5-Question NYMF Interviews: STUCK

Have you ever spent a long commute on the subway thinking to yourself, This could be a musical? At this year's NYMF, Riley Thomas's Stuck responds to those thoughts with a new show about a group of people stuck on a train. Weaving together the stories of strangers, Stuck is an examination of lives converging in a certain place and time. Below, Riley answers 5 questions about the inspiration for the show and why Stuck is perfect for NYMF audiences.

Me: How would you describe your show in one sentence?

Riley Thomas: A humorous and heartfelt ride accompanied by fun and evocative music.


Me: The idea seems like such a great concept for musical/song cycle. What prompted you to write it?

Riley: Predictably, the idea popped into my head when I was stuck on the train. As I took in my surroundings I was struck by a unique quality about the subway: nowhere else can you find such a diverse group of people in the same place. I whimsically began inventing a backstory for each rider and realized that trapping these profoundly different people and watching them interact would be fascinating.

Me: Having a musical take place in one location seems tricky writing-wise. What your approach to the piece to make sure audiences don’t feel confined with the characters?

Riley: Occasionally throughout the show, vignettes take the audience off the train and into the life of each character, weaving history and fantasy into the present action.

Me: How did you decide on NYMF as a good showcase for this piece?

Riley: Other writers may yearn for a complicated Broadway-style production, but the size and scope of NYMF's presentation is perfect for Stuck. The small cast, the austerity of the set and the minimal technical demands are things that would allow Stuck to flourish as part of NYMF. The quality of NYMF's previous presentations has created a respect that attracts top tier talent, and the resulting notoriety pulls in industry professionals interested in analyzing, collaborating, or discovering the next step.


Me: What are you most looking forward to about NYMF?

Riley: The opportunity to watch Stuck come alive via the artistry of a powerfully talented cast and creative team, and to share my work with audiences and industry alike.

For more information on Stuck, like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.