
WAKING BEAUTY THE MUSICAL
BOOK BY EMMY NOMINATED DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER GORDON PEIRCE SCHMIDT
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY MULTI-PLATINUM RECORDING ARTIST BRIAN VANDER ARK
A street artist known as TAGGER embarks on a quest for his ultimate creative breakthrough. His efforts culminate in a breathtaking masterpiece—a vivid explosion of color and light that brings his central figure, BEAUTY, to life. Stepping out of the mural into the real world, BEAUTY’s ethereal presence captures the attention of BRYAN, a cunning talent manager. Exploiting her allure, Bryan builds a grotesque fashion empire inspired by her elegance and charm, ensnaring her in a web of fame, wealth, and addiction.
As BEAUTY’s star rises, TAGGER warns her about the fleeting nature of fame, but Bryan’s manipulative grip tightens. Through drugs, money, and restrictive haute couture, he transforms BEAUTY into a hollow version of herself—a lifeless automaton devoid of the spirit TAGGER once painted.
Heartbroken by the loss of his muse, TAGGER resolves to recreate her essence. With encouragement from a trio of barflies and assistance from the PAINTED PEOPLE—figures born from his original artwork—he begins anew. Yet, haunted by memories of BEAUTY, he destroys his work in frustration and collapses in despair.
Meanwhile, BEAUTY experiences a moment of awakening during a surreal and nightmarish fashion show that exposes Bryan’s dark vision. Seeing him for who he truly is, she rejects his control and reclaims her self-worth.
In an emotional reunion, BEAUTY gently confronts TAGGER as he sleeps, reminding him not to confuse love with the creative process. After planting a tender kiss on his forehead, she fades into the night. When TAGGER awakens amidst the ruins of his art, he mourns her loss but soon discovers a new spark of inspiration—a potential muse waiting to ignite his next masterpiece.
For more information on this unique piece of musical theatre please contact us at gordon_schmidt@comcast.net

