
~~ Bechir Sylvain
A Single Vibration
Based on a true story of a veteran in Afghanistan who is still haunted by rumbles and vibrations, even from passing cars and trucks, because they remind him of the constant vibrations of rocket fire and explosions he endured in Kandahar.
Book by Robert W. Mitchell, lyrics and music by Michael Finke. Directed by Jonathan Levit, and dramaturged by Catie O’Donnell. Featuring Bechir Sylvain
The full episode “A Single Vibration”
“Wait, you feel that? The vibration? It sounds like a truck or something going by. No? What about that? Hear that? No? Really? Just me?”
An interview with the Veteran
An interview with performer Bechir Sylvain
The “A Single Vibration” Team
Robert W. Mitchell
Veteran
Robert Mitchell worked in military aviation throughout his military career serving in the United States Marine Corps and in the United States Army. In the Marines (2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Cherry Point, NC), he maintained the safety and survival systems on the fixed-wing C-130 aircraft during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf. In the Army (101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY), he worked on the rotary-wing CH-47 Chinook helicopter during multiple deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Over the course of his combat tour and military service he earned several medals including the Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal Navy, NATO ISAF Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, several Army Commendations Medals and a Humanitarian Service Medal for community outreach in the Pacific.
Following his first enlistment with the Marines, he used his G.I Bill to earn a B.A. in Media and Communications and worked as a business journalist in New York, New Jersey and in Washington, D.C. for several years before joining the Army post 9/11. After his active duty enlistment with the 101st, he served as a Public Affairs NCO for the District of Columbia Army National Guard (715th MPAD) and for the Maryland Army National Guard (29th MPAD).
Robert is the editor/co-author of Inside Afghanistan: Sunny Yang’s Sketches in the Combat Zone (Trafford Publishing, 2010), and recently published “Kat and Jan”, his first in a series of books for preschoolers. He currently works as a Public Affairs Specialist for the Armed Forces Retirement Home (a.k.a. Old Soldier’s Home) in Washington, DC.
Dusty Sanders
Music and Lyrics
Michael Finke is an award-winning New York based musical theatre writer. He’s had his work performed at Lincoln Center, 54 Below, Joe’s Pub, the Christmas Day telecast on ABC, the Green Room 42, and many more. He’s written the book, music and lyrics for musicals such as Reporting Live, Caroline and George, Surrounded By the Water, Powerline Road and the Broadway bound 161st Street. His musical short Dead Flowers is being licensed across Europe and North America with MTI in both English and Spanish. Broadway Records will be releasing his debut album this spring and Powerline Road will have its world premiere production in New York in March 2023. Michael’s a winner of the New Voices Project with New Musicals Inc. and is a proud member of ASCAP and the Dramatist Guild.
“It’s been such a joy reuniting with NMI and the Veterans Project. Collaborating with Robert on telling his story has been rewarding in so many ways and I know it will resonate with everyone who hears it.”
Bechir Sylvain
Performer
Bechir Sylvain is a Haitian-American actor, writer, and producer who plays “EJ” on the TNT’s hit series Claws and “Willie” on BET’s hit series Bigger. A lifetime member of The Actors Studio, Bechir studied drama at Southern Methodist University and co-founded Ground Up & Rising Theater Company in Miami where he grew up after immigrating from Haiti as a teenager. His television credits also include guest starring on Black Summer (Netflix), This Is Us (NBC), SWAT (CBS), Rookies Fed (ABC), Chicago, PD (NBC), blindspotting (Stars), Better Call Saul (AMC), Black-ish (ABC), Grace and Frankie (Netflix), Fuller House (Netflix) and The Mick (FOX). He was supporting lead in the 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment family drama The Ultimate Life and a had supporting role in American Zeotrope’s Life After Beth.
“It’s always a great honor when I get to do art that aims to heal and bring light on topics that are ignored and not talked about. This is why I do what I do. I really hope the piece touches someone.”
Jonathan Levit
Director/Dramaturge
Jonathan grew up with an Israeli father, spending a lot of time in Israel and around the army there, so has a background with veterans. He received an MFA in Film from NYU. He has been a Director for theatre and film projects in the LA area , as well as an Associate Director and Script Supervisor on multi-camera sitcoms and feature films. He also served as a Director and Assistant Director on musical theatre projects (both full productions and staged readings) at The Center Theatre Group, Interact Theatre Company and The Secret Rose.
“The Veterans Project has been a meaningful way for me to explore a former soldier’s experiences and help people understand what he went through before and after serving. I am proud to be a part of this project and hope the audience is moved and enlightened by Robert’s experiences/writing, Michael’s terrific music, and Bechir’s strong performance. Thank you, Elise and Scott, for the opportunity.”
“I just couldn’t imagine it at first; it seemed our worlds were so different. But that ended up being the exact piece of this process that allowed me in. ”
~~ Ryland Shelton
Both Ends of the Barrel
Based on a true story about a Veteran who is shocked to discover he’s about to commit the very same crime to an innocent Iraqi family which happened to him as a child.
Book by Aramis Calderon, lyrics and music by Dusty Sanders. Directed and dramaturged by Catie O’Donnell, and featuring Ryland Shelton
View the full episode “Both Ends of the Barrel”
“I would never hold a gun on innocent kids. I was just doing my job…But they didn’t know that.”
An interview with the Veteran
A song excerpt from “Both Ends of the Barrel”
The “Both Ends of the Barrel” Team
Aramis Calderon
Veteran
Aramis Calderon is a Marine veteran with a pen. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Tampa. His current area of operations is Tampa Bay, Florida where every week he meets with fellow veteran writers in the DD-214 Writers’ Workshop. His short stories and poems have been published in lit mags such as the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library So It Goes Journal, Line of Advance, Collateral Journal, and The Ernest Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park. Dismount is his debut novel.
Dusty Sanders
Music and Lyrics
Dusty Sanders (he/him) is a composer, lyricist, vocalist, and independent music producer based in New York City. He earned his BA in Music from Auburn University and is a current member of the Musical Theatre Writers Collective in NYC. Sanders and co-writer Julia Sonya Koyfman are the winners of the international Search for New Musicals 2021 by New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles, for their musical comedy It’s Always Off-Season at the Chalet Flamingo. Sanders is also the founder of Aureolin Sound studio in Queens, NY.
“This is a fascinating true story that muddles the dichotomy of East and West in a surreal way. It was a challenge and a privilege to tell.”
Ryland Shelton
Performer
Ryland Shelton is an actor, singer, songwriter, and vocal coach. Recent Los Angeles appearances include live performances at the Belasco, Vitello’s, the Raven, the Met, the Blank and Celebration Theatre. He is a member of NMI’s Academy Repertory Company and developing new musicals brings him great joy. As a vocal producer, he has led sessions at Henson Recording Studios, Paramount Recording Studios, Jenkoplex, and the Jungle Room. As a vocal coach, his time is spent both with a roster of formidable recording and performing artists, as well as with trans and non-binary clients who engage with his gender-affirming voice curriculum - TrueVoice Vocal Development - to achieve a speaking voice that authentically expresses them in the world.
“Having the opportunity to bring Aramis’ story off the page and into the air was a very special experience for me. I remember having conversations with Catie about what it would take for me to enlist in the armed forces… I just couldn’t imagine it at first; it seemed our worlds were so different. But that ended up being the exact piece of this process that allowed me in. The complication of memory and being both a Marine and a person who is not just a Marine, who is more than only that… it created for me such a space of respect and empathy for the journey that he walks - that we all walk every day between past and future. I’m really grateful for that and for this experience as a whole.”
Catie O'Donnell
Director/Dramaturge
Catie O’Donnell is a freelance theatre, events and film director, producer and educator. She has spent over 15 years working on artistic projects in the industry, directing dozens of critically acclaimed professional productions across the United States and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She specializes in dramaturgy and directing for new musical theater works. Recently, she directed a reading of a new musical with After Hours Theater Company and two productions in the Hollywood Fringe Festival, including leading the directing team for NMI’s first live production of So Proudly We Hailed. Her film In The Cloud was named as an official selection at the London Shorts film festival. She is an alumni of Lincoln Center Directors Lab in New York, Directors Lab West in Los Angeles and Chicago, and holds a BA in theater and music from the University of Miami, FL.
“I was so honored to have been part of this story as dramaturge and director. From the first meeting I knew this was going to be a powerful monologue that showcased a unique perspective of what it is like to be on both sides of war. Aramis is such a beautiful writer and I am truly grateful he chose to share his story with NMI.”
“Hearing Shannon’s story first hand was an experience I’ll never forget- and the gratitude, honor, joy and privilege to share it with the world means more than words.”
~~ Brooke Moltrum
The Jumper
This special musical explores what it’s like to take a literal leap into the Unknown!
Book by Shannon Corbeil, lyrics and music by Natalie Rebecca Lovejoy. Directed and dramaturged by Catie O’Donnell, and featuring Brooke Moltrum
The full episode “The Jumper”
“At 10,000FT they opened the door and I realized it had been the only thing separating me from the wildest blue yonder I have ever seen.”
An interview with the Veteran
An interview with the performer of “The Jumper”
The “The Jumper” Team
Shannon Corbeil
Veteran
Shannon Corbeil was an Air Force Intelligence Officer (South Korea, National Security Agency) and is currently a director, writer, and actor most recently seen on SEAL Team, The Rookie, and Nnamdi Asomugha’s upcoming feature film The Knife. She has written and hosted hundreds of informational videos about military trivia for We Are The Mighty, where she worked as Executive Editor and Senior Director of Digital Video Production. Her content has reached tens of millions of viewers across the globe. Her drama feature Every Reason received an 8 on the Black List and was honored as a semi-finalist for the AITAF Bridge Award for Screenwriting.
