LARSON
Benjamin Emory
Award-winning playwright, composer and lyricist based in the Twin Cities
Theatre Latté Da, Minneapolis /// Casa 0101, Los Angeles /// Amas Musical Theater, New York /// The LGBT Center, Los Angeles /// Teatro Latea, New York /// Hayes Theatre, Sydney /// A Little New Music, Los Angeles /// Nautilus Music-Theater, Minneapolis ///
How to Play the Cello (Until You Don’t)Presented in the 2025 NEXT Festival @ Theatre Latté Da, Minneapolis
Winner of the 2026 Eric H. Weinberger Emerging Librettist Award @ Amas Musical Theater, New York
Is an artist still an artist if they can no longer practice their art?
How to Play the Cello (Until You Don’t) is an edgy, classical crossover one-act loosely based on the life of Jacqueline Du Pré, one of the greatest cellists of all time, whose career was cut short in her 30s by multiple sclerosis. It’s a 75-minute one-woman show, written for a performer who can sing, act and (ideally) play the cello.
Book, lyrics, and music by Benjamin Emory Larson
ARENA: A House Music(al)When you lose your tribe, you get to choose your tribe.
ARENA is a coming of age story set during the 90s LA Club + Party scene. Lucio is on a journey to find himself as a gay man growing up in a devout Apostolic family. It’s a story about staying true to who you are and finding your chosen familia. ARENA premiered at Casa 0101 and has appeared regularly at the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
Book and concept by Abel Alvarado, Lyrics by Gabrielle Maldonado, Music by Benjamin Emory Larson. Additional songs by Daniel Sugimoto and Caroline Benzon. Directed by Rigo Tejeda.
