Buckle up for turbulence, tunes, and 1960s hijinks as Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre, in collaboration with Wharton Center, presents “Taking Off!,” a high-flying new musical comedy and this year’s New Musical Laboratory production where MSU students gain valuable experience while working alongside Broadway professionals in the development of a new musical production. Performances for “Taking Off!” are scheduled for Sept. 19-21, 2025, at Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre.
Written by Sonya Hayden (book and lyrics) and Matthew Lowy (music) and based on a short musical by Hayden, Lowy, and Rachel Sklar, “Taking Off!” was selected by MSU’s Department of Theatre and Wharton Center from more than 80 submissions to be the 2025 New Musical Laboratory production.
“From the first read and listen of ‘Taking Off!,’ I was a huge fan of the musical,” said Adam Yankowy, Director and Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at MSU. “The music is complex with elements of jazz, classical, and contemporary musical theatre and the script is very funny. Throughout history, musical comedy has provided laughter and joy during difficult times and I think now more than ever we need musicals like ‘Taking Off!’ to bring us together.”
“Throughout history, musical comedy has provided laughter and joy during difficult times and I think now more than ever we need musicals like ‘Taking Off!’ to bring us together.”
Adam Yankowy, Director and Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre
Set aboard a chaotic 1964 Panamorama Airlines international flight from New York City to Paris, “Taking Off!” tells the story of a brilliant aircraft mechanic, Amelia Darehart, who trades her toolbox for a stewardess uniform only to find the job isn’t as glamorous as advertised. Amidst spilled martinis, a misguided diamond heist, and a dream ballet with hilariously bad dancers, Amelia grapples with love, ambition, and the suffocating expectations placed on women in the era of jet-set glam.
This spirited new work is equal parts farce and heart, offering sharp commentary on gender roles — all at 35,000 feet. Music direction is by Dave Wendelberger, Academic Specialist in MSU’s Department of Theatre.
This is the 10th year the New Musical Laboratory has united accomplished theatre professionals with Michigan State University students. Each year, this program provides MSU student actors and backstage creatives with a unique educational and networking experience while giving them the rare opportunity to help develop a new musical in partnership with Broadway professionals.
This year’s featured guests include actor and theatre coach Arnie Rodriguez, whose Broadway and on-camera work, along with his artist mentorship, brings polish and purpose to the rehearsal process. He is joined by guest dramaturg Molly Marinik, who has been working with the “Taking Off!” writers all summer. During their two-week residency, Rodrigues and Marinik will visit various Department of Theatre classes at MSU to teach and share their insights into the professional world.
With an eye towards a commercial premiere, the New Musical Laboratory allows the “Taking Off!” writers and creative team to workshop and develop this new musical.
The New Musical Laboratory also provides a unique experience for audience members as each performance includes a post-show chat where audiences have the opportunity to offer insight and feedback to help steer the production to Broadway.
Performance Dates and Times:
- Friday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 21, 2 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at whartoncenter.com, in person at the Wharton Center Ticket Office, or by calling 517-432-2000 or 1-800-WHARTON.
Ticket Pricing:
- General Admission – $27.50
- Students and Youth – $16.50
More Information
“Taking Off!” kicks off the MSU Department of Theatre’ 2025-2026 Season. For more information on this show and other MSU Department of Theatre productions, visit whartoncenter.com/events/category/dept-of-theatre.
By Kim Popiolek and Bobby Hoffman
