If you haven’t seen — or even heard of — the musicals “The Break Up Notebook: The Lesbian Musical” or “The Story of My Life,” don’t worry. You probably will soon.
“Break Up” and “Story” were two of the most buzzed-about offerings at the industry-only annual fest of new tuners held by the Natl. Alliance for Musical Theater Oct. 7-8.
The national draw of the 19-year-old fest — which this year brought in more than 700 commercialproducers, regional theater reps and other legiters from around the country — has made the event a valuable marketplace for new musicals.
Fest alums include “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Seven of last year’s eight productions went on to further development, with a musical incarnation of the play “Vanities” aiming for Broadway next season.
“There is no other service organization that gets this many producers in one room at one time to see a piece,” says Kent Nicholson of TheaterWorks in Silicon Valley.