Lyra: A Dark Fairy Tale is a musical adaptation of the original Little Mermaid story, set against the backdrop of a Faustian Dust Bowl era circus. Featuring book and lyrics by Ashley Griffin (pop culture phenomenon Forever Deadward,) and music by Evan Jay Newman (Les Miserables (Broadway) American Idiot (National Tour)) Lyra is a cross between traditional musical theater and a European circus aesthetic. Created in conjunction with Cirque du Soleil artists, Lyra uses circus arts, not as spectacle, but along with music and dance to advance the story. A beautiful, innocent young girl, a tragic clown, and an omnipotent illusionist set the stage for a tale of love, sacrifice, dreams, and escape. 

 

What could be better than getting everything you’ve ever wanted?

 

Lyra had it's premier reading at The Triad Theater in NYC followed by a sold out concert at 54 Below. Lyra was accepted into the Emerging Artists Theater Company New Works Festival and has received development at Streb, A.R.T and as Artist in Residence at the Access Theater Company. The show is currently in development in NYC.