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Posts
2012 holiday fun in Chicago…
WE THREE LIZAS
book/lyrics by Scott Bradley
music/lyrics by Alan SchmucklerAbout Face Theater
@ the Steppenwolf Garage
November-December 2012“Alan Schmuckler’s score…, a buoyant gift wrapped in a melodic, dramatically well-conceived bow, is a real find.” – Newcity
- THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES at Stage Artz Theatre Company, Glen Street Theatre (Sydney, Australia)
Had the immense pleasure of flying to Sydney to attend opening night! Partied with the (huge) cast, who premiered a brand-new, two-act version of the show with boundless enthusiasm, joy, and skill. Thank you Stage Artz!
One week only! Music direction by our Chicago friend Jason Bayle. Break legs guys.
- Joe's Pub
I had the time of my life. A packed audience of family and friends, a cast of beautiful performers and musicians…an astonishing evening from start to finish. Whether you were there with me, or just there in spirit: thank you!
The Lincoln Squares are getting ready to record their first EP. Meanwhile, here’s a new videosong. Enjoy!
We’ll trade you the mp3 for your email address. Click here.
I’m getting ready for my very exciting show at Joe’s Pub, coming up Monday night March 12th at 10pm. Jessie and I sent a sneak peek video to theater-loving vloggers Patty and Emily. Enjoy!
- Uncommon Ground!
…was a huge hit.
We filled up the place beyond capacity and had a seriously great time. Diana and the Dishes followed us and did their delicious thing.
Okay, no direct mention of me, but they do discuss MURDER FOR TWO, SUMMERTIME, Chicago Shakespeare Theater and The Music Theatre Company. I feel like I’m in this one in spirit.
Regarding TMTC:
“There isn’t a better example of the fact that musical theater in the Chicago area has withstood its share of challenges, but definitely appears on the upswing.”
- Welcome!
I finally redid my website! It’s been down for “maintenance” for over a year. No more! I like this new one a lot and I hope you will too.
Feel free to check out my bio, press articles, and assorted media by clicking on the links over to the left. And there’s a contact link there too if you’d like to drop me a line.
I’m excited about putting up more content in the coming weeks. Check back soon.
Thanks for stopping by!
- Alan
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bio
- / let me tell you about myself in the third person /
Alan Schmuckler is an actor, composer/lyricist, and singer/songwriter.
He is a three-time Joseph Jefferson-nominated actor, for “Jerry/Daphne” in Sugar (Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace – Actor in a Lead Role, Musical); six months as “Officer Marcus Moscowicz” in Murder For Two (Chicago Shakespeare Theater – Actor in a Lead Role, Musical); and “Marchbanks” in A Minister’s Wife (Writers’ Theatre – Actor in a Supporting Role, Musical).
Other credits include "Mark Cohen" in Rent (American Theater Company/About Face Theatre, directed by David Cromer - Jeff nomination, Best Production, Musical); "Jamie" in The Last Five Years and “Charley Kringas” in Merrily We Roll Along (The Music Theatre Company - Jeff nomination for the latter, Best Production, Musical); as well as work with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Marriott Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, TimeLine Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Drury Lane Water Tower Place, Noble Fool Theatricals, Provision Theater, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Humanities Festival (Young Ben in 2010's Follies, and Charles Guiteau in this year's Assassins). His regional credits include work at Indiana Repertory Theatre and Wagon Wheel Theatre.
He is the composer and co-lyricist of We Three Lizas (book and lyrics by Scott Bradley), which was commissioned by About Face Theatre and premiered at the Steppenwolf Garage this fall. His new musical The Emperor’s New Clothes (book by David Holstein) enjoyed a critically acclaimed premiere production at the Tony-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater the summer of 2010; an expanded two-act version made its international debut with Stage Artz Theatre Company/Stage Artz Performing Arts School in Sydney, Australia. He and Michael Mahler co-wrote book, music and lyrics for Chicago Shakespeare’s How Can You Run with a Shell on Your Back?, which premiered and remounted in 2007, and has since been produced nationwide, including at the Chicago Humanities Festival, the National Alliance for Music Theatre’s 21st Annual Festival of New Musicals, the Marriott Theatre, the Spirit of Broadway Theatre, Stages Theatre Company, and at numerous colleges, including Northwestern University.
