LESLIE BECKER (Book & Lyrics) Leslie has written book and lyrics for the musicals A PROPER PLACE, FETCHING WATER, HERE WE ARE and LOVE3 which have been presented and/or workshopped at the York Theatre, Transport Group, Human Race Theatre, San Gabriel Civic Light Opera and The Downbeat New Musicals events. Known for the surprising "turns" in her lyrics, and her unique combination of heart and wit, her cabaret songs have been heard in cabaret venues throughout the city including 54Below, Don't Tell Mama's and Laurie Beechman Theatre and performed by such Broadway names as Laura Osnes, Barbara Walsh, Marc Kudisch, Max von Essen, Erin Mackey, Andrea Burns, Celia Keenan-Bolger and more. She was the co-founder and executive director for The Musical Writers Playground here in NYC which focused on the development of new musicals. Still very much a working actor, she has appeared on Broadway and major National Tours of ANYTHING GOES, BONNIE & CLYDE, WICKED, NINE, CINDERELLA, AMAZING GRACE, SHOW BOAT and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. She is a member of the Advanced BMI workshop as a lyricist. Her song "Slow Burn" reached #4 on the AC Billboard/Hot AC chart and is still playing on radio across the country. www.LeslieBecker.com
CURTIS RHODES (Book & Music, Additional Lyrics) Naturally inclined toward music from an early age, Curtis Rhodes discovered his knack for writing music while studying acting at Professional Actors Conservatory. Ironically, his first foray into composition was incidental music for a production of THE ADMIRABLE CRICHTON, the J.M. Barrie play upon which A PROPER PLACE is based. Since then, he has composed many piano solos, cabaret and specialty numbers, choral works, and chamber music, including, THE AMHERST CYCLE, a song-cycle using the poetry of Emily Dickenson. In addition, he has written for NoHo Arts Center’s 24 HOURS OF MADNESS, and wrote book, music and lyrics for the 1930s screwball musical, A HOLIDAY IN HOLLYWOOD. Based in Los Angeles, he has worked as an actor and/or music director with such venues as the Grove Shakespeare Festival, PCPA Theatrefest, West Coast Ensemble, Western Stage, Cabrillo Music Theatre, and more. He has worked as member of the Academy Rep Company, part of the Academy of New Musical Theatre (ANMT), which is dedicated to workshopping and developing new musicals, has performed many solo concerts, and is a member of ASCAP.