Natalie Rebecca Lovejoy
Music and Lyrics
Natalie Rebecca Lovejoy is a musical theater writer and composer whose work has been produced by New Musicals Inc., The Veteran’s Artist Program (Lincoln Center), Muse Match (54 Below), the Raw Impressions Musical Theatre Marathon, the Veterans’ Artist Program, the Veterans’ Voices Project (Poetic Theatre Productions), and A Little New Music (L.A. Venues), to name a few. Her musical Home/Front, inspired by her experiences as an ex-Army wife, premiered off-off Broadway in 2014 and was a semi-finalist in the New York New Works Festival. Natalie holds a Master of Music in Music Theory and Composition from New York University, and is an alumnus of the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop. You can currently watch her write her next musical House of Fallen Women on TikTok (@houseoffallenwomen).
“Writing ‘The Jumper’ with Shannon was an eye-opening experience as someone who has never skydived and is deathly afraid of heights! I still don’t think I would skydive, but seeing the experience through her eyes helped me to think more deeply about the courage it takes to face your fears and the bliss that is often waiting on the other side.”
Brooke Moltrum
Performer
Brook Moltrum is an accomplished actress from Camas, WA. Her extensive theatre training propelled her onto a Broadway stage in 2016, where she competed in the Jimmy Nederlander Awards. Since then, she has continued to study and work in theatre, musical theatre, and film. Brooke brings dedication, honesty and complexity to each role she has the opportunity to play. She’s blessed to be supported by her family and friends, especially during her first year living in LA! For other recent credits or inquiries, visit www.brookemoltrum.com IG: @brookemoltrum
“The highlight of working on this project was actually getting to meet Shannon, the brave jumper who felt a strong call to duty as a highschool senior after the horrific events of 9/11 and the wonderful human who hangs her guitar right next to her bed and continues to inspire people as an actress and artist. Hearing her story first hand was an experience I’ll never forget- and the gratitude, honor, joy and privilege to share it with the world means more than words. With all my heart, thank you.”
Catie O'Donnell
Director/Dramaturge
Catie O’Donnell is a freelance theatre, events and film director, producer and educator. She has spent over 15 years working on artistic projects in the industry, directing dozens of critically acclaimed professional productions across the United States and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She specializes in dramaturgy and directing for new musical theater works. Recently, she directed a reading of a new musical with After Hours Theater Company and two productions in the Hollywood Fringe Festival, including leading the directing team for NMI’s first live production of So Proudly We Hailed. Her film In The Cloud was named as an official selection at the London Shorts film festival. She is an alumni of Lincoln Center Directors Lab in New York, Directors Lab West in Los Angeles and Chicago, and holds a BA in theater and music from the University of Miami, FL.
“It was a joy to work on this story as the dramaturge and director. I love that this piece shares a different side of being in the military that is more hopeful, optimistic and empowering, especially for women. It shows an example of overcoming obstacles and achieving a goal even after failing the first time. We are lucky to have this lovely piece join our collection of monologues in ‘So Proudly We Hailed’”.
“Serving our country is not for the weak so I have the utmost respect and admiration for the people who volunteer their service.”
~~ Taji Coleman
The Worst Job Ever
What’s the worst job in the military? Just try collecting money from enlisted men and women …
Book by Diarra McCormick, lyrics and music by Jenna Gillespie Byrd. Directed by Eliyannah Amirah Yisrael, and featuring Taji Coleman
The full episode “The Worst Job Ever”
“Wanna see a grown man cry?
Just take his money.
That’s what I did in the Air Force.”
An interview with the Veteran
An interview with the performer and director of “The Worst Job Ever”
The “The Worst Job Ever” Team
Diarra McCormick
Veteran
Diarra McCormick is the ninth child of 13 children born on February 28, 1983 to the union of Ransom and Labertha D. McCormick, four minutes after her twin brother. She is a screenwriter and playwright from New Orleans, LA who began her work in theater at the tender age of eight, starring in the play, “When the Rattlesnake Sounds.” While a sophomore attending McDonogh #35 Senior High, Diarra wrote and performed in the play, “The 1811 Slave Revolt.” The play was based on an original essay, “Toxic Town Territory,” which highlighted her experience living on the Agriculture St. Landfill. Diarra graduated with honors from McDonogh #35 Senior High, Xavier University of La, earning a B.A. in Mass Communication/Creative Writing, and Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles earning an MFA in Screenwriting. She is a proud alumni of the 2018-2019 WGF Veterans Writing Project. Diarra joined the Air Force a week before her 28th birthday and served one full term at Columbus, AFB, MS working as a Financial Management Journeyman. She is a prolific writer, African dancer, actress, and model with family- owned company Chic Nouvelle Model Management. Diarra features her whole family in her full-length stage play called “Black People Problems,” which is an educational, historical comedy based on the notion that although slavery ended years ago, black people still suffer from mental enslavement today. She loves to teach through her plays and often always includes her experience serving in the military in her work.
Jenna Gillespie Byrd
Music and Lyrics
Jenna Gillespie Byrd is honored to join this amazing NMI project! An Oxnard, CA native, she graduated with a B.A. in Drama from UC Irvine. She grew up on the Port Hueneme Naval Base and is beyond honored to tell these veterans stories through her love of musical storytelling! Performance Credits: Disney’s Frozen Live and Five and Dime (Vocalist) BAZ: Tour de Force(Swing) Ovation Nominated: Recorded in Hollywood (Lead); Ragtime (Dancer); Shrek (Shoemakers elf); Rudolph The Musical Int. Tour (Dance Captain) Spiritualized UK Tour as seen on The Colbert Show (Vocalist); Music Credits: Debbie Gibson Int. Tour (Keys/Voc.) ; Tick Tick Boom (Music Director). Original Musical: 2&1: A Harlem Musical with Loose Morals (Composer); Winner of 2020 CW Christmas Caroler Challenge (Arranger/Vocalist). Jenna is also a singer-songwriter! Follow her instagram and YouTube page for her 15-Minute musicals and original compositions. @jbyrd_radio
“I thoroughly enjoyed writing on this project with Diarra! As a singer-songwriter, I always wrote lyrics from my own point of view. So I enjoyed the challenge of finding the right words from someone else’s perspective. As someone who comes from military family, I’m always grateful for the people who graciously serve our country. It was a joy to share Diarra’s story through musical theater; a genre I hold near to my heart! Thank you to NMI for an amazing experience!”
Taji Coleman
Performer
Taji is a multi - hyphen talent and a native Angelino from Tyra Banks’ hometown of Inglewood, CA. She is a roller skating, hiking and museum enthusiast. Her career as a triple threat spans almost 30 years in the business. Currently she can be heard behind the mic as a voiceover talent for film, tv and commercials.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0171227/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
https://vimeo.com/ogtaji
“Two of my family members are and were Vets. Serving our country is not for the weak so I have the utmost respect and admiration for the people who volunteer their service.”
Eliyannah Amirah Yisrael
Director
Eliyannah Amirah Yisrael graduated from Chicago State University with a BA in Communications, Media Arts and Theatre. In addition to producing and directing independent projects for over 15 years, Eliyannah has worked on films and episodic material for Sony, FOX, NBC, HBO, Lionsgate, ABC/Disney, and Warner Brothers among others including “Divergent”, “Empire”, “Westworld”, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”, “Ford v Ferrari” and “The Glorias”. She has directed several short films and digital series’, including “The Life I Carry”, “The Weight of Sadness”, “We Love Us Cause Ya’ll Won’t”, “Tuesdays @ 4” and “Lies & Lipstick, as well as creating and directing 12 episodes of the webseries, “Hermione Granger and the Quarter Life Crisis”. In 2021, Eliyannah directed the urban, coming-of-age feature film, “Loud Burger”. She’s a Black girl from the south side of Chicago who was supposed to stay inside her box. Instead, she decided to dream big and change the world through visual storytelling.
“Working with the Veterans’ Project has been incredibly rewarding, not just because my family has a long history of serving the US through the military and this was a great way to honor that legacy, but because it was written by my college roommate, who I spent countless nights dreaming with. We met at a critical time in both of our lives, encouraged each other, supported each other and now we get to share something very special in the incredible work that NMI is doing for servicepeople.”
“I would love to meet Mr. Dewsberry - he seems like an amazing guy!”
~~ Robert Towers
On Distant Shores
A love story that started with a deployment to Korea in 1952, and lasted for over sixty years.
Book and lyrics by Richard Castle, music by Ron Barnett. Dramaturged and directed by Elise Dewsberry, and featuring Robert Towers
“I got drafted, did my service, and
got the heck out. I can’t remember anything
from that far back. Well, that’s not true.
Some things you can’t forget.”
An Interview with the Veteran
An interview with the performer of “On Distant Shores”
The “On Distant Shores” Team
Arthur Dewsberry
Veteran
Arthur Dewsberry was drafted in September of 1951, after having graduated from Northwestern University as a Mechanical Engineer. He attended basic infantry training at Camp Breckinridge in Kentucky, and after Officer Candidate School at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. While home in Chicago on a two week leave, he met June Baur, a nursing student at Elmhurst College, and they began dating and exchanging letters. While he was again home on leave priot to assignment to the Far East Command, they continued dating and got engaged on New Year’s Eve 1952. Dewsberry fully expected to be deployed to the war zone in Korea, but once he landed in Japan, he was instead assigned to Ordnance HQ in Yokohama as the only 2nd Lieutenant in the Far East Command. Dewsberry spent the rest of his deployment as part of a special team working on the repair of AntiAircraft guns defending the four major Air Force Bases in Japan, and marrying June in Yokohama. The Korean War Truce was signed in August of 1953, so Art and June were able to head back to Chicago, where Art began his career as a mechanical engineer at International Harvester, and the couple went on to enjoy 65 and a half years of marriage.
