Inspiration
The concept for Band Geeks occurred when writing partners, Tommy Newman and Mark Allen, were considering ideas for a second show to work on. When both writers realized they shared a similar experience playing trumpet in a high school marching band, they agreed to attempt a stage translation of the unique experience. Newman believed the concept would have appeal beyond just the marching band enthusiasts.
The writing team's vision expanded with the addition of a fellow NYU graduate student Gaby Alter some time later. The show, which was commissioned in 2008 by Goodspeed Musicals, received numerous readings and workshops for about three years until its world premiere.
Gordon Greenberg, the fourth and newest member to the team, also inspired the decision to set the show in the early 1990s with what they described as "our last gasp of innocence--before information and instant access became our dictators, prior to the advent of email, cell phones and internet."
Productions
Although it began as a staged reading in a New Artists festival,
Band Geeks received its world premiere full-scale production in May of 2010 at Goodspeed Musical's Norma Terris Theater in Chester, Connecticut. It enjoyed a limited engagement, which was closed to critics, after several years of developmental workshops and staged readings.
Since 2010, there have been several regional presentations throughout the country including the Midwest stage premiere at Ohio's Human Race Theatre. Most notably, the musical was presented in 2012 by the Troy University's Department of Theatre and Dance in collaboration with creator Tommy Newman, a Troy University alum. The production was presented as part of the school's yearlong 125th Birthday Celebration.
Director's Notes
We have had a wonderful time working on this show and getting to know its characters. We are so very thankful to all who have put in time helping us with set, props, equipment, and costumes. We hope that you find parts of yourself in these characters, and enjoy our performance!
