Musical. Book and lyrics by Jonathan Dorf, music by James Balmer and Mary Nelson.  3 males, 5 females plus a flexible ensemble of 15-50+ actors.  90 minutes. Multiple suggested settings.  Day One was commissioned by the Choate Rosemary Hall Summer Arts Conservatory as a new musical written specifically for teen performers.  Suitable for high school actors, though the content is suitable for middle school and older.  First performance:  $80 (this includes permission to make copies of the script/score) as necessary for your production).  Each additional performance:  $65.

The score is available upon request as a PDF file.

It’s the first day of school. All over the stage, characters sing about their hopes and fears for the year. For Jake and Stanley, seniors and best friends, it's about the excitement of finally being on top. Stella, a senior transfer, wants to make friends. Erika, junior class president, wants to become student council president, while Skeeter, a freshman boy, just wants to avoid getting stuffed into his locker. And Blaise, a senior, hates the school and everyone in it; she wants to get the year over with.

Stanley, who’s been looking for a Stella for the longest time, drafts her into his and Jake's circle. The year is shaping up to be a great one, and the three of them make a pact to make the year last forever. But not everyone shares their enthusiasm. For Skeeter, Erika and Blaise, the year can’t be over soon enough.

When Helen, Jake’s old flame and rumored to have magical powers arrives, that dream of keeping senior year going forever just may be within their grasp. Will the seniors stay united and win out, or will the underclassmen and outsiders push their way to the top? Will the mysterious Thyme prove to be the key?

Click on the titles below to hear MP3 demo recordings. (Be aware that these are big files.)

holeinthewall.mp3 "Hole in the Wall," music by James Balmer and Mary Nelson, lyrics by Jonathan Dorf.

solutionisclear.mp3 "The Solution is Clear," music by James Balmer and Mary Nelson, lyrics by Jonathan Dorf

sturdyandstrong.mp3 "Sturdy and Strong," music by James Balmer and Mary Nelson, lyrics by Jonathan Dorf

outpastinfinity.mp3 "Out Past Infinity," music by James Balmer and Mary Nelson, lyrics by Jonathan Dorf

muhammadali.mp3 "Muhammad Ali," music by James Balmer and Mary Nelson, lyrics by Jonathan Dorf