Paul Raskin
Paul Raskin
Paul Raskin
Will LaCroix
A Musical
Synopsis
Ostensibly a coming-of-age story, Will LaCroix is a commentary on American culture; its ideals and prejudices that were defined by the greatest ‘influencer’ of its time – Hollywood.
In the style of a golden age Hollywood Musical, we follow a uniquely gifted boy, through an extraordinary journey that begins when he is 12 and into adulthood.
It is Depression-era America. Abandoned by an abusive father and now broke, Will convinces his less-than-perfect mother to make their way to Detroit where he can win a popular radio talent contest. And he does. But success comes at a price. He is young, vulnerable and different in a way that doesn’t go unnoticed. With a need to be loved and so much to gain, he falls victim to the seduction of powerful predators as his mother looks the other way. What they can't know is that he'll become an unwitting participant in a plan of vengeance - and revenge. Secrets are kept. Fortunes are reversed. Week by week, month by year Will holds on to the hope of love as he leaves innocence behind.
The day comes when he outgrows his welcome. Now cast aside, he is lured to Hollywood and the promise of the ultimate American Dream - Fame. Maybe there he'll find acceptance and love - or maybe he will find himself.
"Paul has written a beautiful story of love and healing set in old Hollywood with soaring and memorable melodies, complex characters and scenes, and delicious action with twists and turns –a narrative for our time that we have not seen before. He is a bit of a renaissance man who draws on his depth of experience in the entertainment business and his life as well as his wonderful imagination. "
-Jennifer Piech Pasbjerg,
Producer for Theatre and Film
Notably: Come From Away (Broadway, Toronto, National Tour, London, Australia). Awards & Nominations: Tony Nomination, Outer Critics Circle Award, Drama Desk Award, Olivier Award.