NEWS
BROADWAY HOLIDAY
Fifth Annual Holiday Show
12.07.2024
NYC singer/songwriter and composer/lyricist, Michael Mott (In The Light, A Faustian Tale,
And Sometimes... Love, Where The Sky Ends) returns to The Green Room 42 in NYC on Saturday, December 7th at 7pm for his fifth annual Holiday show, newly titled,
"Broadway Holiday with Michael Mott & Friends."
Celebrate the spirit of the season with this joyful and heartwarming evening of
Mott's mashups and medleys of traditional Holiday favorites as well as his
award winning original Holiday songs.
Referred to as “a contemporary composer you should know” by Playbill and
"a truly special songwriter" by Broadway World, Mott will be joined by two guest vocalists
who will be announced at a later date, as well as his seven-piece band,
under the musical direction of Broadway’s Joshua Zecher-Ross
(Once Upon A One More Time, Be More Chill). Orchestrations are provided by Mott,
Zecher-Ross and Drama Desk Nominee, Kim Scharnberg
(The Great Gatsby, Little Women, Jekyll & Hyde).
Past guest vocalists have included TONY Award Winners Adrienne Warren and Matt Doyle,
TONY Award Nominees Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes, as well as Loren Allred,
Sierra Boggess, Jackie Burns, Solea Pfeiffer, Ciara Renée, Jenna Ushkowitz,
Matt Bloyd, Teal Wicks, Orfeh, Andy Mientus, Jay Armstrong Johnson,
Anne Fraser Thomas, Brian Justin Crum, Shayna Steele, Bobby Conte Thornton, Crystal Monee Hall, Natalie Weiss, Ryan Silverman and Hannah Elless.
In-person plus livestream ticket options are available.
AND SOMETIMES... LOVE
To Receive Public Reading at Village Theatre August 4
07.16.2024
The Village Theatre in Issaquah, WA will host its 21st Annual Festival of New Musicals from Aug. 2 through Aug. 4. Four new musicals, currently in development, will make their stage debuts, including Mott's new musical, AND SOMETIMES... LOVE.
And Sometimes... Love is an original musical inspired by the life of Aryana Rose, whose story went viral in 2017. Aryana, in her 40s, single, and the mother of grown children, has yet to experience romantic love. The Universe conspires in her favor, guiding her to Gianluca, a charismatic and passionate artist, though many years her junior.
Falling deeply in love, Aryana and Gianluca navigate romance, sex, life, and how a relationship must ultimately change. And Sometimes... Love is a breathtaking
once-in-a-lifetime musical romance. Directed by Peter Flynn.
Full cast to be announced soon.
Due to popular demand, the presentation sold out in 24 hours.
However, there is a waitlist available.
IN THE LIGHT, A FAUSTIAN TALE
To Receive NYC Public Showcase April 26-28
03.12.2024
IN THE LIGHT, A Faustian Tale has been selected by The Stage Door Foundation to receive three public performances, Friday, April 26 - Sunday, April 26 at Open Jar Studios in NYC.
The Broadway Workroom is designed to showcase emerging artists' work by providing rehearsal and presentation space, including technical support, at no cost to the production in order to help the team further their creative goals along the developmental journey. At the end of each week, the public is invited, at no cost, to experience these dynamic new musicals in concert at Open Jar Studios (1601 Broadway). Tickets for each concert are free, and attendees are encouraged to make a donation to The Stage Door Foundation to help fund their programs.
The Broadway Workroom Series provides a rare opportunity for Broadway enthusiasts to witness the evolution of new musicals, a process typically reserved for industry insiders during private "workshops" or "readings. The series’ vibe is to present glimpses of shows in their development phases, with focus on the writing and performances and less attention to production value.
