WALK ON THROUGH: Confessions of a Museum Novice

It started, essentially, as a dare. Tony and Olivier-winning actor Gavin Creel lived in New York City for 20 years and never once entered The Metropolitan Museum of Art. When offered an opportunity to write a new work based on their collection, he finally went in.

WALK ON THROUGH is a thrilling new musical featuring 17 original, infectious, pop-infused songs that invite you to join Gavin as he discovers -- much to his and our surprise -- what it means to be fully alive.

Inspired by The Met's world-renowned collections, WALK ON THROUGH is an affirmation of the transformative power of art to reveal the heart of our human condition in a bold new way. The music – and Gavin's journey – break through the noise and divisions of modern life, transporting audiences on an unpredictable and astonishing walking tour of love, loss, and renewal.

Based on a concept originally commissioned by The Met, WALK ON THROUGH will make its Off-Broadway debut at MCC Theater’s Susan & Ronald Frankel Theater (511 W 52nd Street, New York, NY. 10019) November 13 - January 7, 2024.

PROJECT TIMELINE

January 2019 Gavin receives commission from The Met Museum’s MetLiveArts Department

July 2021 Writing retreat takes place at innovative Two Bridge space in Irvington, NY

October 2021 Premiere concert presentation debuts at The Met Museum

January 2022 Gavin receives writing fellowship at Hermitage Artist Retreat in Englewood, FL

July 2022 Residency and developmental workshop takes place at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, CT

December 2022 Industry showcase introduces WALK ON THROUGH to leading producers, investors and influencers at Signature Center Theatre

November 2023 World Premiere Off-Broadway Production slated for MCC Theater’s Susan & Ronald Frankel Theater.

PRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT

In December 2022, WALK ON THROUGH was presented for two SRO industry- wide showcases at The Pershing Square Signature Center’s Irene Diamond Stage. The audience was comprised of a curated list of potential producers, investors, and partners, as well as influencers and friends.

As a result of the Signature showcase, WALK ON THROUGH will be produced by the acclaimed MCC Theater Off-Broadway in the fall of 2023 for a limited-engagement opening in November 2023.

Founded by Co-Artistic Directors, Bernie Telsey, Bob LuPone, and Will Cantler, MCC Theater is one of the most exciting and innovative Off- Broadway theaters in New York City; a non-profit that is celebrated for the development and presentation of daring new works.

For any further inquiries or questions, contact info@walkonthrough.com

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

The executive team of has been working closely with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, various contemporary artists and the artists’ estates to secure necessary permissions for the artwork featured in WALK ON THROUGH.

For use in future theatrical productions, we have already obtained permissions from Cindy Sherman, Gregory Crewdson, the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, Joan Snyder, the estate of Edward Hopper and many more.

The Met has also enthusiastically endorsed the project, indicating their full support and willingness for use of the Museum’s image, logo, and likeness.

A full list of the objects from The Met’s collection that appear in WALK ON THROUGH can be viewed on our Art Credits page.

PRESS

The New York Times, October 12, 2021

Herald-Tribune, January 13, 2022

The Day, July 26, 2022

Connecticut Voice, November 20, 2022

Metro Weekly, February 19, 2023

The New York Times, June 22, 2023

“Gavin is heart personified and his truth is taking him to new and wondrous places. So proud of him and excited for what is to come.”

SARA BAREILLES

“I experienced something so extraordinary today. With my eyes, my ears, and my heart. I will carry it with me as I walk on through forever. I encourage you all to do the same.”

