Current Projects

The Machine Stops

Book & Lyrics: James Powers
Music: Matthew Nassida

Adapted from the 1909 short story by E. M. Forster, The Machine Stops is a retro-futurist, dystopian look into a future (or past?) where humans live underground and rely entirely on a construct called The Machine.

A sci-fi thriller in the style of classic  musical theatre, The Machine stops is a story about a mother and a son trying to change each other’s mind before time runs out.

Semi-finalist for 2026 Pipeline Arts Foundation.

Developed in part at Theatre [Untitled], SandBox Musicals, and Oakland University.

Swamp Song

Music: James Powers
Book & Lyrics: abs wilson

SWAMP SONG is a chamber-style folk musical that follows the intertwining stories of 4 women (and 1 dude) from classic southern folktales as they hurtle towards their inevitable, tragic ends, facing the final dire question— what kind of doom would you accept just for the chance to be loved? Using a theatrical, narrational voice and musical genre we’ve entitled “gothic swamp cowboy,” SWAMP SONG is a rich kaleidoscope of intimate storytelling, dark comedy, and the inherent grief of knowing that the only time you get to truly live might just be in the stories that come after you.

Semi-finalist for 2026 Eugene O'Neill National Musical Theatre Conference.

Developed in part at Drama Club Camp with Drama Club Production.

Hundred Acres

Music & Lyrics: James Powers
Book: Ilana Abusch

Christopher Robin loves playing with his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. But when a Heffalump threatens to spoil the fun, he goes on a journey with Winnie-the-pooh to stop it before it ruins their day.

This 45-minute musical for ages 8-12 was originally commissioned by the Play Group Theatre and performed as part of their inaugural First Stage programming.

Flatland

Music: James Powers
Book & Lyrics: Addie Symonds

Allen is a square... and he's depressed. Or at least life isn't going his way. He lost his job, got a DUI, and recently broke up with Laney, his long term girlfriend. How is Allen supposed to feel better about life? Easy! Start a cult with his best friend, Connor! 

In this animated musical mini-series loosely (and we mean looooooosely) based on the short story of the same name, Flatland explores our relationship with mental health and "alternative facts". We hope to ask the question, "In this day in age, how do we find the light at the end of the tunnel?"

Unfinished

Book, Music, & Lyrics: James Powers

This non-linear, non-realistic musical for the stage tells the story of Dude, a young man trying to finish writing a song. At the same time, Four Portraits of his life in New York City are trying to distract him. Why? Cause there is more to life than writing a song, ya dingus! 

White Trash

A 20-Minute Play
By James Powers

Waylon wants to play with his best friend, Teddy. But Teddy has something he needs to tell Waylon. Big Daddy is watching...

Premiering at the Broke People Play Festival at NYU, this 20-minute, found-text play explores themes of classism and white, male violence.

In Wonderland

Music & Lyrics: James Powers
Book: Ilana Abusch

Alice is turning 10-years old. But she doesn't want to grow up! Suddenly a White Rabbit with a vest and a pocket watch appears. In this classic retelling of the novel, Alice goes on a wonderful adventure to find out why growing is so strange.

Commissioned by The Play Group Theatre.

Twelfth Night

Original Music: James Powers & Dave Hentz

Using the lyrics found in the script, James Powers and Dave Hentz turn Shakespeare's classic songs into a guitar-pop party!

Originally commissioned by Hamlet Isn't Dead. Featured at The Play Group Theatre and Northwestern University.

If you would like to acquire the rights, reach out below!