Why Mighty Musicals?

Essays about the power of musical theatre to building beloved community and the philosophy at the root of Summit Stages.

Chasing a run-as-fast-as-you-can-to-get-there dream

Let's Change the World!

When the world gathers to Salt Lake City for the 2034 Winter Olympics, the city will be flooded with living proof of musical theatre's power

Rebecca Burnham

Feb 20, 20256 min read

Why We Should Pay Attention to the Pattern For a Musical

Finding a solid pattern is the first step to a newbie making an impressive cake How does one create a great musical? That’s a question...

Rebecca Burnham

Jan 1, 20256 min read

The Stage Can Sizzle Where Social Media Stinks

Could a Musical Tackle Trans Issues in a Way that Lifts and Unites? Lately, I’ve seen some social media posts by friends that I’ve been...

Rebecca Burnham

Dec 19, 20248 min read

The Schwartz Recipe for Fostering Beloved Community

A Voice for Good's 2018 choir and orchestra, that was focused on building people, not highlighting stars. The week before last, I met with Paul Schwartz, a veteran director and producer of musicals, oratorios and choral performances, who has been building Beloved Community through the performing arts for years. Last week, I related the story of the experiences that anchored him in a people-first approach to productions. Today, I’m sharing his list of principles and tips for p

Rebecca Burnham

Dec 12, 20249 min read

People are the Point

Paul Schwartz (L) and family members on the set of Savior of the World. For Paul Schwartz, putting on a professional-quality production is profoundly important. It’s just not nearly as important as the people with whom you're doing it. The performance, he says, should be 20% of a director’s focus. The people should be 80%. And if that’s your approach, not only will you have a stellar production, but you will give people a taste of the beloved community. This will change their

Rebecca Burnham

Dec 4, 20246 min read