New Musical Lab: Taking Off

Book and Lyrics by Sonya Hayden; Music by Matt Lowy

Cast

Amelia: Anastasia Breen

Jean-Christophe: Mark William

May: Gracie Duffy

June: Brooke Cousins

Julie: Aubriana Scott

Alphonse: Karam Mawazini

Mindy: Samantha Dobrowolski

Craig: Oliver Angel

Trudy: Shelby Parker

Doctor: Nathaniel Myers

Chef (Baby): Sophia Catella

Émile/Pilot: Hugh Watters

Ensemble & U/S Amelia: Olivia Welch

Ensemble & U/S Julie/Mindy: Bryce Lang

Ensemble & U/S June/Chef: Casey Fosbenner

Ensemble & U/S May/Trudy: Nicole Merchant

Ensemble & U/S Doctor/Pilot/Émile: Noah Trapp

Ensemble & U/S Alphonse/Craig: August Garrett

Ensemble: Paris Thomas

Vision

The New Musical Laboratory is a partnership between the Wharton Center and the Michigan State University Department of Theatre which pairs theatre students with professionals currently workshopping musicals for the professional stage. In a three week rehearsal process, students rehearse a musical currently in workshop.

In September of 2025, I had the fortune of acting as the assistant to the writer, Sonya Hayden, on Taking Off, a fantastic musical-comedy currently in development. This opportunity provided grand insights into the professional workshop process, as well as into the thought processes of fellow writers.

Over these three weeks, I took on a production assistant-esque position as the main notetaker for additions, subtractions, add-libs, and add-flubs, as well as a dramaturgical role regarding potential edits and ideas.

Regarding Taking Off itself, I wish it, Sonya Hayden, and Matt Lowy absolutely nothing but the very best as this musical continues to fly sky high towards Broadway.