CREATIVE TEAM
Our first song we wrote together was about a doomsday cult in Maine. Since we have written shows about a fallen Hollywood star (Marlise!), a Mambo Duo heading for the rocks, a sex-addicted “fuckboy” who is trying to be more of a “grandma’s boy.”
JUSTINO TESORO
MUSIC & LYRICS
Justino Tesoro is a New York–based composer, lyricist, and performer whose work blends theatricality, humor, and heartfelt perspective. A graduate of Wagner College and Berklee NYC, his music and performances have been featured at Carnegie Hall (Transport Group), Sony Music Hall, Green Room 42, Lincoln Center, Don’t Tell Mama, and The Triad. Justino is a proud member of the Dramatist Guild, co-founder of Punch-Up! Theatre Co., and faculty at StookU Music Academy.
Growing up queer and on the autism spectrum, Justino brings a singular lens to his storytelling; celebrating individuality through melody and mischief. His works focus on those who feel “othered” and how the misunderstood can find community in unlikely places. Justino’s current works include Marlise! (Berklee NYC), and June Moon (NYPL at Lincoln Center). He is currently developing two new works, Out of BODY Out of MIND, and Angry Old People. His Music Directing Credits include Spongebob Jr. (Gateway Playhouse), Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (SSTE), June Moon (NYPL at Lincoln Center). www.justinotesoro.com
JESSE AYALA
BOOK & LYRICS
Jesse Ayala is an award-winning storyteller and lyricist amplifying outsider voices that challenge and reshape their eras. Trained at the BMI Lehman Engel Workshop, Harvard’s advanced playwriting, and Berklee College of Music, his works include Marlise!, Madame X, June Moon, and The Battle of Versailles. He is a Broadway investor in the 2024 revival of The Wiz! and a proud member of the Dramatists Guild. Jesse also contributes to the Rise Directory for BIPOC visibility in theater, participates in Transport Group’s Emerging Theater Makers, and serves on the review committee for the Susan J. Westfall Short Playwriting Contest.
His film and media work has premiered at Tribeca, Cannes, and SXSW, with residencies at The New Museum, Meta’s Creator Lab, and The Future of Storytelling. Originally from Wisconsin, Jesse is a first-generation Latino gay artist creating work that blends stage, screen, and immersive experience. www.jesseayala.com
Full Creative Team to be announced.
CAST
Casting to be announced in Summer 2026.
Did your magic Eight Ball send you here?
Are you quirky, good on your feet and/or can belt?
Have you always wanted to originate a Golden Age musical role, but were born in the wrong decade (or century)?
If so, contact us about a potential role in Marlise!