KELLI O’HARA

BIOS

Gavin Creel (Writer and Performer) is a Tony Award winner for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in HELLO, DOLLY! starring Bette Midler.Creel made his Broadway debut in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, for which he received his first Tony nomination. He then went on to star in the Broadway productions of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, HAIR (Tony Award nomination), THE BOOK OF MORMON, SHE LOVES ME, WAITRESS, and INTO THE WOODS. Gavin received an Olivier Award for his portrayal of “Elder Price” in the London production of THE BOOK OF MORMON and also appeared on the West End in MARY POPPINS, HAIR, and WAITRESS. On television, Creel has performed a PBS solo concert special with "Stars on Stage," appeared in the premiere episodes of Ryan Murphy's anthology series "American Horror Stories" and starred alongside Julie Andrews in "Eloise at the Plaza" and "Eloise at Christmastime." As a songwriter, Gavin has released three original albums: GoodTimeNation, Quiet, and Get Out and is workshopping material for a new musical theatre piece that will debut in early 2024 at his alma mater, The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance. Creel was the recipient of a Hermitage Artist Retreat Writing Fellowship, a featured composer at The O'Neill National Musical Theatre Conference, and a co-founder of Broadway Impact, the first and only grassroots organization to mobilize the nationwide theater community in support of marriage equality.

Linda Goodrich (Director) has directed and choreographed throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. Conceived, Directed and Choreographed several new works: WALK ON THROUGH with music and lyrics by Gavin Creel, HOTEL CALIFORNIA with music by The Eagles, DANCE WITH ME featuring the music of Air Supply, GIBSON FLECK, A GOOD BOY, choreographed world premieres of EVERYTHING’S DUCKY, and the adaptation of GOOD NEWS! - Licensed by MTI. Tours: CABARET – Europe, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN – U.S. and Japan. NY Theatre: Metropolitan Museum of Art Live Arts Series, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall, Signature Theatre, Joe’s Pub, N.Y. Musical Theatre Festival. Regional Theatre: Goodspeed Opera House, Papermill Playhouse, Walnut Street Theatre, P.C.L.O., TheatreWorks Palo Alto, Cincinnati Playhouse, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, the 5th Ave. Theatre, Sacramento Bway Series, Laguna Playhouse, Long Beach, the MUNY, T.U.T.S., Music Theatre of Wichita. Awards: NYC - DANCEBREAK, Best Choreography - New York Musical Theatre Festival, Outstanding Direction and Choreography - San Francisco Bay Area Awards. Linda is a Professor Emeritus in the Dept. of Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan and producer of U of M New Works Festival. Director/acting teacher at the Trentino Music Festival, Italy. Member SDC.

Sasha Allen (Ensemble) Film and television credits include Camp, “Blue Bloods” (CBS), and a recurring role on “Power” (Starz). Sasha portrayed Dionne in the 2009 Broadway revival of HAIR and reprised her role in London the following year. Her additional theatre credits include the national tour of PIPPIN as the Leading Player and the Public Theater's revival of FOR COLORED GIRLS… (New York Times Critic’s Pick). Sasha began her career in the music industry as a vocalist singing with the likes of Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Leona Lewis, Usher, Ariana Grande, and Sara Bareilles. In 2013, she was a semi-finalist on the fourth season of “The Voice.” In 2016 she joined the Rolling Stones on their “No Filter” tour, notably performing “Gimme Shelter” with Mick Jagger, and most recently completed their “Sixty” tour in 2022.

Madeline Benson (Music Director, Ensemble, Orchestrations and Arrangements) is a music director and songwriter based in New York. On Broadway, she has served as conductor for WAITRESS and SIX and keyboardist for BACK TO THE FUTURE and WAR PAINT. Selected MD credits: BHANGIN’ IT (La Jolla Playhouse), WE LIVE IN CAIRO (ART), RAGS PARKLAND… (Ars Nova), RAGTIME ON ELLIS ISLAND, AN OCTOROON (TFANA), FUTURITY (Ars Nova/Soho Rep), SKIN OF OUR TEETH (TFANA), LOCH NESS (the Rev), NIKOLA TESTA DROPS THE BEAT (ATF), AGENT 355 (CTC). Madeline is the musical adapter of the stage versions of Disney’s DESCENDANTS and FROZEN JR. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilizations from Harvard University.

Chris Peters (Ensemble, Orchestrations and Arrangements) is a singer-songwriter, producer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist based in New York City. Raised on the 70s folk songwriting of Joni Mitchell and the autobiographical storytelling of comedians like Mike Birbiglia, Chris writes and champions music that combines humor, story and classic pop song forms. His EP, "Chris Peters, Grown-Up Singer," is available on all platforms.

