The National Centre for New Musicals (NCNM) at Theatre Aquarius launched its first request for submissions in the fall of 2023 and received over 260 submissions - double the expected figure.

The curatorial team, a diverse group of twenty-four arts professionals hailing from every province and territory, was tasked with reading and grading all round-one submissions. This team, representing various artistic disciplines and backgrounds, ensured a comprehensive and inclusive selection process.

Following the initial round, twenty-five pieces were advanced for further consideration by the esteemed advisory committee. This committee, led by co-chairs Michael Rubinoff (Olivier Award-winning and Tony-nominated producer who conceived the longest-running Canadian musical in Broadway history, Come From Away) and Lily Ling (Broadway: Hamilton, Hell’s Kitchen, How to Dance in Ohio, Moulin Rouge!), along with Theatre Aquarius Artistic Director Mary Francis Moore (MAGGIE by Johnny Reid and Matt Murray; world premiere at Theatre Aquarius, and American premiere at Goodspeed Opera House, world premiere of Tom Wilson’s Beautiful Scars), and Sean Mayes (Broadway: Hadestown, MJ: The Musical), played a pivotal role in the final selection process.

With the leading support of the incite Foundation for the Arts and corporate and private donors, NCNM has selected five new musicals to support and develop over the upcoming year.

The pieces include:

The Pryce Academy

(In development)

A group of idealistic students put on a musical to expose the founder of their private school - Thurgood Pryce, who made his fortune with sugar plantations in the 1800s.

Book, Music and Lyrics by Mazin Elsadig & Philip McKee. Additional Music by Juan Ayala & Jennifer Ayala

Out

(In development)

A coming-of-age drama-comedy that weaves together the stories of three queer Asian kids in their mid-20s.

Book by Kalos Chu. Music by Ian Chan. Lyrics by JuHye Mun

The 7 Fires

(In development)

Inspired by the Anishinaabe 7 Fire prophecy, 7 strangers meet in the woods where they receive dreams from their Ancestors; a story of reconnecting, prophecy and resurgence.

Book by Dillan Chiblow. Music by Landon Doak. Lyrics by Landon Doak with Dillan Chilbow

Clown Riot

(In development)

Clown Riot is a rock opera based upon the true Toronto story of a travelling circus, a crew of local firefighters, and an eleven-year-old boy caught between two worlds.

Story by Christo Graham & Tyrone Savage. Music and Lyrics by Christo Graham

Limerick Gaolbreak

(In Incubation)

Inspired by the true story of a 19th-century prison escape in Ireland, Limerick Gaolbreak is the true-ish story of nine women who hatch a plan to sing their way to freedom.

Book by Mike Ross & Sarah Wilson. Music by Mike Ross. Lyrics by Sarah Wilson

For more info visit theatreaquarius.org.