Elise Dewsberry
Director/Dramaturge
Elise Dewsberry is the Artistic Director of New Musicals Inc., and has been working as a dramaturge and director on the Veterans’ Project for the last three years.
“I wanted to include my dad’s story as part of this project because he represents so many veterans who seem to think they don’t ‘qualify’ as veterans because they never saw ‘action’. His service is deserving of recognition, and his love story with my mom is something really special!”
Richard Castle
Book and Lyrics
Richard Castle is a playwright, lyricist and songwriter. His musical Love Stings premiered at Northern Sky Theater in 2022. Other recent productions include Housewarning Party (Lionheart Theatre Company) and Virtual Happy Hour (Theater Resources Unlimited and Left Edge Theater). Oklahoma in Wisconsin, his 1950s-style family musical, premiered at Northern Sky in 2017. The Angel of Painted Post was selected by Stephen Schwartz for the ASCAP Musical Theater Workshop in Los Angeles. His comedy song “Mr. Whiskers” was a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition. Other plays include Hollywood Forever, Night Visitor, and Designed 2B Deleted. Other musicals include Bloodline and L.A. Carmen. Richard holds a degree from the USC School of Theater and is a member of both NMI and the Dramatists Guild. www.RichardCastle.com
“I was honored when I was invited by Elise Dewsberry to write an installment for NMI’s Veterans Project, especially since the episode would feature the story of her own father! Arthur Dewsberry’s story about falling in love and the difficulty of planning a future during a time of great uncertainty is just as relevant today as it was in 1953. I enjoyed working with Elise and composer Ron Barnett, and I’m grateful to Mr. Dewsberry for his service, and for entrusting me with his story.”
Ron Barnett
Composer
Ron Barnett is a composer living in Los Angeles, where he is Director of Music at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, Glendale. Full length musicals, as composer: Around the World in 80 Days with book and lyrics by Julianne Homokay, A Christmas Carol with book by Barry Kornhauser, published in 2013 by Dramatic Publishing Company, and When Butter Churns to Gold, which premiered in 2015 at Northern Sky Theatre in Door County Wisconsin. Choral music published by MorningStar, GIA, and Lorenz. He is currently a member of New Musicals Inc. in North Hollywood and was, with lyricist Greg Edwards, a finalist for the 2010 and 2012 Fred Ebb Prize.
“There is value on many levels when a veteran chooses to share his or her experiences with others. Being involved with the Veteran’s Project is especially meaningful to me: listening to a veteran’s story, musicalizing the stories they share, giving the stories life. Hearing and telling veterans’ stories not only helps to preserve their memory, but also serves to help shed light on the important role these men and women played in our country. I’m glad there is this way to share and understand the experiences of our military, to discover what it is that makes each individual unique and worthy of respect.”
Robert Towers
Performer
Robert Towers has had the good fortune of being able to work in all facets of the entertainment industry; encompassing legitimate theater, radio, television, and motion picture. Some highlights include being the original Snoopy in the musical play, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, (he also did the voice for the later, animated version for television); being one of the regulars on radio’s last stand, the Mutual Radio Theater; voice overs for the animated Dr. Doolittle, Kidd Video, and The Real Ghostbusters. On screen, he appeared prominently in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Master of the Universe, and Don’t Look Up. You also might have seen him more recently on television as Buster the foul-mouthed jockey in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, or on Will and Grace, Frasier, or Star Trek, The Next Generation, the retread of Perry Mason, or Hunters. For twelve years he appeared live at Universal Studios in The Adventures of Conan, and for fourteen years was the pirate Captain Crook of MacDonaldland in a memorable series of commercials. He is still auditioning, still eternally optimistic, even after more than sixty years in this wonderfully crazy business we call entertainment.
“My job was unprecedented for me: to portray a living person; a veteran in a love story revolving around the United States’ “police action” in Korea, back in the early 1950s. 1952 to be exact. In many ways I could relate to this story, having been drafted, then shipped to Korea, albeit eight years after this story takes place, also as a member of the military, to work at American Forces Korean Network. Doing this role incorporated so much of what I had learned in the past, in musicals, and radio, and narrations I had done. But this was to portray a real person, really BE him for the length of the story. Mr. Dewsberry and I do not look alike, but it would be difficult for any human being not to empathize with his funny, charming, poignant and beautiful story. I, too, recall spending well over a year in that lovely but faraway land; the loneliness and feeling of separation from all you know and those you love being “on distant shores”. As we gratefully learn, he never got to Korea during that war; but was able to stay in Japan, send for and marry the woman he loved, and begin a 65-year, joyful marriage. It’s a lovely story. It has also been an honor to portray this fine American gentleman, who is the archetype of all our brothers, dads, uncles and cousins who have served us so well. I only hope my little portrayal has done him justice. I am grateful for the privilege.”
“The strength of this woman, and her courage, carried me through this project.”
~~ Giane Morris
Still Standing Proud
A survivor of Military Sexual Trauma bravely tells her story, and encourages others to speak out.
Lyrics and music by Natalie Rebecca Lovejoy. Dramaturged and directed by Elise Dewsberry, and featuring Giane Morris Vaughn.
CONTENT WARNING:
Military Sexual Trauma
“TELL IT OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN. WHEN THEY PRETEND NOT TO HEAR, TAKE A DEEP BREATH, AND THEN SAY IT LOUDER AND LOUDER ‘TIL SOMEONE LISTENS”
The “Still Standing Proud” Team
Natalie Rebecca Lovejoy
Lyrics and Music
Natalie is a composer/lyricist/librettist, alumni of the BMI Workshop and NYU graduate (M.Mus. in Composition). Her musical Home/Front, inspired by her experiences married to an Iraq war veteran, premiered off-off Broadway in 2014, and was a semi-finalist in the NY New Work Festival. Additionally, she has written songs for Muse Match (54 Below), the Raw Impressions Musical Theater Marathon, the Veteran’s Artist Program, the Veteran’s Voices Project (Poetic Theater Productions), and A Little Night Music (L.A. Venues), to name a few. She is listed in The Directory of Contemporary Musical Theatre Writers at Contemporary Musical Theater.com.
“As a writer of musical theater and as a former Army spouse, I can tell you first-hand how meaningful and important this project is. When I was an Army wife I felt very isolated and misunderstood by the civilian world. I felt like non-military people just saw me as a stereotype and an object of pity and/or derision. I noticed the service people around me were viewed in a similar, one-dimensional manner, and the media’s portrayal of us felt like it mostly perpetuated these stereotypes.
This project is doing an excellent job at dismantling that outlook, opening up the military world to an audience that is normally cut-off from it, and the narratives are diverse and complex. The episode I worked on centers around military sexual assault, the on-going “invisible” war our female service members battle in order to serve their country. It is appalling to me that this issue is still unknown to most people, and I know this episode will help to bring the awareness it needs.
Lastly, this project is giving work to musical theater writers for which I know we are all extremely grateful, especially during a pandemic. It is such a privilege not only to work but to get to work in your chosen field. It has helped to restore a sense of purpose and dignity.”
Elise Dewsberry
Dramaturge/Director
Artistic Director of New Musicals Inc., Elise has been involved in the development of new works for over forty years: as an actor/singer, as a director, as a dramaturge, and as a writer. While living in Toronto, Elise served as the Assistant Artistic Director of the Muskoka Festival; the Co-Ordinator of the festival’s annual Musical Theatre Writer’s Colony, the Associate Dramaturge of the Canadian Stage Company; the Resident Dramaturge of the Smile Theatre Company; and was the co-founder of Toronto’s Script Lab. Elise spent many years touring Canada with Nine Months – a one-woman musical which she commissioned from writers Carl Ritchie and Stephen Woodjetts. Elise joined what was then called the Academy for New Musical Theatre as Associate Artistic Director in 2003; joined Founding Artistic Director John Sparks as Co-Artistic Director in 2010; and became Artistic Director of New Musicals Inc. in 2013. Elise is also the author and evaluator of the Book Lab and the Outlining Lab, offered online through www.writingmusicaltheatre.com, and publishes a monthly blog on the craft of musical theatre available at https://nmi.org/elises-video-blog/.
“I have been overseeing this entire Veterans’ project for a few years now, and all of the stories are compelling and interesting and moving in their own ways. But this veteran has a special place in my heart, because of her bravery to tell a story that is so personal and so dangerous to her in so many ways. And yet she felt it was important to get her true story out there, in the hopes that it will inspire others who find themselves in similar situations to speak out and demand justice. I admire her courage, and I am proud to have had a small part in getting her story into the world.”
Giane Morris Vaughn
Performer
Giane Morris is originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado and moved to Los Angeles in March 2015. Giane was the recipient of the Theatre Palisades Best Lead Actress Award for the 2017-2018 season for her role as Luisa in The Fantasticks. Favorite roles include: Marcy Park in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (ARTS), Four Different Characters in 15 Minute Musicals (NMI), and Grace Clements in Working: A Musical (CSHP). In 2019, Giane produced and performed her first cabaret which she presented in both Colorado and in Hollywood.
IG: Gianemay
“This project was a challenge for me, but it was also very important to me to tell her story. In the beginning, it was difficult for me to put myself in her shoes, because I subconsciously didn’t want to go there. As a woman, we always have to think about what we are wearing, should we smile at strangers, or am I leading someone on by being too polite? Imagine being overseas, serving your country, and all of your worst fears happen and no one cares. When I first read all the way through it, I bursted into tears. The strength of this woman, and her courage carried me through this project. I wanted to do this for her and the countless other people this has happened to. Because of her, others may feel brave enough to come forward and hopefully make positive changes in the military and outside of it. I’m just grateful to be the one to help bring this story to light. Thank you so much for sharing your story and thank you for your service.”
“I’m very grateful to have played this character. She is truly inspiring.””
