‘Tea with Chachaji’ at NYC Children’s Theater, 2010. Book and lyrics by Gwynne Watkins, music by Denver Casado. From left:Tony Mirrcandani, Soneela Nankani, Raja Burrows, Jose Sepulveda, Stephanie Klemons.
Space Pirates!
I wrote the book and co-wrote the lyrics for this original musical about a group of children whose museum field trip turns into a surprise adventure in space. Winner of the 2015 Children’s Musical Theater Festival in New York City and one of Beat by Beat Press’s most popular offerings, it has been performed by children across the U.S. and globally in nations including Korea and Pakistan. Learn more about ‘Space Pirates’ at Beat by Beat Press.
A full production of SPACE PIRATES (Music by Denver Casado, book by Gwynne Watkins, lyrics by Casado, Watkins and Betina Hershey), a 45-minute musical for young actors published by Beat by Beat Press. The musical is available for licensing to schools and youth theaters.
Wow! A Nativity Play and The Mysterious Animal
I wrote these two short plays for churches to enliven the tradition of the Christmas pageant by telling the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth in funny, enlightening new ways. Read more about Wow! at Beat by Beat Press. Read more about The Mysterious Animal at Beat by Beat Press.
Christmas plays for churches by Gwynne Watkins. Learn more at Beat by Beat Press: bbbpress.com
Tea with Chachaji
I wrote the libretto for this off-Broadway musical commissioned by New York City Children’s Theater/Making Books Sing in 2010. Based on the children’s book Chachaji’s Cup, the Bollywood-influenced show told the story of a New York City boy’s relationship with his Indian grandfather. Critics called it “a tender and moving comedy-drama" (The New York Times), "the triple crown of family theater" (Backstage) and "a wonderful, informative and emotional musical journey" (Theatre is Easy).
Works in Progress:
Only Human: A Radical Retelling of the Annunciation
Not Guilty: A New Musical About Ancient Myths
Gwynne is a graduate of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop and a member of the Dramatists Guild.