The cast includes Jeffrey Kringer (Cruel Intentions) as Johann Faustus, Shereen Pimental (West Side Story) as Gretchen Wagner, Sarah Ann Fernandez (Wicked) as Ana Faustus, Antonio Cipriano (Jagged Little Pill) as Valentine Engel, Brandon J. Ellis (Bandstand) as The Traveler, Rob Richardson (Kinky Boots) as Bishop Francis, with Caleb Albert (Radio City Christmas Spectacular), Shavey Brown (Hadestown), Will Stephan Connell (Papermill’s Fiddler on the Roof), Nicole DeLuca (HOPEful), Caitlin Doak (Three Points of Contact), Anne Frasier Thomas (Titanique), Alyssa Giannetti (Love Never Dies tour), Craig Juricka (Boston Pops soloist), Liz Lang (Knoxville: Summer of 1915), Pablo Laucerica (Dear Evan Hansen tour), Michael McCorry Rose (Wicked), Erick Pinnick (Summer tour), Lindsay Rider (American Idol), Karla Shook (Tin Pan Alley), Bronwyn Tarboten (Frozen) and Andy Walken (A Christmas Story Live!).
FLY HIGH (feat. Aisha Jackson)
OUT 01.19.2024
01.12.2024
Motta Music announced today the single release of FLY HIGH, featuring Broadway's
Aisha Jackson (Once Upon A One More Time, In The Light, A Faustian Tale: Highlights Recording). With music and lyrics by Michael Mott, the song is described as an inspiring driving ballad about conquering your fears and achieving your dreams.
The recording features a live twenty piece orchestra with an orchestration by
Drama Desk Nominee, Kim Scharnberg. It is produced by Michael Mott and
Kim Scharnberg, mixed by Michael Croiter and mastered by Michael Fossenkemper at TurtleTone Mastering.
FLY HIGH is now available on all digital streaming platforms.
A music video, directed by Josh Jordan, will be released soon after.
MICHAEL MOTT & FRIENDS
Fourth Annual Holiday Show
12.02.2023
Broadway and Television's Antonio Cipriano (Jagged Little Pill, Disney’s
National Treasure: Edge of History), Anne Fraser Thomas (Titanique, Hercules, Sister Act),
Diana Huey (The Little Mermaid), Blaine Krauss (Hamilton, The Cher Show, Kinky Boots) and special guests The Boy Band Project join musical theatre composer/ lyricist and pop songwriter, Michael Mott, (In The Light, A Faustian Tale, The Fairy’s Tale, Where The Sky Ends) in “Michael Mott & Friends, Fourth Annual Holiday Show” at The Green Room 42 on
Saturday, December 2nd at 7pm in New York City.
Celebrate the spirit of the season with this joyous, heartwarming evening of seasonal classics as well as Mott’s original Holiday material and the debut of brand new music from his upcoming projects. Referred to as “a contemporary composer you should know” by Playbill and "a truly special songwriter" by Broadway World, Mott will be featured on piano and vocals joined by Andrew Zinsmeister on electric and acoustic guitar, David White on electric and acoustic bass, Adam Wolfe on drums and percussion, Brad Bosenbeck on violin,
Sasha Ono on cello, Emily Pecoraro on saxophone and woodwinds, with
Sarah Hamaty and Lindsay Rider on background vocals. Orchestrations are provided by Drama Desk Nominee, Kim Scharnberg (Little Women, Jekyll & Hyde, Linda Eder) with additional orchestrations and musical direction by Broadway’s Joshua Zecher-Ross (Once Upon A One More Time, Be More Chill). Michael Clarkston serves as Production Stage Manager. The concert is produced by Motta Music and The Green Room 42.
In-person plus livestream ticket options are available.
RIDING OUT THE STORM
A Short Musical Film
NY Screenings on Mon, October 30th
Moongate Productions presents RIDING OUT THE STORM, a short original movie musical, directed by Bruce Alan Johnson with screenplay and lyrics by Christine Toy Johnson and music and score by Michael Mott, in 3 screenings at the Tribeca Screening Room,
375 Greenwich Street, on Monday, October 30.
Executive produced by Christine Toy Johnson for Moongate Productions, screenings of the 15-minute-long film will occur at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm, with a panel discussion between Bruce Alan Johnson, Christine Toy Johnson and Michael Mott at 6:30 pm.
