The Late Morning Show with Missy Hardy: Recent Episodes
Missy Hardy
If you’ve been wanting to write a musical or are curious of how it’s done, The Late Morning Show with Missy Hardy offers tips, strategies and encouragement to help you create the book and/or songs for your dream musical theatre or movie musical production.
As we prepare for the end of the year and get ready for the new year, this episode gives a glow to something BIG.
The Mdrue Network:
https://mdrue.mn.co/
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
In dramatic work, beats are an important part within scene development. Learn more about them today and how you can use them in your musical’s book development.
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
The musical, Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope is a show of various historic firsts. In today’s episode, we check it out.
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
A type of chord that songwriters can use in their creative work is the 9 chord. In today’s episode, we discuss what it is and some ways to make it work in music.
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
“Ten Minutes Ago” written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, from the musical, Cinderella is a beautiful piece that has become a classic. In today’s episode, we check it out.
To hear the performance of this piece as mentioned in today’s episode, check out:
https://youtu.be/rVY3nV21Ixs
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
When writing a great script, an element that can help is to add one or more secondary storylines into the plot. Learn more in today’s episode.
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
From the creation of the libretto to the origination of the score, ladies have been bringin’ it in musical theatre writing history.
Mentioned in today’s episode:
https://maestramusic.org/timeline/
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Contrapuntal Harmony is a composition technique that can really help to elevate a song if you’re looking for an extra dash of seasoning in the music. Learn more about this technique today.
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
“Into the Unknown” from the musical, Frozen 2 written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, is a song with some exciting composition choices. In today’s episode, we check it out.
To hear the performance of this piece as mentioned in today’s episode, check out:
https://youtu.be/3uXhyHzuGMY
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
When preparing your script for the stage, the character list is a page you don’t want to forget. Learn how to make it happen in this episode.
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Robert Lopez is a writer in the musical theatre community that has accomplished more than awards. Find out what he has to do with you in this episode.
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Rhyme is a tool that songwriters can use to help write great lyrics. This episode gives insight into some rhyme types to help in your songwriting.
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Writing a musical that’s being adapted from a published book/story is exciting. Today’s episode includes tips to help you write a musical adaptation.
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
The musical and the power of story has the ability to help a lot of people. Today’s episode not only highlights Pedro Pan the musical but also the impact of musicals written by inspiring individuals around the world.
Interview mentioned in this episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKWHD4j96Jw
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Parallel key modulation is a way to change the key in a song. In today’s episode, you’ll learn about two ways to incorporate parallel key modulation in your music.
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
“See I’m Smiling” by Jason Robert Brown from the musical, The Last Five Years is a well thought out song that uses some cool composition techniques. In today’s episode, we check it out.
To hear the performance of this piece as mentioned in today’s episode, check out:
https://youtu.be/3-IJ1ycDSt8
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
When it comes to writing a script, something to consider is the arrangement in the order of events. This episode gives insight and help for choosing which storyline style is best for your production.
Non-linear musical examples mentioned in this episode include The Last Five Years and Soundtrack.
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Native American theatre writers have been creating great art for quite some time but unfortunately there hasn’t been much representation of their stories in musical theatre. Nevertheless, they’re making an impact and it’s not only exciting but also encouraging.
Here are some cool resources to check out, that were mentioned in today’s episode.
The musical, The Ghosts of Celilo:
https://www.ghostsofcelilo.com/index.html
New Native Theatre:
https://newnativetheatre.org/
Rhiana Yazzie:
https://youtu.be/OzZiNGYQKTE
Songwriter Showcase for Distant Thunder, the musical:
https://youtu.be/CQVz9KkwBvI
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Passing chords can help glue chord progressions together. This episode includes a lesson on the passing chords of diminished and augmented chords and how you can use them in your music.
Missy Hardy teaches how to build diminished triads and augmented triads while also discussing the usage of leading tones within these chords to help you as you create your music.
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://linktr.ee/missyhardy
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
“Believe in Yourself” written by Charlie Smalls from the musical, The Wiz is an exceptional piece of music that composers can learn from. In today’s episode, we check it out.