~~ Stephanie Rojo
The American Dream
The first Latina personal Presidential videographer recounts her time at the White House through two very different administrations.
By Brenda Garcia. Book and lyrics by Amy Andrews; music by Isabel Guzman. Dramaturged by Dana Iannuzzi, directed by Claudia Duran, and featuring Stephanie Rojo.
“I tell this story because I want people to have hope. A Latinx girl from a small suburb of Los Angeles ends up working at the White House.”
Brenda’s Team
Brenda Garcia
Veteran
Brenda Garcia, U. S. Navy (Retired). Brenda joined the Navy after watching the mega blockbuster TOP GUN. As a Photographer’s Mate, she was given a camera to shoot instead of a gun. For four years she was part of the elite White House Television crew under Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton and personally video documented thousands of presidential events – at the White House, domestically and internationally- to be included in the National Archives and Presidential Libraries. On numerous occasions, she was a passenger aboard the presidential aircraft Air Force One and traveled to Asia, Russia, and several Mediterranean countries. She covered the 1992 Presidential Campaign and President Clinton’s first meeting with Pope John Paul II. Upon leaving active duty, she affiliated with the Navy Reserve, received a commission as a Navy Public Affairs Office and reached the rank of lieutenant commander.
Today, Brenda is an actress and author of a memoir depicting her amazing adventures at the White House and the Navy. She is member of SAG-AFTRA, Actors Equity Association, Directors Guild of America, advisory board member for the Geffen Playhouse, and plays a leadership role in Veterans in Media and Entertainment. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, minor in Marketing from California State University, Los Angeles and a UCLA Extension Certification in Broadcast Journalism.
Dana A. Iannuzzi
Dramaturge
Dana a. Iannuzzi is a New York based Actor/Director. She received a BA in Theatre Arts Performance Studies from Muhlenberg College. Favorite Acting Credits: (TV/Film) The Leftovers (HBO), Guiding Light (CBS), The Taming (Bianca), Havana Nocturne (Workshop w. Warren Carlyle), Favorite Directing Credits: Cursed: The Musical (Virtual Event), tenderly (Virtual Event), Freedom Summer (BWMT/NYMF) Steel Magnolias (Timberlake Playhouse @thedanaiannuzzi http://www.danaiannuzzi.com
“Being part of this project has been such a blessing in disguise because when I was first asked I did not really understand the scope of the work. Having the opportunity to meet our veteran Brenda Garcia, get to know her, and then in turn, find a way to tell her story to the world meant so much and was really important. Far too often, especially in these troubled times, you hear the word ‘veteran’ and if it doesn’t impact you personally, it has blanket meaning that you don’t connect with, but meeting someone like Brenda who I not only have common interests with but also a love of so many things made her story and the work that the veterans project does so special. I am thankful to everyone for letting me be part of it.”
Amy Andrews
Book and Lyrics
Amy Andrews is a New York City-based librettist/lyricist. She is thrilled to be part of the NMI writing team tasked with telling Brenda Garcia’s inspiring story. Amy has two shows currently in development: One Of Those Things, a jukebox musical based on jazz standards from the 1930s and 1940s, and To The Lighthouse, an adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s novel. Amy is a proud graduate of Scripps College, with a BA in Music and Feminist/Gender/Sexuality Studies, and she also studied musical theater writing as part of the first cohort of the IAMT Creators program. www.amyandrewscreative.com
“It has been a joy to tell Brenda Garcia’s story with this fantastic all-women creative team. Writing a musical across time zones, languages, and international borders brought us challenges, as well as great rewards. I am deeply grateful for Brenda’s generous and vivid storytelling and for the opportunity to work with Isabel and Dana - thanks to Elise for putting together this dream team! I hope young girls and women all over the country are inspired by our story about a remarkable woman who has truly lived the American Dream.”
Isabel Guzman
Music
Isabel Guzman is a Salvadorean Singer, dancer, actress, lyricist and composer established in Costa Rica. She graduated from Programa Danza Abierta at the University of Costa Rica and completed the 4 Week Musical Theatre Program at New York Film Academy, NY. As a composer, her repertoire goes from performing arts music (dance/theatre) to vocal music and musical theatre songs. Her work includes pieces for the National Dance Company of Costa Rica, Vitral Danza (Costa Rica) and several independent dance projects. Some of her acknowledgements are the Ricardo Fernández Guardia National Award “Best performance in a play” (Costarrican Cultural and Youth Departament) and the “Global Women in Music for Human Rights” award, for one of her songs by the Fondazione Donne in Musica, (Rome, Italy). At the moment she’s a current student at the University of Costa Rica majoring in Music Composition and has her own concert-cabaret series called “Broadway Cabaret Night Original”, where she performs and features her own music and lyrics.
“This has been quite a fantastic experience for me. Being able to collaborate from overseas and to have had the opportunity of being part of this amazing team to tell such a mesmerizing story, Brenda’s story, means a lot to me. I’m so thankful for the moment NMI thought of me for this project, and gave me the chance to put and share a bit of my own identity through the music of this story.”
Claudia Duran
Director
Claudia wrote, directed, and produced SOFIA FOR NOW, a dramatic feature which screened at such film festivals as the Boston Roxbury Film Festival, Edward James Olmos’ Latino International Film Festival, Pan African Cinema Festival of Cannes, The Toronto World of Comedy Festival, and independent film festival BHLIFE where she received both the Up And Coming Filmmaker award and later the Best Director award. Ms. Duran was selected from a pool of talent to write and direct The Last White Dishwasher, as part of Professional Latinos In Entertainment Emerging Filmmaker Program. She also Assistant Directed for ROBERTO CLEMENTE: BASEBALL’S LAST HERO.
While with Invision Entertainment, Claudia associate produced shows, DETECTIVE PRIVADO and CAMINO a LA JUSTICIA, and afterwards co-produced a reality based pilot for Azteca America. Claudia Duran has shared her love and knowledge of filmmaking and theater throughout the Los Angeles community by teaching at risk youth with the Live Arts Organization, instructing the Guerilla Filmmaking Intensive, Digital Production at CASA0101, and teaching artist with Social Political Art Resource Center and the California School for the Arts Conservatory. She has written, directed, and produced for The Los Angeles Theater Center as part of their Encuentro de Las Americas and Ensemble Theater LA Short Play Fest and Created the Chicanas Cholas y Chisme Play Festival in East LA since 2012.
“I am so grateful to have worked with the Veterans’ Project and New Musicals Inc. Brenda Garcia’s military experiences are important and fill me with tremendous pride to be Latina. The excellent work that the team put forth to make this story a success and poignant is crucial to sharing Latinx stories in the musical landscape. Thank you New Musicals for bringing these beautiful people together and for continuing to support new works and talent.”
Stephanie Rojo
Performer
Stephanie Rojo is based in Los Angeles California. She graduated from AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles and New York City. Stephanie is a hungry performer and loves to keep learning and creating through her craft. Stephanie’s Credits… Short Film “9 of Swords”, THE AMERICAN DREAM NMI, Crimes and Misdemeanors NMI, In the Shadows of Zapata with NMI, Lead Vocalist with CREATIVIVA, Sally Sells Seashells AND YOU CAN TOO!, Heathers The Musical, Fallen Saints: Dia De Los Muertos, MidSummer Scream: Fallen Saints, and Her Turn. Email- stephanierojo5678@gmail.com
“Doing this project was an honor. Brenda’s story was full of drive and power. I’m very grateful to have played this character. She is truly inspiring.”
“I was honored to have had an opportunity to portray Captain Nolly’s experiences in the skies of Vietnam. In difficult circumstances, good people rise to the occasion and do great things, while in this case, retaining both clarity of purpose and a sense of humor. “
~~ Alan August
The Things You Miss
An Air Force pilot recounts one of his bombing missions in Vietnam that didn’t go quite as planned.
By George Nolly, with book and lyrics by Stephen K. Nolly; and music and lyrics by Benjamin Emory Larson. Featuring performer Alan August.
Special thanks to the Peter Glenville Foundation for their generous support of this episode.
“You’re not a combat vet until someone shoots at you.”
George’s Team
George Nolly
Veteran
George Nolly served as a pilot in the United States Air Force, flying 315 combat missions on two successive tours of duty in Vietnam, earning 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 24 Air Medals, flying O-2A and F-4 aircraft. He was the last Air Force pilot to complete 100 missions over North Vietnam. While in the Air Force, he received the Tactical Air Command Instructor Pilot of the Year Award. Following his Air Force duty, he hired on with United Airlines and rose to the position of B-777 Check Captain. He also served as a Federal Flight Deck Officer. After his retirement from United, he accepted a position as a B-777 Captain with Jet Airways, operating throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
George received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the United States Air Force Academy and received a Master of Science Degree, in Systems Management, from the University of Southern California. He also completed all of the required studies for a second Master of Science Degree, in Education, at the University of Southern California, and received his Doctor of Business Administration Degree, specializing in Homeland Security, from Northcentral University.
George is the author of the Hamfist novel series, consisting of four volumes in- spired by his experiences as a pilot in Vietnam. George now flight instructs at United Airlines on the B737, and is a Lecturer at Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Stephen K. Nolly
Book and Co-Lyrics
Stephen Nolly is a Bi-racial, Japanese-Jewish Air Force brat who cut his teeth in New York’s theater scene. After graduating from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, he was a resident artist at TriBeCa’s Flea Theater (Drama Desk, OBIE Award), and also won an LA Weekly Award. After directing his piece in the NYU Tisch Writers Lab, he found commercial work in Los Angeles shooting for clients such as Soho House, Macallan, and Yamazaki.
