TRW Production, a new theatrical development, investment and producing entity headed by executive producers Katy Lipson and Michael McFadden, has been announced. All projects developed by TRW Production will be represented by licensing house Theatrical Rights Worldwide, in a partnership that aims to facilitate a long life for new titles in first-class, international, regional and educational markets.
Lipson and McFadden, who have achieved international recognition through their individual producing organizations Phoenix Entertainment and Aria Entertainment, will head the company’s New York and London offices. Steve Spiegel, owner and CEO of Theatrical Rights Worldwide, will collaborate with Lipson and McFadden on developing theatrical properties with TRW Production.
Among the company’s lineup of upcoming projects is a stage version of the 2007 film “Music and Lyrics,” which will be adapted by original writer and director Marc Lawrence. Also in development by TRW is a stage musical based on the 2012 film “Joyful Noise,” set to be adapted by screenwriter Todd Graff. The film will feature with an original score alongside previously written songs by Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Usher, as well as the original tunes that were penned by Dolly Parton for the film.
TRW Production will also partner with dramatists to craft musicals featuring the catalogues of recording artists, beginning with rock-and-roll legend Chuck Berry, whose life story will be made into a stage musical by playwright Will Power, who is a Drama Desk Award nominee for the 2003 play “Flow.”
Also of note to TRW Production is the launch of its “Collective,” a mentorship program for the development of new musicals. Through the group, each month a selection of emerging composers and lyricists will meet to present material. In this collaborative environment, writers will receive feedback from their peers along with resources from the TRW team as they develop original ideas and pave a path toward production.
For further information about TRW Production, visit www.trwproduction.com.