To hear the performance of this piece, visit:
https://youtu.be/60Byn4vHcO8
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
If you’re looking to add another element of seasoning to your scene, you may want to try adding a helpful scene distraction. Learn more about this writing technique in today’s episode.
Mentioned in this episode, is the following scene from Fences written by August Wilson. Check out the scene here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAJQ-yWgSJs
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Musicals have been written by people of all races. In this episode, learn more about Black history in musical theatre writing and the history that’s being made today.
Check out the following resources to learn more about Black creators in musical theatre writing history:
https://www.walterfilm.com/six-great-african-american-musicals/
https://blackworkbroadway.com/Clorindy-The-Origin-of-the-Cakewalk-1898
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-show/a-trip-to-coontown-506130
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
The 4 chord in songwriting is a very important chord. Learn how to play with it’s texture in chord progressions to help add more seasoning to your music.
This episode discusses the 4 chord in a Major key, how to come up with the 4 chord in any key and ways to use the 4 chord in some of your upcoming songs.
To learn more about songwriting for musicals, visit:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Songwriting in musical theatre is essential. In this episode, Missy Hardy shares its importance and gives encouragement to help you write songs for a brand new musical.
Songwriting for Musicals - An Introduction, is available at:
https://songwritingformusicals.com/
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
A new season of The Late Morning Show is returning soon! Tune in to learn more.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
In this episode, Missy Hardy gives some tips and suggestions on how to get started in writing the music and lyrics for your first song.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
As you write your songs for your musical, something to consider is melody. In this episode, you’ll learn how to create melodies that enhance your lyrics.
Mentioned in this episode:
“I’m Here” from The Color Purple; songwriters are Stephen Bray, Brenda Russell and Allee Willis
“The Wizard and I” from Wicked; songwriter is Stephen Schwartz
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Conflict in scenes goes a long way. In this episode, Missy Hardy explains ways to add conflict in scenes and its importance in story.
Playwright mentioned in this episode, Anton Chekhov.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
In music, there are various voicings, harmonies and keys that have the ability to take a song to the next level. This episode shares how to use such techniques in your own songwriting.
In this episode, Missy Hardy discusses various qualities of scales, gives a brief lesson on modes and shares some songwriting techniques to help add elevation and warmth into your songs.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Pacing is an aspect of storytelling that can easily be overlooked and forgotten in the grand scheme of story. However, pacing is very important to consider as you write your musical.
In this episode, Missy Hardy discusses the importance of getting the timing right of when events happen/take place in your musical. Tune in to learn how you can use pacing to keep your audience engaged at your show.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com/
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Musical theatre continues to have a history of great music with musical styles that have changed and developed with the times. In this episode, Missy Hardy shares her thoughts on the possible return of “The Big Sound."
Mentioned in this episode is the video of orchestration within the theatre. Here’s the link to check that out on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/qz-6ccaEor0
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
A type of song found in musical theatre is the ballad. In this episode, Missy Hardy discusses ways to create a memorable ballad.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
An important part of character development, in story, is naming characters. This episode includes five tips to help with this in your book writing.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
A word of encouragement during this week of learning that Broadway will remain closed for the rest of 2020.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
The instrument that each songwriter composes with is unique unto them. Every songwriter is different and so is each song that we create. This episode explores this topic.
In this episode, Missy Hardy suggests the right instrument to choose for your songwriting along with encouragement for musicianship development.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
In the dramatic arts, not every story has a character that is known as “the bad guy”. However, when the bad guy is written into the story, there are some tips to help keep that character fresh.
In this episode, Missy Hardy gives four tips to help when writing for “the bad guy” antagonist in a musical.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Sometimes dreams may be put on hold. At other times, it may seem like your dream is completely shattered but if you believe you can, you will.
In this episode, Missy Hardy shares some backstory and encouragement for dream getting. The theatre and music has been part of Missy’s life since childhood. While dealing with racial bullying in her adolescence (just a lot of black/white foolishness), she leaned more into music and discovered composition which she planned to do in her future.
However, a huge roadblock was placed in front of her that hindered her from her goal and shattered her dreams. This episode shares what happened along with the importance of learning and getting the mindset of knowing that you can do what you know you can do.