Stephen is a 2020 WB Writers’ Workshop Finalist and his scripts have been accepted into Soho House Script House Lab, advanced at the Austin Film Festival (5x), Sundance Episodic Lab (2x), the Page Awards, NYU Production Lab (2x), a Google Podcast PRX Lab semi-finalist, NYU Discovery scholarship recipient, on the ISA Fast Track Top 50 Screenwriters, and an NMI Hummingbird Scholarship recipient as a Book-writer & Lyricist. His feature “Guernica” has been optioned twice, his pilot “Chilmark”, a thriller in a Deaf community, is currently under option by WB, as is his werewolf-in-Hawaii pilot, “Howlie”, and he is under contract to write “The Good Ones”, a Western featuring a Native American female lead.
Stephen is also the Producer and Director for the Military Aviation audiobook, “Hamfist Over the Trail”, and a Consulting Producer for the “Ready for Takeoff Podcast” about Commercial Aviation. Stephen also worked as a Foreign Language Adapter for Netflix shows, is a paid script consultant for a Tier 1 screenwriting festival, and is a recipient of a 2020 Artist Grant from the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
Stephen is the Creative Director for Old Factory Films, a digital media agency specializing in Commercial Food & Beverage content. He’s also been featured on NoFilmSchool.com, the comedy website WhoHaHa, and hosted the Improve Photography podcast with over one million followers.
Stephen enjoys high-concept stories that focus on the perspective of the “Other”, is an amateur locksmith, dabbles in horology (watchmaking), placed internationally in collegiate Ballroom Dancing, studied six languages so he could be “sex-lingual”, is a member of Mensa, and he is an amazing cook.
Stephen’s weapon of choice is a Smith Corona Electra 120 typewriter with cursive script AR 75 typestyle.
“I grew up hearing stories from my father about Vietnam, but it wasn’t until I was older that I really started to understand what they meant. “Thank you for your service” was something I heard so many people say to my dad growing up, but working on this project allowed me to understand what that phrase meant. It’s one thing to say you stand for a belief, and another thing entirely to do it while being shot at. Working on “The Things You Miss” has allowed me to see my father’s service from a more personal perspective. It’s allowed me to see that each serviceman puts everything they hold dear on the line in order to defend our way of life - their wives, families, hopes and dreams - and that is why we thank them for their service.”
Benjamin Emory Larson
Music and Co-Lyrics
Benjamin Emory Larson is a composer and lyricist for the stage film, and other media. His work has been nominated for three Portland Area Musical Theater Awards and performed by A Little New Music, Nautilus Music-Theater, Under the Arch Incubator, Theatre Elision, Reno Pops Orchestra, Kitsap Fringe Opera, New Musicals Inc, Opera Bend, Rosetown Playhouse, Cascades Theatrical Company, The Central Oregon Youth Orchestra, Phoenix Theater, and 2nd Street Theater. Nationally, he has also composed commercial film scores for The International Justice Mission, World Relief, and The Justice Conference. He holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts (emphasis in playwriting) from Portland State University.
“I’m a country boy from a small town, and military service runs deep in my family. My grandfather was a World War II veteran. My father was a Korean War veteran. My uncle was a Vietnam War veteran with two purple hearts. Two of my brothers and one of my nephews served in the military. I’m so grateful to be part of So Proudly We Hailed, to be telling this story, and to be honoring these real-life heroes.”
Alan August
Performer
Alan August is a singer/songwriter/voiceover artist/classically-trained tenor/instrumentalist/etc. He has performed in opera, oratorio, musical theatre, and concert regionally and internationally, in a wide variety of styles. He is thrilled to be a part of the So Proudly We Hailed Veterans project.
“I was honored to have had an opportunity to portray Captain Nolly’s experiences in the skies of Vietnam. In difficult circumstances, good people rise to the occasion and do great things, while in this case, retaining both clarity of purpose and a sense of humor. The creative team have done a brilliant job of setting these vignettes to beautiful, dramatic, moving words and music. Thanks, NMI, for giving a voice to these lives well-lived.”
“I know my own struggles. And my interaction with New Musicals helped me during a rough patch. We will probably never know whether “So Proudly We Hailed” will save any lives, but honoring veterans is a step in the right direction.”
~~ Melissa Milich
English Major in Camouflage
A story from a former US Navy Intelligence Officer being tasked to regale a foreign General with stories from American literature .
By Melissa Milich, with music and lyrics by Katie Brady. Featuring Elizabeth Summerer Bouton.
“Sometimes the least important isn’t allowed to stay the least important.”
Melissa’s Team
Melissa Milich
Veteran
Melissa, a former US Navy Intelligence Officer was deployed as a liaison to foreign military operations overseas in support of counterterrorism. She has children’s books published by Doubleday and Little, Brown and her essays and articles have appeared in Newsweek, The San Francisco Chronicle, and Stars and Stripes. She recently joined the staff of New Musicals as their Artistics Ambassador where she remains passionate about bringing veteran’s stories to the musical stage. Her diverse background also includes a stint training sea lions at a Marine lab off the coast of California.
“My story was among the first chosen for development, and it would be difficult to express exactly how much the interaction brightened up the long and lonely all-by-myself days of the pandemic. My creative team from New Musicals, Inc., couldn’t have been any nicer or encouraging to me, nor more sensitive to keeping the authenticity of my story as we turned it into song. Everything about working with New Musicals was so rewarding and strangely enough, something I didn’t expect: It seemed to validate my military experience. Many veterans, especially female veterans, actually don’t believe their service is acknowledged, much less valued by society. But no matter what job they held in the military — from dental techs to payroll specialists to Humvee mechanics — everyone works together to support the troops who are on the front lines to keep our country and its allies safe. Everyone who serves makes some type of difference even if it is not always apparent.
More than twenty veterans a day die from suicide, at a rate of one death every 65 minutes. Female veterans are 250 times more likely to commit suicide than a female who has never served in the military. I know my own struggles. And my interaction with New Musicals helped me during a rough patch. We will probably never know whether ‘So Proudly We Hailed’ will save any lives, but honoring veterans is a step in the right direction.”
~~ Melissa Renee Milich / Former LT, US Navy
Katie Brady
Lyrics and Music
Katie is an award-winning composer, playwright and singer/songwriter. She’s had three musicals produced to date and her musical comedy The Test won MOST OUTSTANDING MUSICAL at the International San Diego Fringe Festival. Her songs “Hear You In The Wind,” “My Pet Rock” and “Dusty Stone Floor” (the latter co-written with the very talented Debbie Ladas) have received “Best Song” awards in multiple arenas. Katie has composed and performed both as a solo artist and front-woman for SF-based bands CrackerJack Tattoo (winner of BEST BAY AREA BAND) and Sweet Harriet.
“It was an honor to musicalize the subtle yet poignant experience this veteran had while serving overseas. She, our dramaturge, and I lovingly identified and pulled out each colorful string of the story then weaved together something fun and beautiful. What a rewarding experience!”
Elizabeth Bouton Summerer
Performer
Elizabeth is an actor/singer/vocal instructor/director and was last seen in NMI’s 15 Minute Musicals in July of 2021. A graduate of Chapman University, Elizabeth majored in vocal performance (Opera) and double minored in English Literature and Theatre. She served on the board of directors for Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse for 4 years and currently serves on the board of directors for the Westchester Playhouse, home of the Kentwood Players in Los Angeles. Other regional credits include the Curtis Theatre 40th anniversary show of The Mystery of Edwin Drood as Edwin Drood/Alice Nutting, Diana Goodman in Next to Normal, Jeannie Garstecki in The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Meredith Parker in Bat Boy, Desiree Armfeldt in A Little Night Music, Penelope Pennywise in UrineTown, Sandra Bloom in Big Fish, Inga in Young Frankenstein, The Witch in Into the Woods, Nancy in Oliver, Lucille Frank in Parade, Molly Brown in The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun, Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Gabby/Bobbi in City of Angels, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, Julie Jordan in Carousel, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Johanna in Sweeney Todd, among many others. She was noted in the LA Times as one of 2007 and 2018 best actors in Orange County for her roles as Desiree Armfeldt and Diana Goodman. She is also the owner and instructor of Inner Voice Studios. Follow the studio on Instagram at #innervoicestudios and on Facebook and you can follow her on Instagram at #bittyb_acts and/or on Facebook and YouTube!
“I have been honored and fortunate to play many roles in my life, however rarely does something really grab and draw you in. As an artist, we look for that one gem of a role which enlightens you and makes you see past the text into the soul of the piece. There is nothing better for an artist to be able to portray an actual living and breathing character. Melissa Milich’s story is beautifully intertwined with Katie Brady’s musical talent, creating a beautiful woven tapestry of mystery and intrigue, mixed with the realities of war we never see. It allows the actor to see beyond what we believe to be the norms of war, and into a tiny spec of hope that no matter how small or big we think we are, all of us matter in this world. I am truly honored to be a part of such an amazing and important project. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did help to create it.”
“Telling Billie’s story is one of the greatest privileges I’ve had, and I’m thankful to Billie for her vulnerability and generosity”
~~ Angela Parrish
Blood
A hospital Navy Corpsman discovers her personal losses intersect with the wounded soldiers in a hospital tent in Kandahar.
By Billie Estes, with music and lyrics by Angela Parrish. Directed by John Coppola. Featuring Evelyn Halus.
“Sometimes all I see in them is the casualties I know they’ll be.”
