Q: How long did it take you to write this musical?
A; Three years
Q: What made you choose this story?
A: I became interested in the subject after reading several books about the lives of Nicholas and Alexandra. I could just "see" a musical in the story
Q: What was your process?
A: I started with pages of research from books and from the internet. I then wrote out beats and specific events on hundreds of index cards. I also identified each character and started developing their characteristics
Q: What then?
A: After outlining the main story, I wrote a few songs. I waited to write more songs until I had more of a script developed
Q: How did your script develop?
A: I wrote out my first rough draft of the script at the beginning of the summer of 2005. I had 2 readers read it and give me their comments. I then totally re-wrote it and re-worked it by the end of the summer and had them read it again. After this read through, I brought in a small group of students and actors and did a live script reading that fall. It was very helpful in the character development.
Q: How did you decide on the type of songs to write?
A: Certain characters just "needed" certain songs. I also knew I needed a certain number of "upbeat" songs to keep things moving, but am drawn to beautiful ballad duets. I think there's a combination that works well.
Q: When did you finish TSARINA?
A: Is a musical ever "done"?
Q: What market do you see TSARINA having?
A: Even though we'd all love our work to be on Broadway, I am realistic in the fact that I'm not going to raise 10 million dollars to make it happen. If an investor or publisher sees that happening, I will be happy to work with them. Otherwise, I think there's a large market in community, college and high school theatre for this musical. The music is fun, not too difficult, and the story is magnificent.