Quote mentioned in this episode is from Henry Ford:
“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
The motif is a small yet important composition element in music. This episode describes how motifs are created, ways to implement them in your musical and why they’re necessary.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Creating characters that audiences resonate with doesn’t have to be a difficult task. This episode delves into how to create a dynamic main character to help enhance your musical.
When writing a musical, deciding on who the story happens to is a must-do. It is essential for your main character to be dynamic and still relatable in some way unless you are purposefully writing a show otherwise.
Things to consider are understanding and if need be, creating the external and internal goals for your main character. This provides their want. It is also a good idea to interview your main character so that you can understand their why as you write for them and come up with scenes.
Marcel Proust Questionnaire example:
https://www.vanityfair.com/magazine/2000/01/proust-questionnaire
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Tonight marks The Inaugural Antonyo Awards which will be live at 7 PM (EST) on Broadway Black’s YouTube channel. Highlights from today’s episode include the nominees for Best Book and Best Original Score.
It’s wonderful to appreciate people anytime but it’s also wonderful to appreciate people publicly for their hard work as will happen tonight.
In today’s episode, Missy Hardy gives a shout out to all of the nominees at The Antonyo Awards with interesting facts on the nominees in both categories of Best Book and Best Original Score.
Mentioned in this episode is a quote from an interview between Jesse Cameron Alick (dramaturg at The Public) and Harrison David Rivers with Ted Shen (Broadbend, Arkansas - Antonyo Award nominee)
https://publictheater.org/news-items/fall-2019/broadbend-arkansas/
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Songwriting often consists of three elements: melody, lyrics and harmony. And each element is uniquely inspired with every musician. Learn which comes first in writing for musical theatre.
In this episode, Missy Hardy explains some examples of how to begin writing songs while offering best practices for songwriters of different experience levels.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
There are two approaches that book writers can take as they approach writing their musicals. Outlining and just “free flow” writing. Discover which approach is the best practice for you.
Just writing/free flow writing is so much fun. Outlining may not be the most fun thing to do but it can be helpful. In this episode, Missy Hardy lets you in on her experience using both practices and which practice she suggests to musical theatre writers.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Writing musicals is about more than just coming up with the book, music and lyrics. It’s also about growth but more importantly musicals are steeped in helping people.
Including a quote from the podcast, Guys Who Like Musicals (episode published on May 22 - Izzy McCalla: There is Room For All of Us - quote found at 54:36), in this episode, Missy Hardy shares the importance of musicals and how we each can be part of creating them for good.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
When preparing to write songs for a musical, there are some things to consider within and without the script. In this episode, Missy Hardy discusses some essential elements to remember as you compose your songs.
Tips, strategies and encouragement discussed in this episode include working with the book writer, paying attention to the time period and the where of the show, being mindful of any particular character song stylings and developing the music within you.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Ever wonder why some stories just work? Like, all the pieces are there. There’s a reason for this. In this episode, Missy Hardy discusses the 12 stages of The Hero’s Journey and how you can use it to help you write your musical.
The Hero’s Journey mentioned in this episode can also be learned about from the book called The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler. Mr. Vogler’s book presents a 12 stage framework in story that is actually inspired by Joseph Campbell’s 17 stage story framework which you can read about in his book called The Hero With A Thousand Faces.
Other suggested reading from this episode is How Musicals Work: And How To Write Your Own by Julian Woolford.
To help demonstrate the hero’s journey, here’s an example of the 12 stage journey found in the movie musical, Pocahontas (1995 Disney animated film)
Pocahontas
Written by Carl Binder, Susannah Grant and Philip LaZebnik
Story Archetype: Overcoming the Monster
Why? Because Pocahontas is fighting against racism. She is dealing with and trying to make peace with people who are frightened by people who look and sound like her. Pocahontas and her loved ones are misunderstood by her enemies and that is the main conflict of the story.
Please remember that the monster, in story, doesn’t always have to be a bad guy, physically speaking. Sometimes, it’s a spirit or feeling or emotion that is harmful to the hero.
To note: this musical has a prologue section where we meet John Smith and his crew before we meet the hero of the story.
Ordinary World:
Pocahontas is introduced and we meet her family (her dad, Powhatan), her friends (Nakoma, Meeko and Flit) and we get to see where she lives.