Corey Rawls (Drums) Drummer, educator, producer, and film scorer, Corey Rawls graduated with a Master’s degree in jazz studies from Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of Music, and continues to further his musical career by being active in various facets of the music industry. Corey is regularly performing/ touring with artists nationally and internationally, producing music for various artists, composing music for film (www.parkriverproductions.com), and teaching. Corey is grateful for the support of his endorsers Yamaha Drums, Bosphorus Cymbals, and Collision Drumsticks.

Ryan Vasquez (Ensemble) Broadway: HAMILTON (Alexander Hamilton, standby for Aaron Burr, George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Hercules Mulligan/James Madison), WAITRESS (original Broadway cast), WICKED. Off Broadway: THE WRONG MAN (The Man in Black, Drama Desk Award nomination). World Premiere productions of THE NOTEBOOK (Noah Calhoun, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), THE OUTSIDERS (Darrel Curtis, La Jolla Playhouse) and WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (Jacob, Alliance Theatre). Film/TV: “The Good Fight” (CBS), “The Code” (CBS), “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO), and Tick...Tick...BOOM! (Netflix). Voice work: Vivo (Netflix), In The Heights film version.

Scott Wasserman (Ensemble, Electronic Music Designer, Orchestrations and Arrangements) Broadway Electronic Music Design/Programming: HAMILTON, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, & JULIET, DIANA, THE GREAT COMET. Other Broadway: ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE, ANNIE, LEAP OF FAITH. Off-Broadway: HERE THERE BE DRAGONS (Orchestrator), INVISIBLE THREAD (Electronic Music Design). Regional: Orchestrator of DOUBLE HELIX at Bay Street Theatre, Music Supervisor & Orchestrator of Johnny and the Devil’s Box at Cumberland County Playhouse. Other Regional: LaJolla Playhouse, Hartford Stage, Stages St. Louis, The Alliance, Signature, Center Theatre Group, ACT of Connecticut. Scott’s orchestrations have been performed at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and The Kennedy Center, and on the albums “Losing My Mind: A Sondheim Disco Fever Dream,” “Johnny & The Devil’s Box: The Concept Album,” “Joel B. New’s Cabot Cove,” and Sarah Stiles’ “You Can Ukulele With Me.” Film, TV and Podcast credits include THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, HAMILTON on Disney+, “Beauty and the Beast Live on ABC,” “Fosse/Verdon,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “The 2017 Tony Awards,” “Sesame Street,” “Wallykazam!,” “21 Chump Street” for “This American Life,” and “Song Salad.” Love to Meghan, Hudson and Ellis. scott-wasserman.com

Jenny Gersten (Managing Member) JUST FOR US ON BROADWAY, BEETLEJUICE National Tour, Producer of Musical Theater for New York City Center, and Interim Artistic Director of the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Previously, the award-winning Off Broadway “pie shop” production of SWEENEY TODD. She works with Jessica Hecht on The Campfire Project, an arts program that primarily serves Syrian and Ukrainian refugees overseas. Previously, Jenny served as Executive Director of Friends of the High Line and as the Associate Producer of The Public Theater in New York City. At sea, she is the Creative Producer of Virgin Voyages.

Kevin Ryan (Managing Member) led Covenant House International for 14 years. There, he co-founded one of the Broadway community’s largest annual charity events, the Stage & Screen Sleep Out, which supports Covenant House’s housing and services for children and youth facing homelessness. His Broadway producing credits include New York City Center’s revival of INTO THE WOODS (Drama League Award), New York City Center’s revival of PARADE (Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards), OHIO STATE MURDERS, THE PIANO LESSON (Drama Desk Award), and THE SIGN IN SIDNEY BRUSTEIN’S WINDOW. He is a board member of Broadway Inspirational Voices.

