Michael and Angela have known each other since childhood, but they've never quite come together as a couple -- until now. Book, music and lyrics by Mel Atkey Finalist, Musical of the Year, Aarhus, Denmark, 1996; Short-listed, Quest for New Musicals, Oxford, 1994, Musical Stairs, California, 1994. Presented as a showcase during "Musical Futures" at Greenwich Theatre, London, 24 May 2005 featuring Jennifer Lee Jellicorse as Angela and Stephen Weller as Michael, with Philip Godfrey playing piano.
2005 Audience Feedback from Musical Futures showcase at Greenwich Theatre, London, 24th May 2005
"Really liked the script. Was funny and pretty realistic of kids. Liked the music too. Quite touching in places… Well presented, good piano playing, good singing – especially by Angela. The chemistry between the two characters worked well. The music and singing were great….Nice music – good melodies, strong and memorable. Nostalgic, romantic show…Great potential. Beautiful acting from Jennifer L. Jellicorse. Both singers very strong. Lovely music and very clever, moving script – do hope it is fully produced… Great dialogue – very witty. Fantastic performances from cast, especially considering their short rehearsal period… Good lyrics, helping to move story/characters along… Great songs and good use of humour… Thought the plot was intriguing and the songs excellently performed. Very beautiful and melodic music… Within five minutes I wanted to know what happened to these people. Particularly perceptive female viewpoint, but then I say that as a woman!… Some clever and profound ideas here… Love it. Great songs. I’d see a full production of this… Good dialogue, lyrics and excellent composition. Potential to go further… Style and finesse about the piece, felt like an established piece of musical theatre – interesting concept, well crafted songs, melodically and harmonically well developed. Clearly already has its fans in established performers such as Janie Dee. Sophisticated… FANTASTIC. Best new work I’ve seen in so long – didn’t want it to end. Such good lyrics – smart and witty, refreshingly different, both actors were amazing. Hope to see the full version someday… Strong vocals and professionally performed. Recognised songs! Fantastic. (Will have to see the end though!!!)… Interesting script. Nice touches of humour and awkwardness between characters… Sensitive music, expressively sung, and very well acted… Witty, toe tapping tunes. I really enjoyed this, and I really want to see the whole thing!… Believable… Beautifully acted and sung by Jennifer Lee Jellicorse. Nice musical – would go to see it if it was on at the theatre. Pleasant surprise as I had expected the usual ‘story’ – very enjoyable… Good fun… Very polished. More like a play with songs… Female part very good, seems like a very good show… Really nice music with an interesting and unusual story. The storyline seemed to be, thankfully, original for a musical… Interesting, unusual and highly amusing. Would really love to see the whole production and find out what happens… Clear storyline, well told… The woman was really talented, both as an actress and as a singer, and she had a lovely presence. The piano playing was very harmonious in the sense that it wasn’t noticeable, but inextricably linked into the whole. The man was very good also…. Lovely! Moving – want to see more!… Excellent music, lyrics and performances."
Other Comments:
"I think you have what it takes... a level few people can attain. First, your strenth is your songs. They are very good, and you understand well how to use a song to drive your story. The lyrics are very good... "Something in the Air" is wonderful, I am taking that as your style at its best... Some hands down great couplets... You're better at this than most."
-- Andrew Alef, Grey Media (producers of Three Tall Women)
"This is an interesting and unusual premise for a musical... The characters are, refreshingly, pretty deeply drawn."
-- The Really Useful Group
"I've spent a long time thinking about your excellent project... I think your achievement is exceptional -- tightly constructed and unusually perceptive for a musical."
-- Michael Napier Brown, artistic director, Royal Theatre, Northampton, England.
"I found the songs well crafted musically and lyrically."
Jonathan Simon
"You write exceptionally well -- the music is attractive and your lyrics are good -- and thank heaven for really accurate rhymes and excellent structure."
-- Dillie Keane, Fascinating Aida.
A recording is available featuring John Barr, Clare Burt and Melodee Finlay.
To hear a short musical excerpt from Perfect Timing, click here.
Part of the 
trilogy
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Perfect Timing Lyrics
Perfect Timing Synopsis
© 1998 Mel Atkey
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