PARTY OF THE CENTURY first reading, starring Elizabeth Stanley and Will Blum

In mid-May, a closed developmental reading of Party of the Century, a musical based on Deborah Davis’s book recounting Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball, was presented for a small audience. Center Theatre Group in association with FourthWall Theatrical produced.

Stay tuned for more!

Photo Flash: TOMORROW, THE ISLAND DIES storms up SDSU in a thrilling college production

San Diego State University is finishing its season with the world premiere of Ryan Scott Oliver’s new musical, Tomorrow, the Island Dies. The work performs at the California institution May 1-6, with Stephen Brotebeck at the helm.

CHECK OUT THE PLAYBILL ARTICLE HERE

The dystopian, original story is set on an island off the coast of Maine facing imminent destruction in the face of the climate crisis. A mysterious death leads to finger pointing between those still left alive.

“I’m interested in the ways people respond to crisis—how they seek order, how they define virtue, and how quickly certainty can become destabilizing,” says Oliver in a statement. “The piece asks what happens when our desire for clarity overtakes our capacity for compassion.”

The work has been developed in the last two years via SDSU’s New Musical Initiative. Press notes describe the score as drawing on influences “ranging from Sweeney Todd to Benjamin Britten’s Peter Grimes.”

Cast and creatives for the production included:

Widow Clack, the lighthouse keeper: Rebecca Murillo
Benji Clack, her brother: Ian Bartlett
Kathryn, the government: Savannah Comer
Jacob, the law: Nole Jones
Ephraim, the church: Jansen Espares
Wyatt, sanitation: Quetzal Alcaraz
Mckenzy, sanitation: Katie Emily
Shauna, the shop: Ajay Junious
Shelly, the shop: Janeth Shayo
Porter, the docks: Anthony Methvin
Nadine, the hospital: Ashley Roche
Bree, the school: Isabel Wirz
Ms. Kelly, the outcast: Courtney Corey
Ensemble: Kassidy King, Mackayla Olivas, Avery Henkenius, Jordan Davenport, Bobby Bednar, Shane Mullinix, David Lamb (swings: Callen Kraus, Valentina D’auria)

Scenic Design: Lauren Richards
Costume Design: Kelan Yang
Lighting Design: Mary Ashley Fulton
Sound Design: Paul Peterson
Dramaturgs: David Limon, Nitalia Wilson
Production Stage Manager: Aden Carlson
Asst. director: Brett Puppilo

RSO & Lindsay Mendez receive 2026 Muse Award

On May 4, 2026, Prospect Musicals held its 2026 Gala to honor extraordinary members of the theater community through the fourth annual Muse Awards:

  • Tony Award-winning theatrical producer Ken Davenport;
  • Tony Award-winning actor and theatrical producer LaChanze;
  • Tony Award-winning actor Lindsay Mendez and Kleban Prize-winning writer Ryan Scott Oliver, co-founders of Actor Therapy;
  • and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, and Tony-nominated theatrical producer Jose Antonio Vargas.

“The Prospect Muse Award exists to honor leaders who inspire Prospect’s artists through their positive and profound contributions within the theater community and the world at large. This year’s honorees have advocated for inclusive communities, encouraged diverse and nuanced storytelling, and developed and mentored the next generation of theater-makers.”

See below for assorted photos from the event.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN MUSICAL THEATRE WITHOUT REALLY DYING now available

Have you heard? RSO and Lindsay Mendez wrote a book!

For the last thirteen years, Actor Therapy co-founders Lindsay Mendez and RSO have dedicated their careers to guiding actors, sharpening their craft, and supporting them not only as artists but as human beings. In that time, Actor Therapy has grown far beyond “just a class.” Together, they’ve built a philosophy. What began with eight students at Ripley-Grier has blossomed into year-round classes, transformative intensives, hundreds of new students each year, and a thriving alumni community thousands strong.

Now, Lindsay and Ryan are sharing that philosophy with the world in a brand-new book: How to Succeed in Musical Theatre Without Really Dying, available everywhere now.

Nearly 450 pages of insight, humor, and hard-won wisdom are packed into this essential guide—full of the same big tips, hot takes, and “knowledge bombs” that have made Actor Therapy a mainstay in the New York theatre community. From building your brand to polishing your audition package, booking the job, and—most importantly—sustaining a long, joyful career in musical theatre.

The foreword is written by Jonathan Groff, and readers will find the same blend of honesty, humor, and heart that defines everything Lindsay and Ryan do.

Here’s a link to peek inside!

👉 Grab your copy today!

Amazon

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Bookshop.org

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Target

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We’re so excited to have this out in the world!

“Lindsay Mendez and Ryan Scott Oliver run a great class in auditioning and performing for musical theatre, and beyond that, they have a ton of experience, both happy and not-so-happy, in the business of making a career in musical theatre. If I were a performer looking for tips, information, and advice, I’d certainly turn to them!”

—Stephen Schwartz, Tony Award–nominated composer for Wicked

“An essential road map for actors . . . Required reading for anyone looking to embark on a professional career in musical theatre.”

—Patrick Goodwin, Broadway casting director

And some customer reviews:

WE FOXES presented in concert April 5-6

RSO’s We Foxes Sets NYC Concert Performances. Katie Thompson, Heath Saunders, Philippe Arroyo, and more will lead the cast, part of Prospect Musical’s IGNITE Festival.

Ryan Scott Oliver’s We Foxes has set some NYC concert performances via Prospect Musicals’ IGNITE Festival  for April 5-6 at Baruch Performing Arts Center.

Inspired by real events, We Foxes follows young orphan Willa taken in by the Sheriff’s wife in a small Missouri town. Once in her new home, Willa discovers secrets under the floorboards and learns her new guardian might be something of a sociopath. Commissioned by Broadway Across America, the work has been developed by Playwrights Horizons, Goodspeed Musicals, 5th Avenue Theatre, York Theatre Company, Village Theatre, Weston Playhouse, Cap 21, and others.

The cast of the upcoming performances will include Kerstin Anderson (My Fair Lady), Katie Thompson (Oklahoma!), Tally Sessions (A Wonderful World), Philippe Arroyo (& Juliet), Benji Santiago (The Notebook), and Heath Saunders (Company). Ian Allred, Tristan Caldwell, James Cunha, Nicole DeLuca, Caitlin Doak, Will Erat, Emily Foley, Alina Fontanilla, Miranda Luze, Matthew Moròn, Jack B. Murphy, and Isa Rodriguez will round out the company.

Oliver and Mathieu Whitman are co-directing, with Jason Wetzel music directing and leading an eight-piece orchestra. Very Intense Productions and Actor Therapy New Works are co-producing.