Neeki Bey (Executive Producer) is a Creative Director for visuals and music. He specializes in story-telling through videos, concerts, and events that deliver strategic and emotionally-resonant creative experiences. Clients include The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MTC), Southern Methodist University, Houston Boychoir, country-pop duo Maddie and Tae, and Metropolitan Opera star and “The Voice” finalist John Holiday. ‘Make it Better’ is his motto both personally and creatively and drives his leadership approach.

Devin Keudell (Executive Producer & General Manager) is the founder and partner of Bespoke Theatricals, which supervises and manages theatrical productions of all sizes and complexities, supporting the artistic development and presentation of a production as envisioned by the creative team within the financial parameters established by the producers. Bespoke Theatricals has managed productions that have garnered 198 Tony Award Nominations and 73 Tony Award Wins. Current productions include BACK TO THE FUTURE and MJ on Broadway, TINA and BEETLEJUICE on tour, and HIPPEST TRIP at ACT in San Francisco. Devin is on the Board of Governors for the Broadway League and serves on many labor negotiations.

Javier Ameijeiras (Scenic Designer) Broadway concept illustration: HERE LIES LOVE, MRS. DOUBTFIRE, BEETLEJUICE, and HAMILTON. Live event art direction and concept illustration: GREASE LIVE!, RENT LIVE! AND THE ACADEMY AWARDS (2019-2022). Film concept illustration: JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX, ALADDIN, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE INTERN, MOONRISE KINGDOM, JOY, DOUBT, STEP UP (1, 2 & 3), 27 DRESSES. TV concept illustration: AMERICAN HORROR STORY, GRACE AND FRANKIE, THE GILDED AGE S2, SMASH S1. TV art direction: THE BIG BRUNCH and THE WHO WAS SHOW. Javier is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Jeff Mahshie (Costume Designer) Broadway: KISS ME KATE, SHE LOVES ME (Tony and Drama Desk Nominations, OCC Award), THE TERMS OF MY SURRENDER, NEXT TO NORMAL, THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED. Off-Broadway: BOB & CAROL & TED & ALICE (Drama Desk & Outer Critics Nominations), GOOD FOR OTTO, EVENING AT THE TALKHOUSE, THE UNAVOIDABLE DISAPPEARANCE OF TOM DURNIN, LAUGHING WILD, MARIE AND BRUCE, GIANT, THE KID, THE CORN IS GREEN, GRUESOM PLAYGROUND INJURIES, NEXT TO NORMAL, BECKY SHAW, THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED, THE SCENE, SHOW PEOPLE, PRIVILEGE, HURLYBURLY (Drama Desk Nomination) Follow @jeffmahshie

Jiyoun Chang (Lighting Designer) Broadway Credits: THE COTTAGE, KPOP Broadway, FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE/WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF (Tony Nom), SLAVE PLAY (Tony, Drama Desk, Henry Hewes Nom). Recent credits: THE FAR COUNTRY (Drama Desk, Lucile Lortel Nom), RIDE THE CYCLONE (Arena Stage), THE FACTOTUM (Chicago Lyric Opera), BINA’S SIX APPLES (Suzi Bass Award), MARYS SEACOLE (Henry Hewes Nom), THE WORLD IS ROUND (Obie Award), The Public, Roundabout, NYTW, MCC, Signature, ATC, Guggenheim, Berkeley Rep, CalShakes, Guthrie, Old Globe, OSF.

Alex Neumann (Sound Designer) Broadway: INTO THE WOODS (2022), and over 20 shows as associate designer. NY City Center Encores! INTO THE WOODS, OLIVER!. National Tours: INTO THE WOODS, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE KING AND I. Off Broadway: RACHEL BLOOM: DEATH, LETME DO MY SHOW, THE ATHEIST. Regional: SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (American Repertory Theatre, Portland Center Stage), BUS STOP (Huntington Theatre Company), THE ATHEIST(Williamstown / Huntington), ETHER DOME (Alley Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Hartford Stage, Huntington Theatre Company), THE 39 STEPS (Olney Theatre Center), GOING TO SEE THE KID (Merrimack Repertory Theatre), MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, CABARET (Alabama Shakespeare Festival). Events/Other: WALK ON THROUGH (workshop), DRAMA DESK AWARDS (2017-2019), A TRIBUTE TO THE PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS (Kennedy Center, 2016-2019). FOOTLOOSE (Norwegian Cruise Lines). Awards: Tony Award Nomination, Drama Desk Winner – INTO THE WOODS. www.soundsneu.com

