CLEVELAND — A new musical is shining a spotlight on a defining moment in American history.
“Infamous the Musical” is set just after the Civil War and centers around the topic of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination.
David Michaels came up with the idea. He’s the playwright and composer for the show.
“Ever since I was young, I wanted to write shows, so this is my first completed musical so I’m really excited for what’s ahead,” he said.
Michaels said he’s been in love with music since he was a kid.
“I always just remember sitting at the piano trying to plunk out tunes and melodies and make songs,” he said.
As an adult, he’s made music his career. His day job is teaching orchestra to students in Cuyahoga Heights, and evenings Thursday through Sunday he plays piano at Guarino’s in Little Italy.
“Writing music is a part of me. Music is just who I am,” he said. “I can’t go a day without playing music.”
He said it’s taken 10 years to write the full-length musical. He penned 29 original songs in a variety of genres.
“Bring back some actual Civil War songs and mix it into the score, which makes it really interesting,” he said.
He called the creative process rewarding, but also a challenge.
“It’s a roller coaster,” he said. “Like, you run into a rut or the creative thoughts are hard to find sometimes, or you’re rewriting things.”
At this point, his playwriting is done and the show is working its way to the stage. The cast has had a few readings with the hope of having a full production ready by later this year.
“So far, everyone involved in this musical is from Cleveland, so it’s a very native project,” he said.
He said his work is even receiving praise from Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of another history-focused musical, “Hamilton.”
“It’s amazing how everyone is all in on it and they believe in the message of what the show is,” Michaels said.
He said a main message is calling for unity across the country.
“We’re in a very divided time again and there’s a lot of parallels that mirror our current day from what they were going through,” he said.
And one day, he hopes to see the show on the Broadway stage.