Billie’s Team
Billie Estes
Veteran
Billie is a Retired Navy Corpsman HM1, and feels that it was her honor to take care of the injured and dying of all ages and nationalities. When Billie was born, in El Paso, Texas, she and her twin Barty each weighed only about two pounds, but they were both survivors. When Billie was only two, her mother abandoned them, but at age 16, Billie ran away from home and found her mother, only to lose her again when she died a year later. At 17, Billie escaped a terrible life of abuse and incest by dropping out of tenth grade and getting married. Billie and her wonderful husband had five beautiful children, but her baby girl, Betty Ruth, died at only three days old, and Billie lost her daughter Bobbi Dee at age 29 to suicide. After twenty years of marriage, Billie’s husband died of emphysema, and she knew she needed to go to school so she could take care of her remaining children. She went to Licensed Practical Nursing school in 1984, and joined the Navy Reserve in 1990. Her deployments included Kuwait (with EMF Dallas Iraq Freedom); the USNS Comfort (Haiti, Continuing Promise); Afghanistan Operation Enduring Freedom Noble Eagle, and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. After twenty-two years of service, Billie went to college and received an Associate of Arts General Studies and an Associate of Biological Science Allied Health. She published her poems “The Cot” and “Aging” in the Kaleidoscope book of poems and short stories at Connors State College in Muskogee, Oklahoma, which is where she now lives.
“This project gave me the opportunity to tell my story of three different deployments, and face the emotions that have been hidden for over a span of fifteen years. I hope my story can help open up insights into other veterans to talk about their experiences. To realize to live and not choose to die by their own hands. To choose to live life now not in the past or even the future but now. To believe in themselves, and go for their dreams. I have had a wonderful team from Scott Guy, Elise Dewsberry, Angela Parrish, Evelyn Halus, and Johnny Coppola. New Musicals Inc. is an amazing company and so very proud to be chosen to represent my fellow veterans through this project. They made it look so easy even though it was difficult to dig in memories. That each veteran and family members have a way of grieving and dealing with emotions that are scary to really look at but we need to.”
Angela Parrish
Lyrics and Music
Angela is a Los Angeles-based songwriter, composer, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist. A joy-filled, authentic, collaborative, and compassionate creative who thrives in multiple genres, Angela lives for the excitement of being a musical Swiss Army Knife. She has sung alongside Ben Folds, Paul Williams, Jimmy Kimmel, Florence + the Machine, and the trio adored around the world–Donald Duck, Goofy, and Mickey Mouse. Millions of cinema devotees heard her buoyant vocals on “Another Day of Sun,” the song that opens the Academy Award-winning film musical La La Land. Angela’s 2015 debut EP, Faithful and Tall, which featured guest vocals from Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek, was nominated for a pair of Independent Music Awards. Her song “Borrowed Time” was selected as a Grand Prize Winner in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Angela is a past recipient of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and ASCAP Abe Olman Scholarship for Excellence in Songwriting and a recent New Folk Competition Finalist, following the legacy of songwriting legends and former Finalists Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams and Shawn Colvin. Most recently, Angela co-wrote original songs for the 2020 film Chance starring Matthew Modine, one of which was nominated for a Hollywood Music in Media Award. She also composed music for the 2020 webseries GLOP! - The Glorious Ladies of Puppetry, a phenomenal all-female troupe of Henson Company and Sesame Street puppeteers. She is the vocal producer for the BBC/Disney series “Chuggington” and is working on several upcoming projects due for release in 2021.
Twitter, IG, Tik Tok: @songsbyangela
“I’m thrilled to be a part of SO PROUDLY WE HAILED, because working alongside Petty Officer 1st Class Billie Estes has been such an honor. Billie has seen so much pain and heartbreak in her life and on the battlefield, and she has responded to all of it by caring for the needs of others. She is inherently positive, resilient, funny, and strong. Telling her story is one of the greatest privileges I’ve had, and I’m thankful to Billie for her vulnerability and generosity.”
Evelyn Halus
Performer
Evelyn Halus is a founding member of NMI’s Academy Repertory Company (ARC) and truly enjoys the process of workshopping new musicals. She recently produced Corona’s Cabaret: An Act of Destruction (Winner of the Audience Choice Award in PLAYBILL’S 1st Virtual Theatre Festival) written and performed by her daughter Oliviana Marie and husband Tom Griep. Evelyn can be heard as Eleanor Roosevelt/ Evelyn Lincoln in Michael John La Chiusa’s First Ladies Suite (PS Classics) as well as on the cast recordings for the Gershwin shows Pardon My English, Lady Be Good, and Oh, Kay! (Elektra Nonesuch). When not performing she enjoys teaching voice privately and at UCLA. Her clients include: Cher, Sutton Foster, Nathan Lane, Neil Patrick Harris, Kerry O’Malley, Megan McGinnis, Kenneth Branagh, Lindsay Mendez, Matthew Morrison and the band Depeche Mode. Evelyn is a proud member of Equity/ SAG/AFTRA.
“In the past, my husband Tom Griep and I enjoyed performing songs from WWII at his father’s 95th division (I Company) annual reunions. There was something magical about being around ‘the Greatest Generation’ of men and women who gave so much for our country. I found out in conversations with Billie Estes that her husband was one of those WWII soldiers, and she continued the legacy of service as a Nurse in the Navy. I am honored to have portrayed Billie, singing the songs of the multi-talented Angela Parrish and working closely with director Johnny Coppola, whose deep understanding of the subject matter brought BLOOD to a whole new level. God Bless You, Billie. God Bless America and all the veterans who sacrificed so much for all of us.”
John Coppola
Director
A native of Brooklyn, New York, John Coppola is a multi-talented director and acting coach, whose clients have starred on HBO, Showtime, ABC, CBS, NBC, CW, Netflix, FX, AMC, USA, Lifetime, Fox, WB, TNT and Showcase. As a director, John has helmed more than 100 theatrical productions in New York, Los Angeles and abroad. His credits include groundbreaking productions of Shakespeare, Brecht, John Patrick Shanley and Caryl Churchill, as well as critically acclaimed adaptations of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, the musicals Cabaret, Sweeny Todd, Anything Goes, and Godspell. As a film director, John’s accolades include the award for Best Director at the New York International Film & Video Festival for his film, Possibility, which also took the Grand Jury Prize for short film In Los Angeles. Then, he directed Bourbon Street, a New Orleans television pilot for Rampart Entertainment. Most recently, he directed In the Basement, a short film that is scheduled for screening at festivals across the country. John began his career as an actor, whose career took him from the footlights of Broadway to the soundstages of Hollywood. After attending Yale’s drama program, John first appeared on Broadway in Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs, followed by Biloxi Blues, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, American Buffalo, and the National and European revival tours of Hair, West Side Story, Grease, and Anything Goes.
“It was a such a pleasure and an honor to be a part of NMI’s Veterans’ Project. These true stories are beautifully written and come straight from the heart. It’s always wonderful to work on a project that offers a powerful message. Thank you for the opportunity!
“Finding the bravery to be yourself can be the most fulfilling battle in life. ”
~~ Jenna Hoffmann
You & Judy & Me
This episode features a bittersweet story of a father and a son and their shifting relationship over time with the military, musical theatre, and each other.
Book and lyrics by J.A. Moad II; music by Kurt Kuenne; dramaturged and directed by Jenna Hoffmann. Based on the true story by J.A. Moad II. Featuring Frank Caeti.
Stay tuned for the full episode of “You & Judy & Me”
“There was this moment, Dad, this beautiful moment, when everything came together.”
Watch an interview with Veteran J.A. Moad II
Stay tuned for an interview with the director and performer of “You & Judy & Me”
You & Judy & Me Creative Team
J.A. Moad II
Veteran
A former Air Force C-130 pilot with over a hundred combat sorties. Jay served as an English Professor at the United States Air Force Academy and continues to serve as an editor for their international journal, War, Literature & the Arts (WLA). His short stories, poetry and essays have appeared in a variety of journals and anthologies, and he is the recipient of the Consequence Magazine Fiction Award. In addition to writing, he has performed on stage at the Library of Congress and at The Guthrie Theater as part of The Telling Project - Giving Voice to the Veteran Experience. His award-winning play, Outside Paducah - the Wars at Home, had its New York debut at the Wild Project Theater in 2017 where he was nominated for Outstanding Solo Performance by the New York Innovative Theater Awards (NYIT). In 2020, he was finalist for the McKnight Fellowship in playwriting and currently resides in Northfield, MN, where he flies the Delta Airlines and continues to write.
Dedicated to the Memory of James A. Moad - 1942-2021
Kurt Kuenne
Music
Kurt Kuenne is an award-winning filmmaker and composer of both fiction and documentary films. He is a winner of the Academy Nicholl Fellowship in Screenwriting whose films include the celebrated documentaries “Dear Zachary” and “Batkid Begins”, the time travel indie “Shuffle” starring TJ Thyne (“Bones”), and numerous award winning musical comedy shorts including the viral hit “Validation”, which has over 10 million views on YouTube; his television work includes directing numerous episodes of the NBC hit “The Blacklist” starring James Spader, which has also featured his music. In addition to scoring his own films, his work as composer includes “Blacklist” creator Jon Bokenkamp’s first feature “Preston Tylk”, and re-scoring the 1925 silent “Cyrano de Bergerac” (1999 San Diego Symphony premiere). Kurt is currently completing a documentary about rock star Huey Lewis and his battle with the hearing disorder Ménière’s disease. • www.kurtkuenne.com
“Getting to know J.A. Moad II and having the opportunity to set his words and story to music was one of the highlights of the past year for me; his passion for musical theatre, his brave willingness to be vulnerable, and his obvious writing talent instantly drew me in — and when we had the good fortune to have Jenna Hoffman join the team as director, her joyful enthusiasm and dramatist’s acumen took everything to the next level. Thanks to NMI for inviting me along on this rewarding journey!”
Frank Caeti
Performer
Frank Caeti acts, improvises, writes, directs, and teaches anywhere they will let him. Frank was a series regular and contributing writer on the long-running FOX show MADtv. Other tv credits include: Modern Family, Key and Peele, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Adam Ruins Everything, Chicago Fire, NCIS, and over three dozen commercials. Regional theater credits include: The Second City National Touring Company, The Second City Resident Company (Chicago and Las Vegas), Kennedy Center, Goodman Theatre, Kirk Douglas Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Laguna Playhouse, and Dallas Theater Center. Currently, he performs regularly at Upright Citizens Brigade and Westside Comedy Theater and teaches at California Institute of the Arts.