RIDING OUT THE STORM features Mimi Bessette, Diana Huey, Mel Maghuyop, and Wade McCollum. On the day Hurricane Sandy is set to hit Staten Island, Beth (Mimi Bessette) must decide whether or not to evacuate the house her late husband built.
Last week, the film was accepted into the New York Shorts Film Festival where it will screen on Sunday, October 15th in the East Village of Manhattan.
The score is orchestrated by Drama Desk nominee Kim Scharnberg and features NY based musicians Bradley Bosenbeck, Geoffrey Countryman, Sasha Ono, David White, Adam Wolfe, Andrew Zinsmeister, and Joshua Zecher-Ross, who also serves as music director and music supervisor. Camera and editing is by Bruce Alan Johnson, special effects by Tim McHugh and Glenn Campbell. Caleb Grissett was Assistant Director. Michael Croiter mixed and mastered the sound and music.
The short movie musical is adapted from a ten-minute stage musical of the same name written by Christine Toy Johnson and Michael Mott.
Actors appear with permission by and courtesy of SAG-AFTRA.
The soundtrack will be released on all digital streaming platforms by
Motta Music on Friday, October 27 and is available for pre-save on Friday, September 29.
This screening and panel have been funded, in part, by a grant from the
Creative Arts Fund of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.
MICHAEL MOTT & FRIENDS
Fourth Annual Holiday Show
12.02.2023
NYC singer/songwriter and composer/lyricist, Michael Mott (In The Light, A Faustian Tale,
The Fairy's Tale, Where The Sky Ends) returns to The Green Room 42 in New York City on Saturday, December 2nd at 7 pm for his fourth annual Holiday show.
Joined by his six-piece band and background singers, Mott will present an evening of original and traditional Holiday material as well as select material from his upcoming projects.
Ring in the Holidays with this joyous, heartwarming evening of Holiday favorites as well as original lush melodies and rich lyrics from one of this generation's best up and coming theatrical songwriters.
Referred to as “a contemporary composer you should know” by Playbill and "a truly special songwriter" by Broadway World, Mott will be joined by some of the best vocalists from Broadway and television who will be announced at a later date, all under the musical direction of Broadway’s Joshua Zecher-Ross (Once Upon A One More Time, Be More Chill).
Past guest vocalists have included TONY Award Winners Adrienne Warren and Matt Doyle,
TONY Award Nominees Jeremy Jordan and Laura Osnes, as well as Loren Allred,
Sierra Boggess, Jackie Burns, Solea Pfeiffer, Ciara Renée, Jenna Ushkowitz,
Matt Bloyd, Teal Wicks, Orfeh, Andy Mientus, Jay Armstrong Johnson,
Brian Justin Crum, Shayna Steele, Bobby Conte Thornton, Crystal Monee Hall,
Natalie Weiss, Ryan Silverman and Hannah Elless.
In-person plus livestream ticket options are available.
New Mott Musical THE FAIRY'S TALE
To Hold Industry Presentation March 10
An industry reading of the new original musical, "The Fairy's Tale" will be held on Friday, March 10 in New York City. The piece is inspired by the true story "A Love Not Meant For Me" by Aryana Rose and features music and lyrics by Michael Mott ("In The Light, A Faustian Tale"), book by Gretchen Suárez-Peña ("Melina: A Steampunk Musical Tragedy") and will be directed by Peter Flynn ("Smart Blonde" with Andrea Burns at E9E39, "Rhapsody In Seth" with Seth Rudetsky at Actors Playhouse, "Chess" with Josh Groban at the New Amsterdam Theatre and "Into the Woods" at the Ford's Theatre). Aryana Rose's story went viral on YouTube after she shared her experience at The Moth Theatre.
