Matthew the Composer
Matthew is an award winning composer and song-writer. The Lady in Penthouse B, (book & lyrics by Peter Napolitano) was presented at the York Theatre in a production starring Nancy Dussault. He is the composer of After the Fair, (book & lyrics Stephen Cole) which has been produced in New York (Outer Critic’s Circle nom.) Dallas, London, Chicago, Seattle and more. He also composed the music for the new musical Casper (w/Cole) about the ghost, which toured with the legendary Chita Rivera as star.
The Lady in Penthouse B
With lyrics By Stephen Cole and music by Matthew Ward, The Lady in Penthouse B is a tell-all, showbiz fairy tale billed as part Cinderella and part Cindy Adams. In the New York City-set show, a struggling actress named Mel Mitchell (to be played by Callaway) takes a job as personal assistant to the famous gossip columnist, Lady Susan. Mel hopes that putting up with the demanding, insensitive Lady will help her realize her dream of becoming a Broadway star. Lady Susan's ego and insecurity blinds her to the truth about her faltering career and increasing solitude. When she is injured in an accident and forced to rely on Mel, the show becomes about the women finding common ground and mutual respect.
Broadway World's coverage of the York's 2008 production can be found HERE
‘The Lady In Penthouse B’ ft. Klea Blackhurst
‘Starting Over’ ft. Erin Cronican
‘Say Hello’ ft. Erin Cronican
‘You’ll Never See It Again’ ft Klea Blackhurst
After The Fair
With lyrics By Stephen Cole and music by Matthew Ward, After The Fair asks what happens when a married Victorian British woman writes letters for her illiterate maid and falls in love with the man to whom she is writing? A romantic, literate musicalization of Thomas Hardy's short story, this award winning 4 character musical has played Off-Broadway at the York Theatre(nominated for Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off Broadway Musical). It played in London at the Kings Head Theatre and Islington. Regionally at the Village Theatre, Apple Tree Theatre, Lyric Stage and Village Originals. It’s the Winner of 5 Dallas Theatre League Awards including Best New Play or Musical and recently enjoyed a 20th Anniversary Concert 2017 at Urban Stages.
Cast Recording Selections
NY1’s Review
There’s A Woman - After The Fair
Casper the Friendly Musical
Everyone’s favorite friendly ghost and his three uncles live a rather uneventful existence in the family mansion. Fifty years after their lives were cut short in a lightning storm, Magdalena, their former maid, re-enters their (after)lives! Now a celebrity TV Host, she is looking for the deed to the mansion… not because she wants the house, but because she believes there’s a message on the back that will lead her to a “great treasure”. As competition reality TV is all the rage, she hosts a live treasure hunt in the mansion on Halloween. One lucky young contestant could win $1 million if they find the deed! It is up to young Casper and his new friends, the contestants, to save the mansion from Magdalena, and discover the greatest treasure of all.
Teaser for TCT’s Production
Chita Rivera dancing in Casper