MUSICAL THEATRE

Creature Creek: A New Musical

Book by Brock Bivens 
Music by Joe Barsanti 
Lyrics by Rick Rhobajt Widen

Charlie Bramble has lived in Deer Creek his entire life, but as the tourism industry started to die, Charlie noticed more and more incompetence of those around him. One day, over drinks, Charlie and his old flam Cece come up with an idea to bring people back to Deer Creek: The Deer Creek Devil. Now Charlie and Cece need to convince the townsfolk, and the weak-spined Mayor, that their town has a monster.

Set to a lively folk/bluegrass score, Charlie has to face his lie or end up losing the town he loves.

Production History

  • Staged Reading, Musical Creators Institute (May 2024)

Oak Island: A New Musical

Book by Brandi Underwood 
Music and Lyrics by Joe Barsanti

Oak Island is a small island off the coast of Nova Scotia near Halifax with a deep mystery and rumors of treasure dating back over two centuries, which drew in Frank and his oldest son Will to dig in search of answers. A 17th-century Spanish coin, a stone tablet with an encoded message, and a small metal cross dating back to the twelve-hundreds have all been found during the 200-year search on Oak Island. Ultimately, there are many puzzle pieces, but the puzzle remains unsolved. Frank, being a romantic idealist, has devoted his life to the search for treasure on Oak Island, and Will has been following him on trips since he was young. Drake, Franks's youngest son, has always been more skeptical. Whether because of jealousy or the hubris surrounding his rational logic, Drake has always been at odds with his father, the hunt, and Will. These fractured relationships, especially between Drake and Will, have always been one of Frank's biggest regrets.

It’s only when Frank suddenly passed away of a heart attack while searching, that Drake and Will find themselves on Oak Island struggling with their grief, rage, and the awkwardness that comes with having not spoken in 4 years.

Production History

  • Workshop Production, American Lives Theatre (May 2022)

  • 2021 IndyFringe Festival Premier (Oct 2021)

  • Development & Workshop, American Lives Theatre (2020-2021)

  • Reading, Indiana Playwrites Circle (Nov 2019)

  • Reading, Fat Turtle Theatre Company (July 2017)

DMV: A 10 Minute Musical

Book by Brandi Underwood 
Music and Lyrics by Joe Barsanti

DMV give us an inside view of what a day looks like in the DMV. Irritated employees, scared first time drivers, and people looking to start a new life, DMV shows people from every walk of life trying to survive another day.

Production History

  • Reading, Fat Turtle Theatre Company (July 2017)