David Bengali (Projection Designer) is a projection and media designer based in New York City. Selected recent and upcoming designs include: Broadway: THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, 1776 (Roundabout/A.R.T.); Off-Broadway including TWILIGHT: LA 1992 (Signature - Henry Hewes Award, Drama Desk Nom); ANTHONY RAPP’S WITHOUT YOU (New World Stages); MONSOON WEDDING (St. Ann’s Warehouse); THE VISITOR (The Public Theater - Lortel Nom.), CIRCLE JERK (Fake Friends - Obie Award, Drama League Nom.); EINSTEIN’S DREAMS (Prospect/59E59 - Drama Desk Nom.), VAN GOGH’S EAR (ERC - Drama Desk Nom.), THE GREAT LEAP (Atlantic.); Regional including: La Jolla Playhouse, A.R.T, Yale Rep, Dallas Theater Center, Alliance; National Tours of: PETER PAN, 1776, ROCKIN’ ROAD TO DUBLIN. David was also a 2017-2019 Arts Fellow at the Princeton University Lewis Center for the Arts. MFA: NYU.

Erin Flannery (Associate Producer) leads with non-profit creative production and project development, with more than two decades of experience with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, WNYC and WQXR, WNET/Channel Thirteen in New York and the Minnesota Opera. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she led visual arts-inspired projects with Gavin Creel, Sting, Alan Cumming, Rhiannon Giddens, Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip), Simon Callow and many more, as part of the MetLiveArts performance series.

Gina Ferrara (Associate Producer) is a New York City based performing arts producer currently working at Lincoln Center as Line Producer for Artistic Programming. She has executed a wide variety of performances including music, dance, opera, theater and everything in between. Gina has worked on behalf of both institutions, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Tilles Center for Performing Arts, and for individual performers, including the string quartet ETHEL. Gina holds a BFA in Performing Arts Management with a concentration in Music from Long Island University and is currently pursuing an MBA at Baruch College.

Laura Hirschberg (Production Stage Manager) began her journey with WALK ON THROUGH in 2021 at The Met. Two years later, she is thrilled to be making her Off-Broadway debut with this wonderful team at MCC. Laura recently returned from stage managing for Aszure Barton and Ambrose Akinmusire at the Kampnagel International Summer Festival, following her sixth season as the resident stage manager of the Spiegeltent, part of Bard Summerscape. Other favorite credits include: THE MOUNTAINTOP (Arc Stages), BABES IN TOYLAND (Lincoln Center), PETER AND THE WOLF (BAM), MAGIC & MAYHEM (Workshop Theater), IMPACTO (Met Live Arts), and Black Grace Dance Company's United States and New Zealand tours.

Nicole Javanna Johnson (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) is the Founder of the Harriet Tubman Effect Institute, a human resource center and institute of research for dismantling systemic oppression. DEI Director and Consultant on PASS OVER, FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME, INTO THE WOODS, SWEENEY TODD, IS THIS A ROOM and DANA H., Lincoln Center and New York Theater Workshop. www.harriettubmaneffect.com

Harriet Tubman Effect (HTE) (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) is a human resource center and institute for justice advocacy and research. The organization's mission is to dismantle systemic oppression by producing participatory-action research, human resource initiatives and reallocating wealth to Black and Brown DEI consultants across American industries. HTE is also home to the Edify 5 Step Dismantling Systemic Oppression program and serves as DEI continuing education resource for theater, TV and film. Gavin Creel and Nicole Johnson have worked together in their reallocation of wealth efforts since the inception of Harriet Tubman Effect in 2021 impacting strategy for ticketing initiatives, equitable budgeting and advocacy in theatrical settings.