Alan's concert credits include Alan Schmuckler: I Miss the City, at Joe's Pub; and, with Mahler, the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, and numerous gigs with their band, the Lincoln Squares, whose debut EP, The Lincoln Squares!, is available for purchase. His music and lyrics have been featured in the National Alliance for Music Theatre’s New Works Summit and Songwriters’ Showcase; in Chicago’s “Monday Nights, New Voices” series; and at the York Theatre Company’s NEO6 Benefit Concert and the 4th Annual Broadway in South Africa Gala.
Upcoming projects include a commission from Writers' Theatre.
Alan is a member of AEA and ASCAP, and a proud graduate of Northwestern University and the School at Steppenwolf. He currently resides in New York.
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Sets
- 10 tracks (38:42)
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onstage
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video
- "Tuscany"from DAYS LIKE TODAY(upcoming: Writers' Theatre, 2014)KENNEDY CENTERMillennium Stage(full concert)
featuring Alan Schmuckler and Michael Mahlerwith Dara Cameron and Abby MuellerChicago's MONDAY NIGHTS, NEW VOICESChicago Center for the Performing Arts"I'd Rather Be Me" from THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHESsung by Elana Ernst"How Can You Run With a Shell on Your Back?" from HOW CAN YOU RUN WITH A SHELL ON YOUR BACK?sung by Andrew Keltz and company"I'm Not Funny" from HOW CAN YOU RUN WITH A SHELL ON YOUR BACK?sung by Elana Ernst and Jarrod Zimmerman"If Jonathan Were Here" written on spec for THE SECRET OF NIMHmusic & lyrics by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler"Thanks For Nothing" from MOVING FORWARD, LOOKING BACKmusic and lyrics by Michael Mahlersung by Alan SchmucklerTMTC Launch PartyBeechman Theater"Mine" from SUMMERTIME v1.0sung by Kate Baldwin"Tuscany" from SUMMERTIMEsung by Penny FullerMiscellania"Purple Doors" promotional video for Northwestern Universitymusic by Alan Schmuckler"Purple Paths" promotional video for Northwestern Universitymusic by Alan Schmuckler"Songwriting Alums Return to Alma Mater with 'Shell' on Their Backs"promotional video/interview for HOW CAN YOU RUN WITH A SHELL ON YOUR BACK?, Northwestern University
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press (offstage)
- / what they wrote about how i wrote what i wrote /WE THREE LIZASAbout Face Theatre @ Steppenwolf Garagebook and lyrics by Scott Bradleymusic and additional lyrics by Alan SchmucklerNewcity Stage Alan Schmuckler’s score[...], a buoyant gift wrapped in a melodic, dramatically well-conceived bow, is a real find.Showbiz Chicago The original score...is very smart and melodic. Alan Schmuckler’s music (and additional lyrics) coupled with Mr. Bradley’s use of the narrative is a perfect collaboration using jazz, standards and gritty showtune ballads. It is by far one of the most creative scores written for any new work this season. We Three Lizas also boasts a fantastic band that never overshadows the performers, which is led by Mr. Schmuckler on piano.Centerstage Brilliantly talented musical composer/lyricist Alan Schmuckler [writes an] infectious, toe tapping pop-rock score.Chicago Stage Review A generous helping of wonderfully original songs, by composer Alan Schmuckler...THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHESChicago Shakespeare Theatermusic & lyrics by Alan Schmucklerbook by David Holsteindirected by Rachel RockwellChicago Tribune Alan Schmuckler…will, mark my words, be a major Broadway composer.And if seeing for yourself is preferable to marking my words, you need only trot over to Navy Pier, where you will be treated to a veritable cascade of musical numbers that manage to be fresh, catchy and complex…I was knocked out by Schmuckler's double-figure song-list.Given the strength of the score — and the easygoing charm of Rachel Rockwell's zesty, fast-paced and laudably truthful production — it quickly becomes clear that this commissioned “The Emperor's New Clothes” is far and away the most successful of Chicago Shakespeare Theater's annual summer projects to draw in the thousands of families who visit Navy Pier.Chicago Sun-Times A wonderfully zesty hybrid of Andersen's fairy tale — one that also deals with eternal issues (parents vs. children, the rich vs. the poor), and inserts of-the-moment commentary about everything from globalization and Internet business to concern about carbon footprints...Sophisticated enough for any adult, the show also contains just enough goofy vaudeville to entertain 10-year-old boys.Schmuckler…has a clear gift for sharp, colloquial lyrics and punchy melodies, and I hope there will be an adult Broadway musical in his future.CBS Channel 2 News – On Stage with Chris Jones The songs are tuneful, toe-tapping ditties packed with amusing and intelligent lyrics, and this fresh, irreverent, colorful updating of the classic fairytale about the hubristic emperor—who here gets a sassy teenage daughter — is a blast for teens, tweens and adults. It’s the best thing on Navy Pier this summer — heck, this show is one of the best things in Chicago. The Emperor’s New Clothes gets four stars.Chicago Critic Through a sassy, smart and light-hearted score and witty fun lyrics by Alan Schmuckler, this unique take on Andersen’s tale is a warm expertly directed fun 75 minute Broadway musical. The colorful characters are aided by sophisticated songs that effectively tell the tale. Alan Schmuckler’s talent as a composer begs him to write a full Broadway musical. This show showcases his talent.HOW CAN YOU RUN WITH A SHELL ON YOUR BACK?Chicago Shakespeare Theaterbook, music & lyrics by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmucklerdirected by Peter FlynnChicago Sun-Times Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler have created a hugely engaging score with 10 terrific songs bursting with clever lyrics and wacky wordplay. They've pegged it to a fabulously smart, funny book that feeds on all the familiar schoolroom tensions. The little folk follow the onstage action with rapt attention. It's a 70-minute treat that will easily charm the pants off audiences 6 to 60.Chicago Parent Filled with high energy dancing, engaging songs, corny jokes and slap-stick humor, the overall mood is creatively thrilling. At the end of the tales, we find ourselves in the same predicament as the students, spellbound and not quite ready to leave the detention hall.Chicago Tribune A pleasing little Broadway-style riff on Aesop's Fables…the songs are bouncy, cheery, witty, catchy, melodic affairs. It's a promising, likable introduction to the genre for the theater-loving elementary and middle-school crowd.TimeOut Chicago This zippy kids’ show breathes fresh life into ancient anthropomorphic tales. Mahler and Schmuckler’s lyrics are especially strong, deftly including a few laugh-out-loud touches for older kids and parents. Not since the old Rocky and Bullwinkle show trotted out its “Aesop and Son” shorts has the old maxim-izer had as fine a showcase for his stories.Daily Herald How Can You Run with a Shell on Your Back? enchants adults as thoroughly as it does children. This tuner has legs thanks to its bouncy score, amusing book and lyrics and a familiar cast of characters. Shell amounts to one illuminating, engaging hour. Would that all new musicals detained us in such delightful fashion.TheatreMania An imaginative musical with perfect energy, it is a one hour delightful experience for young…and old…Not only is it entertaining, it is educational. You owe it to yourself and your family to see this one!Chicago Public Radio (Steve Edwards) Now, here’s a little confession for you: I’m not into musicals, much less kids musicals, so I was understandably elated and shocked to discover a charming and infectious new musical for kids…It’s sort of the Breakfast Club meets Aesop’s Fables of Broadway.
