Interviewed by Joel Markowitz
Part of our look at Philadelphia’s spring season
Philadelphia composer/pianist/actor Dan Kazemi mugged and tickled the ivories in MetroStage’s critically acclaimed and drop-dead hysterical production of The Musical of Musicals-The Musical, and was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award this year for his musical direction.
Now, he’s singing, dancing, twirling and banging his own drum at Walnut Street Theatre’s rousing production of Frank McCourt’s The Irish and How They Got That Way.“My role in the show is quite grand… The show is unplugged, 5 part harmonies and all live.”
Twenty five year old Dan Kazemi’s career as composer and musical director has already spanned two continents and several performance genres. His long-time collaborations with director Larry Kaye led to that MetroStage production of The Musical of Musicals-The Musical and now Kaye and Kazemi have teamed up to write The Tapioca Musical.
Dan’s composition for an aerialist team is featured throughout this podcast, and ends as he tells us about his trip to Paris to see his music performed in a circus. “It was like writing a film score.”
Listen here.
Was great to hear the podcast on Dan. I hope he spends more time down in DC, so DC audiences can get to know him even better, as music director and/or performer.
Dan is such an uber-talent!! I love working with him. Great work on the podcast, too!!!
I have heard some stuff from “The Tapioca Miricle”, and it is very promising- traditional yet inventive, refreshing, and smart writing. Lookinf forward to it.