The cast includes Eden Espinosa as Aryana Diaz, Antonio Cipriano as Gianluca Lejuene and Julia Bain as Valerie/ Woman-In-Black/ Mother Mary. Joshua Zecher-Ross will serve as Musical Director with Michael T. Clarkston as Stage Manager, and Elliott Cunningham as General Manager.
Mott saw the video in 2017 and was inspired. With Aryana's consent and blessing, he began working on the piece and later brought on book writer, Suárez-Peña.
"I had recently gone through a breakup and viewed Aryana's video as it was going viral on social media" says Mott. "The beautiful, yet gut wrenching way in which she described her torrid love affair stirred similar feelings within me. What surprised me the most how she found a way to step outside of herself and do what was right for herself and her relationship. It's a very universal and relatable story and I'm so honored Aryana has trusted Gretchen and I to tell it."
"What better way to tell a story about the universal emotion of love than with another universal tool; music" says Suárez-Peña. "The Fairy's Tale is a timeless tale, taking place in a 21st-century world."
"The Fairy's Tale" tells the story of a Puerto Rican woman working in France and her passionate love affair with an Italian man, many years her junior. The musical celebrates the complexities of love and relationships, and acknowledges the time to move forward through the selfless act of letting go.
Director Peter Flynn helms the 29-hour reading and is quoted saying, "What's so compelling about 'The Fairy's Tale' is how authentically, but theatrically, Gretchen and Michael have captured the original story. They are able to open up the vulnerability and complexity of Aryana's story by finding her musical voice and expanding the romance and risk. It's a very powerful and tender adaptation of a beautiful story."
The industry 29-hour reading will take place at Open Jar Studios in NYC.
MICHAEL MOTT & FRIENDS
Third Annual Holiday Show
12.03.2022
TONY Award Nominee Jeremy Jordan (Newsies,
Bonnie & Clyde), Teal Wicks (The Cher Show, Wicked), Hannah Elless (Knoxville) and Matt Bloyd (FOX’s “The Four”) join musical theatre composer/lyricist,
Michael Mott (In The Light, A Faustian Tale,
Where The Sky Ends, The Only One) in “Michael Mott & Friends” on Saturday, December 3rd at 7:00pm at The Green Room 42 for his third annual Holiday show.
Celebrate the spirit of the season with this joyous, heartwarming evening of Holiday classics as well as Mott’s original Holiday material and fan favorites from his impressive catalogue. Referred to as “a truly special songwriter” by Broadway World, Mott and friends will be backed by his seven-piece band.
Ring in the Holidays with this starry group of Broadway favorites singing lush melodies and rich lyrics from one of this generation’s most versatile theatrical songwriters.
In-person plus livestream ticket options are available.
Featuring:
Matt Bloyd
Hannah Elless
Jeremy Jordan
Teal Wicks
Musical Direction by
Joshua Zecher-Ross
New Mott Musical THE FAIRY'S TALE to Hold Reading
Presented by Latinè Musical Theatre Lab
"The Fairy's Tale" is a new original musical inspired by the true story "A Love Not Meant For Me" by Aryana Rose, with music and lyrics by Michael Mott ("In The Light, A Faustian Tale") and book by Gretchen Suárez-Peña ("Melina: A Steampunk Musical Tragedy"). Aryana Rose's story went viral on YouTube after she shared her experience at The Moth Theatre. The Latinè Musical Theatre Lab will host a closed industry reading this weekend featuring Yasmin Allers, Pasquale Crociata, Sarah Hamaty and Lindsay Maron.
Mott saw the video in 2017 and was inspired. With Aryana's consent and blessing, he began working on the piece and later brought on book writer, Suárez-Peña.
