Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program alums Momo Akashi & Julio Vaquero (both Cycle 31) featured their one-act musical EVEREST at the Summer 23 Program 10 Festival at the Chain Theatre.
With words by Akashi and music by Vaquero (and musical direction by program alum Matt Graham - Cycle 32), EVEREST explores the idea of ambition and the sacrifices we make to pursue our dreams. Lillian, whose father died on Mt. Everest, tries to reach the summit to honor her father and also to find out why he chose climbing Mt. Everest over spending time with her. Since the writers are both immigrants, they understand the cost of leaving their families behind in order to pursue their passion for musical theater. This experience inspired them to write EVEREST, which asks people where the line should be drawn between ambition and sacrifice.
The musical was presented in June 2023 at the Chain Theatre in NYC and was live streamed on June 25th.