About this project

About the Musical

Made in China is a musical about an innocent up-and-coming postman, Max, who must deliver a music box to an address that doesn’t exist. Max finally sees the house and Amber, the girl who sings the box’s beautiful melody in front of it. When Max notices that the music box looks exactly like the house, Amber tells him that the music box is, in fact, the house. Amber invites Max inside where all of his fantasies can come true, including the perfect girl, who is, of course, Amber. The house is filled with fun and games and is the perfect setting for Max and Amber’s budding romantic relationship. But, with some help from a group of beatnik dolls that come to life, Max realizes the kind of girl and life he truly desires.

Background

After having seen my twin brother's honor's project for his music major, which was an original one-act musical that he wrote, directed, orchestrated, and starred in, at the end of our final year at the University of California at Berkeley, I was inspired to pursue a career in musical theater. But, I didn't want to just act in plays. I wanted to do everything from writing all the music to directing the whole production. This way, I could combine both of my passions for music and acting into one art form. My brother's musical was a hit, and I thought that if he could do it in one semester, I certainly could do it in a year or so.

The summer after we graduated, I began brainstorming ideas for a cool, original musical all the while writing a lot of music some of which would be used for the musical. After having a good discussion with my older brother on the way home from picking him up at the airport in Los Angeles one night, together, we came up with a solid concept.

So, now, I have been writing this musical called Made in China for the past year and have plans to get it up and running by February 2012 (and plans to start rehearsing in November of this year). I have recently completed the book and lyrics for the musical and have written the music for all of its songs but one. Currently, I'm orchestrating the music and speaking with theater companies that might be interested in producing the musical. After I have the backing of one of these companies, I can start searching for a venue in which to stage the production. After having rehearsed for around two months, I hope to perform highlights from the musical with the full cast and orchestra over the radio in order to help promote the production and get people interested in coming to the show.

The Music

Made in China contains 16 songs, 18 if you count reprises and interludes, in addition to a short overture. Influences come from works by Burt Bacharach, John Adams, Harvey Schmidt (of Fantasticks fame), and Andrew Lloyd Webber (specifically Phantom of the Opera).

Here is one of the highlights from Made in China, "A Song that They Call Love", performed on solo guitar by the musical's creator, Nicholas Weinbach. (Same video as above.) The songs will be more orchestrated than simple guitar and voice, but this gives you an idea of what some of the music sounds like.

Why the Production Needs Funding

The money I raise on this particular Kickstarter campaign will help fund the fees for rehearsal space and development of the musical. I will most likely be launching another Kickstarter campaign in a few months, after rehearsals have started, to help fund the fees for rental of the venue, costume and set design, recording the soundtrack, and other things that will come up later on in the production process. This is a big project that will require a lot more work, so any donation will be very much appreciated and will definitely aid in expediting the production process. Thanks for your interest in such a grand artistic endeavor.

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Follow the Made in China blog at http://madeinchinamusical.wordpress.com/