"The Fairy's Tale" tells the story of a Puerto Rican woman working in France and her passionate love affair with an Italian man, many years her junior. The musical celebrates the complexities of love and relationships, and acknowledges the time to move forward through the selfless act of letting go.
Michael Mott is an internationally critically acclaimed award winning composer/ lyricist, songwriter and vocal producer living and working in NYC. He has been named one of Playbill's "Contemporary Musical Theatre Songwriters You Should Know" and has won the Broadway World 2020 Cabaret Award for 'Best Original Song' for his piece "Jingle My Bells" written for The Boy Band Project. MichaelMott.net
Gretchen Suárez-Peña is a female, Puerto Rican playwright based in Central Florida. She is an MFA in Dramatic Writing student at Carnegie Mellon (class of 2024). A portion of her work is available to be read on the New Play Exchange and she is a proud member of the Dramatist Guild. gretchensuarezpena.com
The Latiné Musical Theatre Lab is an organization that develops and advocates for new Latiné-written works of musical theatre in order to radically change who gets to tell musical stories on stages across the country. Learn more at www.latinemtlab.org
CARA MIA/ INNAMORATA
OUT NOW
02.11.22
Motta Music announces the latest release from award winning musical theatre composer/ lyricist Michael Mott. Today,, “Cara Mia/ Innamorata” is available for digital download and streaming on all digital platforms, worldwide.
"Cara Mia/ Innamorata" is the first cover song commercially released by Mott. This romantic, stirring mashup is his original arrangement of two traditional Italian classics which he grew up listening to. “I have always been a romantic at heart. Ever since I could remember, I have been drawn to emotional love ballads centered around love, loss and yearning. Growing up, I was enthralled with the studio versions of "Cara Mia" written by Tulio Trapani and Lee Lange, made famous by Jay and the Americans as well as "Innamorata," written by Harry Warren and Jack Brooks, made famous by the incomparable Dean Martin. I sat down at the piano and began to play through these two iconic pieces and suddenly realized how easily they could be put together” said Mott. “It has been a joy to create this mash-up, which has since become a staple in my live shows. Thanks to the magic of technology, I’m very grateful to my band who each recorded their parts live from home over the pandemic.” Warm, lush strings matched with Mott's soaring tenor voice provides an intimate, yet epic serenade perfect for Valentine's Day.
“Cara Mia/ Innamorata” is written by Tulio Trapani, Lee Lange, Harry Warren and Jack Brooks, produced by Rich Matthew, co-produced by Michael Mott with an arrangement by Michael Mott and orchestration by Andy Collopy. The track is mixed by Rich Matthew and mastered by Timothy Stollenwerk at Stereophonic. The music video will be released on Monday, February 14, 2022 on YouTube and Facebook and is directed by Nathaniel Hunt, filmed and edited by Ben Bogard. Released by Motta Music, LLC, “Cara Mia/ Innamorata” is now available on all digital streaming platforms.
MICHAEL MOTT & FRIENDS
Live In Concert
11.27.2021
Matt Bloyd (FOX’s “The Four”) and
Lindsay Rider (FOX’s “American Idol”)
join musical theatre composer/ lyricist and pop songwriter, Michael Mott (In The Light, A Faustian Tale, Where The Sky Ends, The Only One) in Michael Mott & Friends on Saturday, November 27th at 7pm at The Green Room 42 in NYC. Celebrate the spirit of the season with Mott’s original Holiday material as well as fan favorites from his impressive catalogue. Referred to as “a truly special songwriter” by Broadway World, ring in the Holidays with this joyous, heartwarming evening of lush melodies and rich lyrics from one of this generation’s best theatrical songwriters and impressive vocalists.
