As a writer, “Un-Block The Music” understands how the creative wheels keep turning and new ideas for new projects keep popping up even while you are working on a deadline. Orchestrator, Macy Schmidt put it the best when she said her mind worked like a hamster wheel in the beginning of the pandemic (She has certainly accomplished a lot in a year..check out my column Women Wonders!). Anyway, Dr. Jeff and Jacob Foy can certainly attest to constant creativity. This week’s installment of WFYL 1180am’s “From Bullets To Broadway, Anatomy of A Broadway Show” on Saturday, February 20 at noon (Eastern time), will focus on the evolution of their musical Emergency even though it had its first New York City debut in Summer of 2019. A new song will be unveiled this week, and there will be two guest stars, actors Nick Kohn and Robin Lounsbury.
“Un-Block The Music” is excited about tomorrow because actors always make for lively conversation. Nick is a Broadway veteran (Avenue Q) that I was destined to interview. I literally keep tripping over him. I first met Nick when he performed at the York Theatre in The Rivals. Then, my daughter, worked with him on an Emergency work shop last summer and alas he was part of The Nice List this past December. Can’t wait to connect.
Then, there is Robin who played Carla in the New York run of Emergency, the character you love to hate! Robin, too, has a long list of theater credits. On her resume is an International Tour of Sound Of Music and tons for Regional Tours including Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!, My Fair Lady and Guys & Dolls to name a few.
Remember the Emergency characters of Harold and Betty who sing the lovely duet, “Forever In Your Eyes”? Jeff and Jacob thought they needed another song which will endear you to them before Harold ever hits the Emergency Room. It’s called “Something Special.” This will be the song’s debut sung by Nick and Robin (who actually did not play Harold or Betty in the NY run…LOL)
This is what is fun about the radio show. In addition to show host Sgt. Dan McCaughan, the Foys and myself, there are usually guests who have worked on Emergency pre-New York, during the New York run, and/or those continuing the process with The Foys now for one of their three shows…yes, I said three! In addition to Emergency, “Un-Block The Music” has talked about One Night Only, scheduled for a New York run this summer (if theaters open!!!), and now The Z Team, a comedy (not a musical,) that will run as part of the virtual Front Row Fringe Festival which we will talk about in depth during the March 6 episode of “From Bullets To Broadway”. However, if you can’t wait for that, check out the Festival’s website at https://www.frontrowfringefestival.com/. In their “spare” time the Foys are part of the team putting this festival together.
Whew…so much to talk about! Tune in on Saturday, then sign back onto this blog early next week for more interviews with the creators, both writers and actors of Emergency. Not only will the radio broadcast whet your appetite, but you can check out the musical websites at https://www.emergencymusical.com/ and https://www.onenightonlythemusical.com/
If you have missed any of the other past episodes of “From Bullets To Broadway,” it’s not too late to hear them. Go to https://www.1180wfyl.com/ and hit “podcasts.”
One more thing….just want to plug “Un-Block The Music’s” “Women Wonders” column mentioned above. Check out https://unblockthemusic.blog/2021/02/04/women-wonders-orchestrator-macy-schmidt-makes-bipoc-equality-reality-with-the-broadway-sinfonietta/
Un-Block The Music 
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