Quantum Leap by Jane Kelley
Here's the problem. How do you turn a bunch of words on a page (aka a novel) into a colorful, melodic, extravaganza (aka a musical)? Step 1: Cut characters and subplots. You really will have to kill your darlings. (RIP, Jake and Nina!) Being economical allows plenty of space for others to make your words blossom. Step 2: Find talented musical collaborators. Bonus points if they're fun to work with. Greg Alexander and Clifford Lee Johnson III Step 3: Heighten the drama. Move the antagonists right next door to each other. Step 4: Rewrite. Go to theatres in Connecticut, California, and Illinois to develop the script. Step 5: Get feedback from smart people and feel just a little bit encouraged by their comments. Step 6: Rewrite some more????? Yup. And more and more and more. Is that scene confusing? Is there a funnier joke? Can all the characters have an arc? Yes, yes, yes. Step 7: Find a theater who wan...
