Unleashed, a one-act musical —2011

An off-beat comedy with a tuneful score, Unleashed is an updated version of a 1900 short story by O. Henry, with music by Robert Maggio, book & lyrics by Matthew Hardy. It received its first reading at the York Theatre Company, New York City.

Unleashed tells the story of a hen-pecked man and his faithful dog who wants nothing more than to make his master happy.

Presented as part of 4@15, the Off-Broadway York Theatre Company’s unique collaboration with the University of California, Irvine’s New York Satellite Program. Four musical writing teams met 32 student actors and wrote four mini-musicals specifically for their talents. After a fast and furious rehearsal period, the new shows were presented as staged concert performances on York’s Off-Broadway stage. York’s Associate Artistic Director, Brian Blythe directed; Tammy Holder music directed the premiere.