The Loneliest Girl in the World
Music by Julia Meinwald
Book and Lyrics by Gordon Leary
3 men, 3 women

Anita Bryant always knew that she was destined for greatness.  She just had to figure out what God wanted her to do.  She tried becoming Miss America, a pop star, a professional homemaker, a national treasure – all to no avail.  After becoming a cultural crusader, she finally knew she was living God’s plan.  But was it God’s plan to spur the gay rights movement with a single pie to the face?

Developed in Ars Nova’s 2013 Uncharted Writers Group, as well as at the 2013 Weston Playhouse Writers Retreat. Presented in the Musical Theatre Factory's 4x15 series, workshopped at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and showcased in the 2016 NAMT festival.  World Premiere production at Diversionary Theatre in San Diego in 2018. 

DEVELOPMENT HISTORY
  • 2018 World Premiere at Diversionary Theatre Company
  • 2017 Diversionary Theatre Company workshop
  • 2016 NAMT Festival of New Musicals
  • 2015 Concert Production, Polyphone Festival, University of the Arts (Philadelphia, PA)
    Benjamine Kamine, director / Christopher Tolomeo, music director
    Featuring Marcus Briddell, Bryce Crandall, Patrick Henkel, Katie Markey, Elexis Morton, Matthew Oster, Hannah Parke, Cody Swanson, Jackson Teeley, Bianca Teresi, Carrie Thorwarth
  • 2014 Reading, Ars Nova OutLoud
    Portia Krieger, director / Andrew Resnick, music director
    Featuring Max Chernin, Sam Heldt, Greg Hildreth, Victoria Huston-Elem, Julia Mattison, Brad Standley, Dana Steingold
  • 2013 Concert, Ars Nova Uncharted
    Benjamine Kamine, director / Rich Silverstein, music director
    Featuring Ally Bonino, Max Chernin, Sam Heldt, Andrew Kober, Amy Linden, Michael Marcotte, Emily Walton
  • 2013 Reading, The Bats
    Benjamin Kamine, director / Rich Silverstein, music director
    Featuring Jaspal Binning, Lauren Hayes, Marlowe Holden, Brett Hunter, Kerry Ipema, Christine Lee, Evan Maltby, Sean McIntyre, Will Turner

Demo

Positive Press

Ingenious...Absorbing and smartly conceived new musical...One remarkable -- and admirable -- aspect of Loneliest Girl...is the generosity of spirit that writer-lyricist Gordon Leary and composer Julia Meinwald extend to their subject.  Meinwald's score hooks a playgoer with all kinds of strong melodic lines, and meshes gracefully with...well-turned Leary lyrics. 
-James Hebert, San Diego Union-Tribune

Witty and impassioned...The melodic score is moving without becoming rhapsodic, and its clever turns spoof the pop and political landscape of the '50s and '70s.
-David L. Coddon, San Diego City Beat

A groundbreaking, spectacular piece of theater. 
-Albert H. Fulcher, Gay San Diego

Production Photos

Cut Songs