“It was a pleasure and honor to help bring ‘You & Judy & Me’ to life. I hope this story will resonate with anyone who has dared to dream big. Both of my grandfathers, my father, my stepfather, and father-in-law all served in the military, therefore it’s extra fulfilling for me to tell veterans’ stories.’
Jenna Hoffmann
Director/Dramaturge
Jenna Hoffmann is an NYU Directing graduate currently directing and producing in LA. She has trained with Anne Bogart’s SITI Company and assisted Broadway artists Danny Mefford and Kim Weild. Jenna has a passion for physical storytelling and new work development. She loves bringing community together through musical theater and interactive storytelling. Recent directing credits: The Happy Garden of Life (New Ohio Theatre), A Modest Proposal (Cherry Lane Theatre), She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms (Waterwell), Pippi Longstocking (Scandinavian American Theater). This summer Jenna had the opportunity to work on the opera Orphée Aux Enfers in Berlin, Germany. Jenna is currently working with comedians to tailor their routines for optimal audience response. www.jennahoffmann.com
“YOU & JUDY & ME was an absolute joy to direct. Learning J.A. Moad II’s incredible journey from musical enthusiast, to airman, to family member has resonated deeply with me. Finding the bravery to be yourself can be the most fulfilling battle in life. Kurt Kuenne’s ability to seamlessly integrate musical themes through his composition beautifully heightens J.A.’s book and lyrics. Frank Caeti’s honesty and passion for the story shine through his performance, and he was a delight to direct.”
“To be given the opportunity to give a voice to the voiceless many to whom I owe so much is one of the highlights of my career. To Addison, and to each and every service member of the United States, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a real life superhero.”
~~ Tonoccus McClain
Christmas in Afghanistan
A soldier stationed in Afghanistan accidentally buys an entire truckful of bread on Christmas Eve
By Addison Blu, with music by Michael Finke; and lyrics by Addison Blu and Michael Finke. Directed by Megan Rees. Featuring Tonoccus McClain.
“We laughed, and ate excellent bread with the rest of our meal, and nobody blew up that day”
Addison’s Team
Addison Blu
Veteran
Addison Blu is a comedy writer and a regular contributor for the military satire website The Duffel Blog. His approach to writing is that he uses sad stuff to make the funny stuff funnier and funny stuff to make the sad stuff sadder. Addison’s also an Army PSYOP combat veteran, former professional gamer, musician, member of Mensa, and entrepreneur. In his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with his wife and kids, and he still loves playing video games, but at a slightly below-average skill level now.
Megan Rees
Director
Megan feels honored to help bring the true stories of American veterans to life through the medium of musical theater in So Proudly We Hailed. Megan holds a bachelors degree in Musical Theatre from Weber State University. Directing credits include Camelot, The Importance of Being Earnest, and My Jo (a musical adaptation of Little Women).
Michael Finke
Music & Co-Lyrics
Michael Finke is an award-winning New York based musical theatre writer. He’s had his work performed at Lincoln Center, Feinstein’s/54 Below, Joe’s Pub, the Christmas Day telecast on ABC, the Green Room 42, and many more. He’s written the book, music and lyrics for musicals such as Reporting Live, Caroline and George, Surrounded By the Water, and Powerline Road. His musical short Dead Flowers is now available for licensing with Theatre Now and MTI and his upcoming debut album “Get What You Want” will be premiering later this year. Michael’s a winner of the New Voices Project with New Musicals Inc. and is a proud member of ASCAP and the Dramatist Guild.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with NMI once again and to find another awesome collaborator in the process with Addison Blu.”
Tonoccus McClain
Performer
Tonoccus McClain could be seen hosting television shows like FOX Family’s California Summer Countdown, reporting and anchoring Channel One News, performing in Beauty and the Beast live at the Hollywood Bowl, Game of Thrones Live at the LA Forum, multiple shows at the Disneyland resort, and multiple performances at the Academy Awards. He also traveled North America touring in over 2400 performances of The Lion King (Banzai u/s) for six years. He’s crossed the globe singing in countries like South Korea, Taiwan, Spain, Germany, Mexico, the Czech Republic, Argentina, China, Canada, Australia, Finland, and across the Caribbean and back. Tonoccus was also featured in LA Opera’s Porgy and Bess at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and in the LA Master Chorale, performing at Walt Disney Concert Hall for almost a decade. He could also be heard singing on almost 50 television and film soundtracks and commercials including The Lion Guard theme song, Glee, The Good Wife, Once Upon A Time, King Kong, Avatar, A Wrinkle in Time, Smallfoot, and featured in 2019’s reimagined The Lion King.
“As an army brat, I’ve had a front row seat to the endless sacrifices the women and men of our armed forces make each and every day. For me, there’s no greater nobility than to risk and give your all for a general public that often times has no idea what our freedom actually costs. That is the definition of honor and nobility. To be given the opportunity to give a voice to the voiceless many to whom I owe so much is one of the highlights of my career. To Addison, and to each and every service member of the United States, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a real life superhero.”
“I am deeply honored to work with Col. Paulo Gonçalves on this project. Collaborating internationally — across borders, time zones, and cultures — to bring to life this hopeful story about the importance of vigilance and global cooperation in order to maintain peace has been my great delight.”
~~ Michael Finke
The Messenger
A United Nations Peacekeeper from Portugal learns his life’s mission through a chance conversation with a five-year-old Bosnian boy.
By Paulo Jorge Machado Dias Gonçalves, with music and lyrics by Ryan Patrick Martin.
“What’s the war like in your country?”
Paulo’s Team
Paulo Jorge Machado Dias Gonçalves
Veteran
Paulo Gonçalves is a Portuguese Air Force retired Colonel. He joined the military at the age of 19, in 1991, and served for 39 years. He specialized in Air Traffic Control, having executed operational and commanding tasks on both national and international units. In addition to his specialization in air traffic control, Colonel Paulo Gonçalves was also an instructor at the Portuguese Air Force Academy and in instruction flight squadrons. He also obtained qualifications in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense; Military Information; Public Relations, Military Protocol and Strategic Communication. Throughout his military career, he operated in 25 countries, including NATO Baltic Air Policing in the Baltic countries, NATO HQ Brussels, NATO Rapid Reaction Force (Chemical /Biological/Radiological/Nuclear Unit), NATO Lessons Learned Centre, European Union Operation Althea (Bosnia Herzegovina), United Nations missions - UNAVEM in Angola, UNPROFOR in the Former Yugoslavia, UNAMA in Afghanistan, and several other peace support/crisis resolution operations, serving Portugal in bilateral missions. Since his retirement (2020) he decided to become a storyteller, sharing his military experiences with others, having drawn cartoons and written several articles, papers and books about peacekeeping missions and crisis resolution operations. Paulo is married to Lina Gonçalves and they have three adult children.
NMI in Portgual!
This episode of our webseries, “So Proudly We Hailed,” was selected to be part of the celebrations of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers (May 29), in Lisbon, Portugal.
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, 29 May, offers a chance to pay tribute to the uniformed and civilian personnel’s invaluable contribution to the work of the Organization and to honour more than 4,000 peacekeepers who have lost their lives serving under the UN flag since 1948, including 130 last year. In Lisbon, Portugal, our episode was shown at a very prestigious event, which coincides with an exhibit at the Combatants’ Museum. We were excited and honored to be part of this international celebration.
Ryan Patrick Martin
Lyrics and Music
Ryan Martin is a playwright and composer. His original musical The Incredible Six Thousand-Foot Ladder to Heaven ran at the 2019 Chicago Musical Theatre Festival where it garnered six festival awards including Best Book, Best Music, and Best of the Festival. In 2019, he was named a recipient of New Musicals Inc.’s New Voices Project, a national distinction for emerging musical theatre writers. His original music has appeared on the podcast Lovett or Leave It. A graduate of Northwestern University, he lives, works, and hides from the weather in Chicago, Illinois. More at ryanpmartin.com.
“I am deeply honored to work with Col. Paulo Gonçalves on this project. Collaborating internationally — across borders, time zones, and cultures — to bring to life this hopeful story about the importance of vigilance and global cooperation in order to maintain peace has been my great delight.”
Eduardo Enrikez
Performer
Eduardo recently returned to the South Coast Rep familia with American Mariachi, having previously graced the stage as Sebastian in Destiny of Desire which went on to play the Goodman Theater, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the Cincinnati Playhouse. He was in the original London West End production of the musical On Your Feet, the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan at The London Coliseum. He will reprise his role as Emilio this fall at the Moonlight Amphitheatre. West End/European credits include: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged, Eating Raoul, Time Square Angel, Saturday Night Fever, and Hair. Regional credits include: Destiny of Desire; American Mariachi; Chris in Miss Saigon (Inland Empire Award for best actor, Broadway World nomination); Vittorio Vidal in Sweet Charity (Inland Empire Award for best actor, Broadway World nomination); Emcee in Cabaret (Garland Award nomination); Mickey in Blood Brothers (Ada Award for best actor); Is This Any Way to Start a Marriage; Ragtime; The Musical of Musicals, The Musical!; Love Songs—A Musical; Bat Boy The Musical; Hercules On Normandie, and Schoolhouse Rock. Film and television credits include: Sin Frontera (best actor award, Seattle Film Festival; best actor nomination, Beaufort International Film Festival), Stigma, Emilio, Jornada al Norte, Dog Tags, The Immigrant, Infertile Hearts, The Bridge, Locked up Abroad, and Bluff. Eduardo has been awarded the ARAM Associate at The Royal Academy of Music in London. Visit eduardoenrikez.com and follow him on Instagram @eduardoenrikez.
