Marvin Makes Music, an inspiring new family musical celebrating the early life of legendary composer Marvin Hamlisch, is set to receive an exclusive industry reading on September 26 at Ripley Grier Studios in New York City. This musical adaptation is based on Hamlisch’s autobiographical children’s book of the same name, chronicling his formative years as a musical prodigy.
The production features a book and lyrics by Caitlin Collins (These Walls, Outbound) and music by Matthew Lowy (Fallen Skies, These Walls). Direction is by the award-winning Scott Weinstein (Million Dollar Quartet, Ragtime). The piece is commissioned and produced by Holly Weis.
Before he was the Marvin Hamlisch-Tony, Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer-he was simply Marvin, a boy who heard music no one else could and whose best friend was the piano. Marvin Makes Music tells the heartwarming story of young Marvin as he navigates the expectations of his immigrant parents and strict Juilliard teachers, while dreaming of a future on Broadway. Infused with a playful theatricality, the piece aims to delight audiences aged 7 and up, celebrating themes of perseverance, creativity, and family.