On Replay - An Original Musical by Mikaela Stroud

We, partnered with DeBase Theatre, are excited to present our Act 1 Workshop of “On Replay: An Original Musical” written and directed by Mikaela Stroud. The story follows the lives of 8 strangers, each crossing paths with eachother one way or another with one overall shared connection; their favourite song. The musical follows how they navigate their individual relationships, hardships, and identity as they slowly realise their lives are starting to feel stuck on replay. This workshop will be the second of 3 in developing the musical for a full stage production and for its submission to the Q Theatre Residency in March 2024. 

This second workshop will be showcased at DeBase Studios Theatre on Karangahape Road August 19th and 20th this year. 

The Story… 

People are complicated. Their stories, experiences, their loves and their losses. 

We all interpret and see things in our own way. Whether it be life, relationships, art, a story… or a song. They can inspire people, bring back old memories, start new ones, and for some they represent people and times in their lives - for better or worse. This is the story of a song and the people it inspires; some complete strangers, some closer than you can imagine. Follow as they discover themselves, find connection and take a leap of faith to get their lives back on track and stop living life on replay. 

Our story is set in today’s Camden Town in Central London. Lyric O’Brian Cole is a rising star in the pop industry with her hit debut single “Replay” that’s topping global charts, but she fears all these new expectations on her may be unfounded as she finds herself stuck with the worst case of writer's block you could ever have imagined. Is fame really worth the price? She’s come to Camden to meet with a new producer who she thinks can help organise her thoughts, and visit her older brother Ryan who’s band has been touring the UK. Ella and David, two highschool sweethearts of half a decade, navigate balancing their working lives with their passions. But is there something they aren’t telling each other? Ella’s best friend Jo wonders if he’ll ever find “The One” when a handsome stranger named Nat walks into his life. Nat learns the meaning of found family with his cousin Flynn and Aunt Anne, who in turn navigate the challenge of leaving home and learning to let go. 

Why see “On Replay”?

On Replay is a story about connection and taking a moment to pause and examine what really matters in our lives. It aims to hold a mirror to the audience, giving them the chance to see themselves through the experiences of each character

Furthermore not only do you get the chance to experience this up and coming production but have a chance to speak on and be part of the creation process through the Q&A portion of the showcase. As well as contributing to the show's creation you will be able to have all your questions answered by cast, crew and the writer themselves as well as having interesting conversations delving into the deeper meanings and themes of the musical. 

If you love shows like “Love, actually” , “This is us”, “Ordinary Days” & “Tick Tick … Boom!” or better yet want to support new and local young, queer artists creating modern musical theatre, consider coming to check out our show!

Where will this funding go? 

We like to be completely transparent with where we aim to put our funding. Our first and foremost aspect is our Venue hire and donation towards supporting our local theater community through DeBase Studios and their growing theatre department. Furthermore, we want to remove cost barriers for cast and crew regarding transport and other necessities. Further costs include audio/tech hire and printing costs and further subsidisation of costs for our next workshop and further productions.