Photo by Michael Brosilow
OUT HERE (2026) (WORLD PREMIERE AT COURT THEATRE, CHICAGO)
Concept by Leslie Buxbaum, David J Levin, & Erin McKeown
Book & Lyrics by Leslie Buxbaum, Music & Lyrics by Erin McKeown, Dramaturgy by David J Levin
Directed by Chay Yew
Dawn wants out. She has a house, a husband, a family. She has a girlfriend. Unexpected guests push her to face who is writing whom. With a crack band joining the fray, the pulsing, punk-folk soundtrack of OUT HERE combines elements of opera and rock as it upends expectations about how musicals work and what it means to sing.
TERRARIUM BEHAVIOUR (2019) (in progress)
Erin is writing the book, music, and lyrics for TERRARIUM BEHAVIOUR, a new musical.
Three co-workers have been thriving in a terrarium when a new hire suddenly appears, setting off a cascade of events that re-order a harmonious workplace dynamic with devastating results. From the mind of musician, writer, and producer Erin McKeown comes this inventive new musical in progress. Featuring original songs in the style of the Great American Songbook, TERRARIUM BEHAVIOUR is art for our current moment. Power, gender, and ecology do battle in the humble little jar we know as a terrarium.
TERRARIUM BEHAVIOUR had a work-in-progress reading in Los Angeles, presented by Bespoke Plays Feb 10, 12, 2019.
MISS YOU LIKE HELL (2018) (la jolla playhouse & The Public Theater)
Book & Lyrics by Quiara Alegría Hudes
Music & Lyrics by Erin McKeown
Directed by Lear deBessonet
A daughter who is allowed to stay. A mother who may be forced to leave. And the unexpected cadre of American originals they meet en route to mom’s citizenship hearing. Miss You Like Hell explores how many miles we can travel with the help of courageous neighbors and beautiful strangers.