The Show Must Go On: A Musical Mystery at Sea Podcast, May 3 Debut

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Anderson, Ind. — The Anderson University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance has announced the release of a four-episode podcast featuring musical theatre students performing with Broadway actors in an original murder mystery, “The Show Must Go On: A Musical Mystery at Sea.” The first episode debuts May 3 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts with new episodes being released each day through May 6. The show is part of the New Works and New Media initiative led by AU’s musical theatre director, David Coolidge.

The Show Must Go On: A Musical Mystery at Sea centers around seven sweepstakes winners and two Broadway actors on the first voyage of a Broadway cruise since the COVID-19 pandemic. When one of the actors is found murdered in the greenroom, the passengers must investigate who among them committed the crime.  

“This was a long and tough process to understand fully what our voices should sound like,” said Jesse Hernández ’22, a global marketing and musical theatre major and performer in the show. “Since we are not acting or performing in front of a live audience, and we do not receive any immediate response from anyone, it can sometimes be difficult to be sure that our voice, tone, and artistry are on the right track. However, we all came to a point where we felt comfortable with our character, felt like we were representing him/her well, and felt a true connection and embodiment of our roles in this piece.”

The show was developed in collaboration with a creative team based in New York City, including: Sam Balzac as composer/lyricist, Cody Stiglich (AU musical theatre alumnus) as the book writer and podcast editor, and Stacey Schiller (AU theatre alumna) as the director. Broadway performers Jill Abramovitz and Aaron Lazar will perform alongside AU’s musical theatre students. Jill Abramovitz was most recently seen on Broadway in the Tony-nominated show “Beetlejuice,” and Aaron Lazar is best known for his work in “The Last Ship” and the revival of “A Little Night Music.”

“This was a great opportunity for our students to work with and learn from industry professionals,” said Coolidge. “These ‘real world’ experiences and networking opportunities are vital to helping our students find their way in the industry post-graduation.”

Donations will be available through a link on the podcast and will go to The Actor’s Fund, and AU’s Musical Theatre New Works and New Media Initiative.

Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.