“I’m grateful to be a small part of this wonderful series. It’s important that we honor these men and woman for their humanity in the face of adversity.”
John Coppola
Director
A native of Brooklyn, New York, John Coppola is a multi-talented director and acting coach, whose clients have starred on HBO, Showtime, ABC, CBS, NBC, CW, Netflix, FX, AMC, USA, Lifetime, Fox, WB, TNT and Showcase. As a director, John has helmed more than 100 theatrical productions in New York, Los Angeles and abroad. His credits include groundbreaking productions of Shakespeare, Brecht, John Patrick Shanley and Caryl Churchill, as well as critically acclaimed adaptations of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, the musicals Cabaret, Sweeny Todd, Anything Goes, and Godspell. As a film director, John’s accolades include the award for Best Director at the New York International Film & Video Festival for his film, Possibility, which also took the Grand Jury Prize for short film In Los Angeles. Then, he directed Bourbon Street, a New Orleans television pilot for Rampart Entertainment. Most recently, he directed In the Basement, a short film that is scheduled for screening at festivals across the country. John began his career as an actor, whose career took him from the footlights of Broadway to the soundstages of Hollywood. After attending Yale’s drama program, John first appeared on Broadway in Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs, followed by Biloxi Blues, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, American Buffalo, and the National and European revival tours of Hair, West Side Story, Grease, and Anything Goes.
“It was a such a pleasure and an honor to be a part of NMI’s Veterans’ Project. These true stories are beautifully written and come straight from the heart. It’s always wonderful to work on a project that offers a powerful message. Thank you for the opportunity!
“The songs in this project have the power to do more than just tell a story. It’s an honor to be a part of it and, in some small way, perhaps assist in narrating a recovery.”
~~ Ron Barnett
Chasing Ghosts
Based on the Iraq War memoir, An Angel From Hell, by Ryan A. Conklin; with music by Ron Barnett and lyrics by Christine Croyden; featuring Troy Armond Barboza.
“Hidden sniper with telescopic lens … perched and waiting for my friends….”
Ryan’s Team
Ryan A. Conklin
Veteran
Right out of high school, Conklin enlisted in the U.S. Army and became an Infantryman. He served active duty in the famed 187th Infantry “Rakkasans” Regiment, of the 101st Airborne Division. He served a yearlong combat tour in Iraq from 2005-2006, where he participated in the security of Saddam Hussein’s trial and combat operations in-and-around Tikrit, Iraq. Conklin spent a second combat tour in Baghdad in 2009. He published a war memoir on his first combat tour, titled: An Angel from Hell: Real Life on the Front Lines in 2010. He was Honorably Discharged that same year, at the rank of sergeant. Some of his military awards include: the Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, two Good Conduct Medals, the Air Assault Badge, the Expert Infantryman’s Badge, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
Conklin earned a B.A. in Film and Media Arts from Temple University. He was a cast member of MTVs Real World: Brooklyn in 2009. He published his second book, The 18th New York Infantry in the Civil War in 2016. He currently resides in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where he continually serves his community as a Professional Firefighter and EMT.
Christine Croyden
Lyrics
Christine Croyden is a Melbourne-based playwright, lyricist and novelist. Her plays are licensed and published by Australian plays.org https://apt.org.au/playwright/ASC-3983. She writes character-based drama, and storytelling is her passion. In 2011 Croyden was selected for the Inaugural Stage and Screen Residency at Varuna. In 2012 she was the recipient of a Copyright Agency Ltd (CAL) Scholarship and was mentored by lyricist, Jack Robinson in Paris and MMD (Mercury Musical Developments) in London. She completed a six-month playwriting residency at the Cartoucherie, a French theatre company in Paris in 2017. Her play UNDERGROUND, inspired by the adventures of Nancy Wake – a WW2 special agent, was produced in March 2019 and toured various Melbourne theatres, and it is now available in French translation. Her most recent play, JOY was produced at Heide Museum of Modern Art together with the Joy Hester exhibition in February 2021. She is also the author of two novels for young adults and many short stories and articles.
For further information please visit Christine’s website www.christinecroyden.com
“I have enjoyed working with veteran, Ryan Conklin, and composer Ron Barnett for SO PROUDLY WE HAILED.”
Ron Barnett
Music
Ron Barnett is Director of Music and Sacred Arts at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, Glendale. Full length musicals, as composer: Manson’s Girls with book by Scott Guy, lyrics by Mitch Glaser, When Butter Churns to Gold with book by Peter Welkin and lyrics by Randi Wolfe, and A Christmas Carol with book by Barry Kornhauser, published in 2013 by Dramatic Publishing Company. With lyricist Greg Edwards, Ron was a finalist for the 2010 and 2012 Fred Ebb Prize.
“The songs in this project have the power to do more than just tell a story. It’s an honor to be a part of it and, in some small way, perhaps assist in narrating a recovery.”
Troy Armand Barboza
Performer
Troy is an actor, singer, director, script consultant, and automation technician from Boston. Throughout New England and New York, he’s been involved in dozens upon dozens of productions with people you probably don’t know at places you’ve likely never heard of, except for maybe Ithaca College and the American Repertory Theater. He was nominated for his performance as Billy Downs in an award-winning production of The Libertine, directed by Eric Tucker, so that was cool. In addition to performing in Chasing Ghosts, Troy also works as one of the A/V technicians for the Veterans’ Project. Check out some of his work at TroyArmandBarboza.com or follow his shenanigans on Instagram @TroyArmandBarboza
“I am honored to be a part of this project honoring veterans. A second-generation American on both sides of my family, both of my grandfathers served in WWII fighting for the United States of America, their chosen homeland. They both passed before I was born, so this opportunity to engage with first-hand veteran stories has been insightful to the spirit of my family’s service.”
“I am excited to be a part of NMI’s Veteran’s Project, and to help bring the real-life stories of American veterans to life. I am particularly grateful to be able to help tell the stories of female veterans; stories that are often overlooked or untold, but offer incredibly important and powerful messages.”
~~ Megan Rees
The Interrogator
An interrogator grills the only female prisoner in Bagram on charges of terrorism.
By Elaine Little; with music and lyrics by Joshua H. Cohen; featuring Megan Rees.
“I’m not here to get her to confess. Close up the case. Just get her out of this place.”
Elaine’s Team
Elaine Little
Veteran
Elaine Little served in the active-duty Army, then transferred to the Reserves and the National Guard, where she was deployed to Guantanamo, Bosnia, and Afghanistan while raising three children. She is a writer, who won first place at the 2019 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival for her essay, “Now It’s You,” and is a current semi-finalist in the Cinestory TV pilot retreat workshop. Her work has appeared in many literary magazines, most recently “The Tupelo Quarterly.” Her essay, “Edit and Spin,” about her experiences during a deployment to Afghanistan, was published in the acclaimed literary anthology: “Powder, Writing by Women in the Ranks, from Vietnam to Iraq.” She was recently awarded a place in the 2021 cohort for the AT&T Veterans Media Fellowship. After many years of working at jobs she hated, she drove to California with two cats in the back seat during the height of the pandemic. Her day job is Veterans Outreach Coordinator at the VA, a job she definitely doesn’t hate. Since she enjoys writing television specs and original television pilots, she thinks Los Angeles is the place for her.
“NMI’s support of Veterans is truly inspiring. When I returned from Afghanistan, I was ready to make some changes in my life. Writing was my way of coping. Writing is not only my passion. It’s also therapy. But I also like to get my work out there. NMI understands that the experiences that Veterans go through, though often painful, have the potential to become art that not only entertains but educates. In a nation where less than one-half percent of the population has served in the military, getting this information out is vital.”
Joshua H. Cohen
Lyrics and Music
Joshua’s honors include a Jonathan Larson Grant, the Anna Zornio Children’s Theatre Playwriting Award (lyrics, Keep On Walkin’), and a MAC Award nomination for his cult cabaret hit “The Sacrifice of Love” (a.k.a. the waxing song). Productions include play The Thirteenth Commandment (Libra Theater, 7 NY Innovative Theater Award nominations, 2 wins; published by Next Stage Press), musical Tamar of the River (Prospect Theatre, 2 Drama Desk nominations, world premiere recording from Yellow Sound Label), and children’s musical Flight School (Vital Theatre, OCR available, national and international tour). Many other productions, readings, and workshops across the country; for more details visit www.JoshuaHCohen.com.
“I am the son of a Vietnam Marine who was denied a veteran’s license plate because he wanted it as a vanity plate that said PEACE. I’m honored to be a part of telling the vital stories of the veterans of America’s 21st-century military operations. Many thanks to Elise, Scott, Megan, and especially Elaine for entrusting me with this story.”
Megan Rees
Performer
Megan graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Musical Theater from Weber State University. Favorite musical theatre roles include: Sibella in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Marguerite in The Scarlet Pimpernel, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and Mayzie in Seussical. She also enjoys directing, writing, and producing. Favorite directing projects include Camelot, The Importance of Being Earnest, and My Jo (a musical adaptation of Little Women). In her free time, Megan is a nap and puppy enthusiast, and is not opposed to combining the two.
“I am excited to be a part of NMI’s Veteran’s Project, and to help bring the real-life stories of American veterans to life. I am particularly grateful to be able to help tell the stories of female veterans; stories that are often overlooked or untold, but offer incredibly important and powerful messages.”
Call for Submissions
Submissions for the current round are now CLOSED.
This project is hosted by New Musicals Inc. This activity is supported in part by a generous grant from the Helen and Jose Colton Foundation, the Peter Glenville Foundation, the Anonymous Fund (Marin County), and the California Arts Council, a state agency. Learn more about the Arts Council at www.arts.ca.gov.