I recently saw my kids in a production of Mary Poppins Jr. at our local middle school. The director is a long-time friend with whom I’ve worked a few times. Each summer, he runs a ‘camp’ which is really a large musical production with a massive cast (including my kids) and live band and what not. Two years ago he did Les Miserables. Last year it was Into the Woods. So I asked him what he’s planning on doing this summer. He didn’t know. Hadn’t decided.
Then he asked me how things were going with my book. I lamented how there are still people out there who haven’t bought it (I don’t understand what’s keeping you, the link to purchase it on Amazon is right here), and so on and so forth. Then he says the magic words.
“Ever think of turning it into a play?”
I have had many pie-in-the-sky dreams regarding the future of Dr. Fell. A movie, yes, of course. Trading cards, why not? Soft, fuzzy, plush Dr. Fells? Absolutely! A line of purple Dr. Fell top hats? Bring it on!
But I’d never before thought about turning it into a play.
My director friend was only half-kidding. He went on to say it could be made for kids to preform, or perhaps for adults to preform for kids. He’s always looking for plays to direct with all of the different schools he works at. He can only direct Annie and/or The Phantom Tollbooth so many times.
The idea now lodged in my head, I went home. The idea churned and churned. Why not? Why not turn Dr. Fell into a play? And that’s when it hit me. Not a play.
A musical.
Songs started jumping out at me. An opening number, a finale, lots of ensemble numbers, different solos for different characters. Before I knew what I was doing, I grabbed a copy of the book (I seem to have a few lying around) and started outlining which bits I’d keep and where the songs would fit in. All the while, I kept telling myself that this is crazy and silly and pointless.
And yet I do not stop.
It’s only been a few days, but I’ve got the opening number written and have begun piecing together the script. Who knows?
Dr. Fell The Musical may be coming to a theater near you.
The official website of author and storyteller David Neilsen! 
I totally support this and can see it working! It would certainlybe fun for a set designer! I publish with a Pioneer if you need a publisher.
David, this sounds like a brilliant idea! Never stop dreaming. I only just started the book, but already I’m enjoying it immensely, and I could totally see this working as a musical. Do you have songwriting experience already or are you looking for a musician to collaborate with?
I am a decent lyricist, but am not really equipped to write the music. I can hammer out a basic melody, but that’s about it. My daughter is interested in helping me on the music end of things. At this stage, I’m open to ideas. 🙂
I love the idea! Go for it! I know my son would love to be in it or just watch it.
I agree with others. Make it so!