INTERVIEW: David Seamon charts wild ride in NJ sci-fi musical
Photo: The Eleventh Hour! is the new musical from writer and composer David Seamon. Photo courtesy of Zack Morrison / Provided by Michelle Tabnick PR with permission.
How’s this for an elevator pitch?
The world is ending because a black hole is catapulting toward Earth (forget science for a second), and a basement rocker and astrophysicist may just have the key to survival. All they need to do is journey down the New Jersey Turnpike to save the day.
And scene.
That’s the premise of the wild and irreverent off-Broadway musical The Eleventh Hour!, now playing at Town Stages in New York City. The show is the brainchild of David Seamon, who wrote the music, book and lyrics for the show, which continues through Nov. 16. Jessica Francis Fichter directs a cast that consists of Henry Fisher, Olivia London, Miranda Luze, Christopher Pasi, Joshuah D. Simpson and Brianne Wylie.
Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Seamon on the new show, which is produced by Smugbug Productions. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can audience members expect from The Eleventh Hour!?
Audiences can expect a down and dirty sci-fi rock show: irreverent, insane and whole-heartedly New Jersey!
How long did it take to write and develop the musical?
It took three-and-a-half years to write the show. Though most of that time was spent not writing the show. I also run errands and work out. Total time spent at the computer writing pages is probably like three or four hours — give or take.
Is there a strong eleventh hour song?
‘BASEMENT SHOW!’ This is our anthem, our creed. ‘NEW BRUNSWICK FOR LIFE!’ Also ‘Digital Doomsday Clock.’ I really hope that one supplants ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’ at school dances and weddings. #goals
What was it like working with director Jessica Francis Fichter?
Jess is a collaborator, an innovator and a terminator. She was sent from the future to make the show better. I guess in the future the show’s a pretty big deal because Jess is putting in work. She is tirelessly elevating this show beyond what I had ever imagined. Soon, she’ll probably get back in her disco ball and return from whence she came. In this scenario, I’m Sarah Connor.
How familiar are you with New Jersey? Is this a love letter to the Garden State?
I am extremely from New Jersey. I am from New Brunswick, home of Rutgers University and the fat sandwich. This show is a love letter to the weirdest corners of the Garden State, and it’s meant to be enjoyed by all New Jerseyans from the mole people of Linden to the bennies of Manasquan. It’s running in New York, so those townies can come out and get some culture.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Eleventh Hour! continues performances through Nov. 16 at Town Stages in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
