The Irene Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center was a full house for the 24-hour musicals performance. The 24-hour musical made its debut Monday, June 17th, 2019 in NYC as it celebrated its 24th anniversary.
The 24-hour musicals consisted of four new musicals written and produced within a day’s time featuring various writers, composers, directors, choreographers, actors, musicians and many more amazing individuals who came together to make this show a reality.
Participants included Erich Bergen, Aya Cash, Clifton Duncan, Isabelle Fuhrman, Noah Galvin, Joel Marsh Garland, Montego Glover, Jessica Hecht, Atandwa Kani, Leslie Kritzer, Bonnie Milligan, Alex Moffat, Solea Pfeiffer, Anthony Rapp, Dee Roscioli, Sarah Steele, Micah Stock and Tamara Tunie; directors Oliver Butler, Sammi Cannold, Shira Milikowsky and Taylor Reynolds; writers Kristoffer Diaz, Dave Harris, Lily Houghton and Christopher Oscar Peña; and composers Mike Doughty, Toshi Reagon, Nellie McKay and Grammy Award nominated singer/songwriter LOLO; as well as music supervisor Zac Zinger and choreographers Brad Landers and Jenn Rapp.
After the play, I spoke with cast member, Clifton Duncan about his experience working on the 24-hour play.
The Knockturnal: 24 hours! What was that like? What was this process like for you?
Clifton Duncan: This is not the first time I’ve been under a very stressful situation where we have to produce something fast so luckily we had a really fun piece with a bunch of really fun people, and it’s stressful but at the same time no one is going to die if any mistakes are made and you know everyone is in the same boat as you are so there’s not really much judgment going around.
Later on, I had the opportunity to chat with the Executive Director, Mark Armstrong:
The Knockturnal: How were these 24 hours? Was it hectic putting this show together?
Mark Armstrong: It was hectic I’m a little tired, I’m a little overwhelmed, and appreciative of everyone’s work but more so impressed constantly by what people can do together
Proceeds from the 24- hour musical benefits The Nationals, a professional intensive program for young artists founded by the 24-hour play community. It also helps support the organization’s ongoing non-profit work, including partner productions of the 24- hour plays and musicals across the globe.