The Call to Adventure:
Pocahontas’ father wants her to marry and find love; specifically marry Kocoum.
Refusal of the Call:
Pocahontas is hesitant and really doesn’t want to marry Kocoum but she’s up for the adventure of what life brings. She’s curious of what could quite possibly be “Just Around The Riverbend.”
Meeting the Mentor:
Concerned about what to do, Pocahontas consults with Grandmother Willow who suggests that Pocahontas should “Listen With Her Heart.”
Crossing the Threshold:
Pocahontas meets John Smith. She’s interested in him and there’s no going back to her ordinary world after meeting him.
Tests, Allies and Enemies:
Pocahontas’ loved ones fight against the Englishmen.
Pocahontas and John Smith have a discussion on inequality.
The village allies (The Warriors) arrive.
The Approach:
Pocahontas meets with John Smith at Grandmother Willow’s place to talk because The Warriors have arrived and John Smith’s crew are planning to attack her loved ones. She suggests that they go talk to her father.
The Ordeal:
We see Pocahontas and John Smith kiss for the first time. This is a big deal because she has achieved what was offered to her during the Call to Adventure; love.
The Reward:
Kocoum sees them kiss and attacks John Smith but is murdered by Thomas who was trying to help. Thomas gets away but John Smith is captured.
The Road Back:
Pocahontas realizes that she’s got to fix this because her love, John Smith, has been framed. Governor Ratcliffe wants to attack her loved ones while her loved ones want to attack Governor Ratcliffe and his crew. Things just went from bad to worse.
Resurrection:
Pocahontas goes to see Grandmother Willow to get some advice and is reminded of her dream of the spinning arrow which she realizes is pointing to John Smith.
Learning this, she runs to save the day, not only publicly confessing her love for John Smith but also giving insight to her dad that hatred has brought them to violence.
Return:
Some peace has been gained. Powhatan is cool with John Smith. Flit, finally warms up to John Smith. Percy and Meeko find peace with each other. The big thing is that Pocahontas has matured to the stage of being ready to help lead her village.
Two other things to note in the 12 stage journey…
1) The tests, allies and enemies stage may also introduce a romantic interest
2) Usually in two-act musicals, the intermission is placed between the Ordeal and the Reward
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Racism is not okay. This episode includes some insight and a word of encouragement from Missy Hardy.
Musicals come from ideas that turn into stories. In this episode, Missy Hardy will discuss four of the seven story archetypes and how you can use them in writing your musical.
Discussed in this episode are the story archetypes of the rebirth story, the comedy, the tragedy and the voyage and return. Included are examples of those four archetypes seen in musical theatre and tips on character development to help as you write your musical.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
The Picardy 3rd is a wonderful compositional element used in music. In this episode, you’ll learn what it is and how you can add it to season your musical theatre songs.
In this episode, Missy Hardy not only teaches what the Picardy 3rd is but also explains how to add it into your musical theatre songwriting. The Picardy 3rd involves changing tonalities from a minor key to a major chord. With that, Missy Hardy explains the differences between minor tonalities and major tonalities giving examples of each while giving insight on how songwriters can use tonality to enhance lyrics.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
Musicals come from ideas that turn into stories. In this episode, Missy Hardy will discuss three of the seven story archetypes and how you can use them in writing your musical.
Discussed in this episode are the story archetypes of rags-to-riches, overcoming the monster and the quest. Included are examples of those three archetypes seen in musical theatre, suggested reading to learn more about the archetypes from the book called The Seven Basic Plots by Christopher Booker. You’ll also get some tips on scene development for writing your musical.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
To kick off the series, Missy Hardy will present a piece called The Proclamation For Musical Theatre. If you’ve ever wanted to hear a reason for musicals and their purpose in life, you may want to listen to this episode.
Also, if you are at all inspired by this episode, go ahead and subscribe to the show to get your Monday, Wednesday and Friday fix of musical theatre creation tips.
Website:
https://thelatemorningshow.simplecast.com
Email:
info@missyhardy.com
The Late Morning Show with Missy Hardy is a brand new podcast coming soon with tips, strategies and encouragement to help book writers and songwriters create musicals.