24 Hour Musicals: Jesse Eisenberg and Meredith Scardino Team Up for West Elm-Inspired Show
In a whirlwind of creativity, Jesse Eisenberg and Meredith Scardino recently collaborated to produce “Desire Under the Elm,” a musical born from the annual 24 Hour Musicals event. The show, conceived and executed within a single day, unfolded in a West Elm outlet, showcasing the unique challenges and rewards of rapid artistic creation.
The genesis of “Desire Under the Elm”
The collaboration began during an orientation for the 24 Hour Musicals, a yearly charitable event that challenges teams to create a musical in just 24 hours. This event, which started in 2006 as a spin-off from the 24 Hour Plays project, assembles composers, writers, choreographers, and directors to work together under strict time constraints.
Inspired by donated West Elm sets, Eisenberg and Scardino decided to set their musical in a West Elm store. The plot revolved around two characters, played by Alexis Floyd and Isabel Hagen, potentially lovers or roommates, embroiled in a conflict. Rachel Dratch played a store employee, possibly doubling as a life coach, who intervenes in their dispute.
Did you Know? The 24 Hour Musicals event has raised over $1 million for arts education programs as its inception.
The Creative Process
Eisenberg and Scardino quickly developed the concept,with Scardino suggesting that Dratch’s character instigates the breakup to sell West Elm products for two separate apartments. eisenberg,composing the music,and Scardino,writng the scenes,worked through the night to meet the 6 a.m. deadline.
The musical featured several vignettes, including a “West Elm” theme, a duet titled “we Finish Each Other,” and a final number where Dratch’s character reveals her commission-driven motives. despite the time crunch, the team managed to create a cohesive and entertaining show.
The Performance and Aftermath
After a day of rehearsals, “Desire Under the Elm” was performed to a paying audience. Despite Eisenberg’s initial reservations about his songwriting, the musical was well-received. Both Eisenberg and Scardino, who juggled the project with their other commitments-Eisenberg editing a film and scardino consulting on a comedy-attended the performance.
Pro Tip: Participating in creative challenges with tight deadlines can boost innovation and collaboration skills.
The 24 Hour Musicals Format
The 24 Hour Musicals event follows a rigorous schedule. Actors audition with eccentric props and a cappella performances. Teams select their cast through a draft system and work through the night to complete scripts and scores. The actors then rehearse throughout the day,culminating in a performance that evening.
The event’s fast-paced nature encourages spontaneity and collaboration, resulting in unique and often unexpected theatrical experiences. The musicals, performed only once, disappear quickly, adding to their ephemeral charm.
Key Players and Their Roles
The success of “Desire Under the Elm” hinged on the talents and collaboration of its key players:
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Jesse Eisenberg | Composer, Writer |
| Meredith Scardino | Writer |
| Rachel Dratch | Actor |
| Alexis Floyd | Actor |
| Isabel Hagen | Actor |
eisenberg, known for his roles in films like “The Social network” and “A Real Pain,” brought his musical talents to the project. Scardino, a comedy writer and creator of “Girls5Eva,” contributed her writing expertise. The actors, including Dratch, Floyd, and Hagen, brought the characters to life on stage.
The Enduring Appeal of Live theater
Live theater continues to be a vital part of the arts and entertainment landscape. Despite the rise of digital media, live performances offer a unique and irreplaceable experience. According to a recent report by the National Endowment for the Arts, approximately 33.7 million adults attended a live theater performance in 2022.
Events like the 24 Hour Musicals contribute to the vibrancy of the theater community by fostering creativity and collaboration. They provide opportunities for artists to experiment and push their boundaries, while also engaging audiences with innovative and engaging performances.
Frequently Asked Questions About 24 Hour Musicals
What is the 24 Hour Musicals event?
The 24 Hour musicals is an annual charitable event where teams of artists create and perform a musical in just 24 hours.
How are the teams formed for 24 Hour musicals?
Teams are composed of strangers-a composer, a writer, a choreographer, and a director-who collaborate to create a musical at a rapid pace.
What are the rules of the 24 Hour Musicals challenge?
The event has strict rules: teams create a musical overnight, with scripts and scores due by 6 a.m. Actors rehearse all day and perform that night for an audience.
What was the setting for Jesse Eisenberg and Meredith Scardino’s 24 Hour Musical?
Their musical, titled “Desire Under the elm,” was set in a West Elm outlet, inspired by donated sets from the store.
Who were some of the actors involved in “Desire Under the Elm”?
The cast included Alexis Floyd,Isabel Hagen,and comedian Rachel Dratch.
What other unconventional settings would make for a great musical? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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