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press (onstage)
- / what they said about how i said what i said /RENTAmerican Theater Company/About Face Theatredirected by David CromerTimeOut Chicago First among equals in the balls-out cast [is] Alan Schmuckler’s mini mensch filmmaker Mark...Chicago Theater Beat Delightfully nebbish and observant...Chicago Theatre Review Schmuckler is a delight in his role as documentarian and smited boyfriend. He is sweet and loyal, while his character grows throughout the show.MURDER FOR TWO - A KILLER MUSICALChicago Shakespeare Theaterdirected by David H. BellChicago Tribune Schmuckler...always remains deeply in control and fiercely committed. Schmuckler reminds me more and more of David Hyde Pierce and is just terrific here. You believe him as an ambitious cop who wants to be a detective. You feel you can hear the cogs in his brain turning with the developments in the plot. You want him to succeed. He's exactly the kind of actor you want at the heart of a light summer show — funny, charming and unshakably honest.Chicago Sun-Times Small, fleet, and with a smartly demonic glint of unpredictable mischief in his eyes, Schmuckler is a galvanic musical theater actor.Chicago Theater Beat Utterly sincere...he makes you care and makes you laugh with equal force. He’s not showy, but he’s dazzling nonetheless.MERRILY WE ROLL ALONGThe Music Theatre Companydirected by Jessica RedishChicago Sun-Times For anyone who has so far failed to notice the particular brilliance of Jessie Mueller…or Alan Schmuckler (a gifted writer as well as performer), this show will serve as an ideal introduction. Schmuckler [is] brilliantly manic and angry in his bravura turn in a television studio scene set in 1973 that climaxes with that pull-out-all-the stops number, “Franklin Shepard, Inc.”Chicago Tribune Schmuckler, a writer himself, finds an enormously appealing affinity for the beleaguered character of Charley Kringas, and his eyes reveal more than a flicker of the pain of betrayal.Chicago Reader [A] pitch-perfect ensemble led by Jarrod Zimmerman, Alan Schmuckler, and Jessica Mueller.Chicago Critic Alan Schmuckler as Charles Kringas, Frank’s lyricist, has empathy to spare, a sardonic smile and a most effective talent for nailing the emotions of a song. His expert rendition of “Franklin Shepard, Inc.” was a treasure.Highland Park Patch Schmuckler and Mueller are both brilliant as the supporting wheels of this friendship tricycle...Chicago Theatre Addict Folks: this production is brimming with talent. Zimmerman, Schmuckler and Mueller are among the finest musical theatre actors we have in this city, and here they are giving articulate, honest and ridiculously well-sung performances.SUGARDrury Lane Oakbrook Terracedirected by Jim CortiChicago Tribune The rising and prodigiously talented Schmuckler here reveals...that he can completely fill out a comic lead. He is consistently hilarious as Jerry — who puts on a dress and becomes Daphne — revealing a varied and delicious collection of gender-bending neuroses, beads of sweat breaking out on his brow as his voice inhabits different points on the register as scenes demand. Like all great musical comedians, Schmuckler instinctively knows how to keep his character right on the edge of high-stakes panic, while still allowing him to be sufficiently normative that every guy in the place starts thinking about what it would actually be like to disguise himself as a woman. It’s a tour-de-force performance.TimeOut Chicago Key to [the show's] success is Schmuckler’s quite brilliant performance in the Jack Lemmon role. As he gradually warms to millionaire Osgood Fielding’s (Joe D. Lauck) wooing, Schmuckler’s Jerry/Daphne is at once riotous and disconcertingly moving.Daily Herald Schmuckler can send the audience into torrents of laughter with his big bathing beauty gestures or the perfectly timed darting of his blue eyes.Centerstage Alan Schmuckler's Jerry/Daphne [is] the real star of and the main reason to see this production. Schmuckler's hilarious interpretation of the Jack Lemmon role is brilliant. In his Drury Lane debut, Schmuckler resembles a young Peter Lorre, and his comic genius is impeccable. Avoiding the obvious schtick often suggested by drag roles, Schmuckler's performance is natural, nuanced and classy.Showbiz Chicago Schmuckler renders a wholly adroit comedic turn as Jerry and the drag counterpart Daphne, delving masterly between physical romp and deadpan neurosis. Schmuckler is a remarkable talent here, wielding proficiency in both his reverence to the film and fearlessness to explore the yet untapped possibilities for gambol.A MINISTER'S WIFEWriters' Theatredirected by Michael HalberstamChicago Sun-Times A breakout performance charged with stormy emotions.TimeOut Chicago Schmuckler matches Shaw’s physical description of Marchbanks to a T and sings gorgeously.Chicago Critic Alan Schmuckler gave a tour de force performance as the young troubled poet. Schmuckler combined a keen insight with a youthful vulnerability with a hint of fear. He sang wonderfully as did the entire cast.Wall Street Journal More than good enough.
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Albums
- 5 tracks
Buy - 1 tracksWe recorded "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!" for Season of Carols. All proceeds go directly to Season of Concern, Chicago theatre's fundraising organization, providing compassionate care to those in our community who are experiencing the effects of catastrophic illness. Buy the album at www.seasonofcarols.com. See the "Let It Snow" videosong at
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links
- / hire 'em /Michael Mahler
actor, composer/lyricist, singer/songwriter, music director
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actor, photographer
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