Fanatical: The Fan Convention Musical by Reina Hardy

FULL LENGTH MUSICAL: "Angel 8" is a cult science fiction TV show. It's also a lifestyle. To the fans gathered at the first-ever "Angel 8" convention, it's EVERYTHING. But when the unthinkable happens during show creator Scott Furnish's long-awaited keynote address, this group of lovable misfits must band together to prove that no power in the 'verse can keep a story from...
FULL LENGTH MUSICAL: "Angel 8" is a cult science fiction TV show. It's also a lifestyle. To the fans gathered at the first-ever "Angel 8" convention, it's EVERYTHING. But when the unthinkable happens during show creator Scott Furnish's long-awaited keynote address, this group of lovable misfits must band together to prove that no power in the 'verse can keep a story from its fans.

"A cast of characters that are all-too-likeable and all-too-real ....Fanatical has a brain, a heart, and a finger on the pulse of nerd passion and fandom.... these are canny writers - and a show - with a future."
-Broadwayworld.com

"A lovable and inventive sci-fi convention musical... it's easy to be a fan."
-thestage.co.uk

"Director Kate Staiger’s well-cast ensemble throws themselves at the material with total commitment... Board does a terrific job of creating music and lyrics."
-New City Chicago

"Refreshingly uncynical... an enthusiastically warm-hearted show"
-My Theatre Mates London

"A bang up to date homage to that greatest of all fan gatherings - the convention.. the finale is spectacular."
-Starburst Magazine London

"Life-affirming... Reina Hardy’s book and Matt Board’s lyrics drip with accuracy.. Fanatical, despite its small size, meets its mighty ambitions."
-Musical Theatre Review London

"It was one of the best plays I have ever seen. It was funny. It was well-written. It had an awesome plot line. The songs were so well-written and clever and fun. "
-Ada Grey Reviews for You (Chicago's favorite ten-year-old theatre critic)

"...a love letter to fans. I want Wil Wheaton to see this show. I want Nathan Fillion to see this show. I wish it had a bigger space, a longer run, and a larger ensemble"
-Geek Girl Chicago

"The only flaw in Fanatical is that it leaves us wanting more."
-The Chicago Reader

Interested in producing this musical? Fill out the rights request form: http://gurmanagency.com/rights-request-forms/rights/
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Fanatical: The Fan Convention Musical

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    12 Oct. 2021
    “ A marvelous musical for fans of science fiction as this is dedicated to them! Well done. ”

Character Information

The musical is designed to work with just eight cast members, but it can be expanded to fit your needs. For smaller productions, you could add one or two swing chorus members who could act as understudies while filling out the world of the con. For productions that want a larger cast size, you can add a large chorus and break up the ensemble numbers to provide tons of featured lines and solos.

  • Andra
    Pop/rock/lyrical alto: An open hearted cosplayer defined by her love for a TV character who is cooler than she'll ever be.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Trix Lately
    Traditional MT/belter: A frazzled fan trying to run the convention and hold her community together under difficult circumstances.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Craig
    Rock Tenor. Wry and cynical. An outsider.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Baxter Bennett
    High Tenor. Trix's teenage godson, extremely enthusiastic.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Lizette
    Part of a trio of codependent and neurotic live action role-players. The pushy one. Flexible vocal type.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Jillian
    Part of a trio of codependent and neurotic live action role-players. The goofy push-over. Flexible vocal type.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Bernard
    Part of a trio of codependent and neurotic live action role-players. The weird oblivious one. Flexible vocal type.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • Scott Furnish
    The creator of Angel Eight. Not having a good day. A smaller role in terms of stage time, but a star turn suitable for someone who is more of an actor than a singer. Doesn't arrive till act 2.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    The Stable UK
  • Workshop
    ,
    American Demigods

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    The Stable, London UK
    ,
    2018
  • University
    ,
    Mountview Academy of Theater Arts, London
    ,
    2016
  • Fringe
    ,
    American Demigods
    ,
    2015