In a shining example of the power of community, Broadway DNA has partnered with writer J Sylvan to bring the new musical Beloved King to the New York stage. MusicalWriters.com is beyond proud to have played a pivotal role in introducing and nurturing this relationship, helping creators bring their visions to life.
“I met Natalie Rine at the Musical Writers Festival in Fort Worth in 2023,” J Sylvan recalls. “We wound up sitting together at lunch on Saturday and had a great conversation. She had seen songs from Beloved King the night before, and I was so encouraged at how much she seemed to ‘get’ what I was trying to do with the work. We continued talking about possibly working together in some capacity in the months following the festival and signed a contract in May for development and a premiere in New York City.”
For Sylvan, this opportunity is a culmination of years of hard work. “I have been working for years to get Beloved King to a place where someone else would believe in it and want to help it get to a wider audience. Not only did the MusicalWriters Academy help me get to that place in my work, but the Musical Writers Festival literally introduced me to that person! I am immensely grateful to Rebecca Lowrey, the resources of MWA, and the Musical Writers Festival for helping me to achieve my goals with Beloved King. I’m so happy to have met Natalie, and I can’t wait to show everyone what we will do together!”
Natalie Rine shares this enthusiasm and admiration for Sylvan’s work. “From the moment I first met J at the Musical Writers Festival, discovering the world of Beloved King has been an exhilarating journey, driven by my profound admiration for their meticulous scholarship and heartfelt storytelling. This groundbreaking musical not only illuminates the storied life of King David but also invites audiences to embrace the profound and sometimes complicated intersections of humanity and the divine. I am thrilled to bring this transformative narrative to the global stage, where it promises to captivate hearts and minds alike.”
As the inaugural musical production of Broadway DNA’s innovative international new works licensing incubator, Beloved King will premiere in New York ahead of a global rollout of licensed productions around the world. This partnership comes on the heels of Broadway DNA’s recent success with Home’s Kitchen, a new play that premiered in New Orleans in June 2024 and has future productions planned Off-Broadway and globally. Founded by international theatrical producer, licensor, and scholar Natalie Rine, Broadway DNA is committed to connecting theatremakers to cultural exchange and passive income through strategic distribution in global markets. The agency acts as a show creator’s partner, advocate, and global strategist, taking the guesswork and gatekeeping out of the show’s future.
Rebecca Lowrey, CEO of MusicalWriters.com, shares her vision for the future of this alliance. “My wish for the future is that MusicalWriters is able to continue to play matchmaker for new musicals with Broadway DNA for years to come. We share the same passions and goals in helping and supporting new musical writers by taking the guesswork out of the production process and eliminating gatekeeping in the industry.”
The Musical Writers Festival, organized by MusicalWriters.com, has proven to be a fertile ground for such connections and initiatives. With the 2024 Festival just around the corner, writers and writing teams are encouraged to join this vibrant community. The Festival offers a unique platform for creators to connect, collaborate, and realize their dreams, as evidenced by the success of J Sylvan and Natalie Rine’s partnership.
This collaboration between MusicalWriters.com and Broadway DNA is a testament to the potential that lies within the world of musical theatre. By providing a supportive environment and essential resources, these organizations are paving the way for new voices to be heard and new stories to be told. As the industry continues to evolve, musical production partnerships like these will be crucial in fostering creativity and innovation.
Learn more about J Sylvan in this “Member Spotlight” Article.
About MusicalWriters.com: MusicalWriters.com is dedicated to providing resources, support, and networking opportunities for musical theatre writers. Through events like the Musical Writers Festival and the Musical Writers Academy, they help creators develop their works and connect with industry professionals. For more information about the 2024 Musical Writers Festival and how you can be a part of this inspiring community, visit MusicalWriters.com.
About Broadway DNA: Founded by international theatrical producer, licensor, and scholar Natalie Rine, Broadway DNA is an international theatrical producing and licensing agency committed to connecting theatremakers to cultural exchange and passive income through strategic distribution in global markets. The agency acts as a show creator’s partner, advocate, and global strategist. For more information about Broadway DNA and its innovative initiatives, visit Broadway-DNA.com.
About Beloved King: America’s first faithfully adapted queer Bible musical, Beloved King written by Rev. J Sylvan, M. Div., illuminates a young King David’s world famous journey from shepherd to sovereign, and his relationship with Prince Jonathan that changed everything. Developed at Harvard Divinity School and at OBERON, the second stage of the American Repertory Theater, this groundbreaking new musical dynamically blends rock and EDM to investigate relationships with love, power, and the enigmatic God, inviting audiences to embrace the profound and sometimes complicated intersections of humanity and the divine. Dive into the experience with the 6-song teaser EP, “Songs from Beloved King: A Queer Bible Musical,” available now on all streaming platforms. The musical is set to premiere in New York City under the development and production of Broadway DNA. For more information, visit BelovedKingMusical.com.