MICHAEL MOTT & FRIENDS:
Live In Concert
09.13.2021
The Green Room 42 presents the return of musical theatre composer/ lyricist and pop songwriter, Michael Mott (In The Light, A Faustian Tale, Where The Sky Ends, The Only One) in
“Michael Mott & Friends” on Saturday, November 27th at 7:00pm. Celebrate the spirit of the season with Mott’s original Holiday material as well as fan favorites from his impressive catalogue. Referred to as “a truly special songwriter” by Broadway World, Mott will be joined by some of the best vocalists from Broadway and television who will be announced at a later date. Ring in the Holidays with this joyous, heartwarming evening of lush melodies and rich lyrics from one of this generation’s best songwriters.
IN THE LIGHT: A Faustian Tale
(Highlights from the World Premiere Studio Cast Recording)
OUT TODAY!
06.25.21
Broadway Records announced today the release of the world premiere studio cast recording of IN THE LIGHT, A Faustian Tale, the new musical with a contemporary spin on the epic Faustus story of greed, power and lust. With a score by Michael Mott and book by Nathan Wright and Justin Silvestri, the recording features performances by Jeremy Jordan, Solea Pfeiffer, Ciara Renée, Antonio Cipriano, Bobby Conte Thornton, Anne Fraser Thomas, Aisha Jackson and Zachary James. The album is now available for preorder on BroadwayRecords.com (physical CDs) and iTunes, as well as other major music retailers.
EMPTY EYES
OUT NOW
03.26.2021
EMPTY EYES is released worldwide on all digital platforms TODAY!
There are few things less tragic than witnessing a loved one fall apart. Whether it’s a friend, parent or partner, seeing someone you love hold unimaginable burdens and lose a battle within themselves is heartbreaking. I wrote this song after my partner came to me with nothing more left to give to us or our relationship. I wanted to do everything in my power to help heal and protect them, but there was nothing more they wanted from me. I wrote Empty Eyes from that place.
My new EP drops Friday, April 16th. Listen to Chapter 3, below. 💜
CRY FOR YOU
OUT NOW
03.05.2021
CRY FOR YOU is released worldwide on all digital platforms TODAY!
I wanted to provide a little more insight on the follow up to my lead single,
THE ONE THAT I CHOOSE. Last fall I was fresh out of a very serious relationship with someone I believed I’d be with for a very long time. Emotions were high and when I sat down to write, this chorus poured out of me. Days later I had my first meeting with music producer, SIXFOOT 5, and played him the chorus and two hours later, we had finished the song. I originally wrote CRY FOR YOU from my perspective, but as this entire project began to come together and I started writing more songs, I decided to create a loose narrative and needed to cast a love interest opposite me. I had seen Blaine Krauss in The Cher Show and Hamilton on Broadway and wanted to work with him for years. I knew this was the perfect project for us. I reached out and... voila!
My new EP drops Friday, April 16th. Listen to Chapter 2, below. 💚
THE ONE THAT I CHOOSE
OUT NOW
02.12.2021
My first new single in over a year is FINALLY here!
THE ONE THAT I CHOOSE is released worldwide TODAY on all digital platforms!
This song is so special to me — inspired by a serious romantic relationship with someone I believed I'd be with for the rest of my life, I wanted to capture that blissful feeling of ever-lasting happiness. 🧡
WINNER:
Broadway World 2020 Cabaret Awards
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
01.14.2021
Michael has won BEST ORIGINAL SONG in the Broadway World 2020 Cabaret Awards for Jingle My Bells which he wrote for NYC based group The Boy Band Project. Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to vote and show your unparalleled support and appreciation. It sincerely means the world!
Never Thought of Christmas
Out Now
11.19.20
Michael has written an original song for Los Angeles based vocalist, Matt Bloyd.
Never Thought of Christmas appears on Bloyd's latest Holiday album, "Christmas Changes Everything."
The piece explores the idea of the narrator ending a relationship out of necessity, but never realizing how much they would reminisce and emotionally struggle around the holidays.
With music and lyrics by Mott, the song is produced by Aaron Aiken, mixed by Adrian Alvarado and mastered by Lucas Pimentel.