Fans of 1980s music, movies and coming-of-age stories will soon have another reason to relive the decade as Music Theatre International announces licensing availability for Always Something There…, a new musical from Lively McCabe Entertainment.
The show, which is part of Lively McCabe Entertainment’s “Hits” Musicals Collection, combines a nostalgic soundtrack with a contemporary story about second chances, self-discovery and becoming comfortable with who you are.
Written by Sandy Rustin, whose credits include Clue and Mystic Pizza, Always Something There… features arrangements and orchestrations by Geoffrey Ko, known for his work on Titanique and The Notebook. The musical features songs made famous by artists including Madonna, Whitney Houston, Culture Club, Naked Eyes, The Go-Go’s and Tiffany.
At the center of the story is Samantha Craig, who wakes up on her 45th birthday to discover that she has somehow become her 18-year-old self again. Suddenly given an opportunity to revisit her younger years, Samantha must decide whether she wants to make different choices or embrace the decisions that ultimately shaped the woman she became.
The premise draws inspiration from the teen movies and music that defined the 1980s while giving the familiar coming-of-age formula a modern perspective.
Rustin said the musical was inspired by the music and films of her childhood but was designed to offer a different take on the traditional teen stories of that era. Rather than having a young heroine change herself to win a romantic interest, the story centers on a woman discovering her identity, friendships, purpose and happiness.
The musical made its world premiere at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois, under the direction of James Vásquez. The production received positive responses from audiences and critics, with The Chicago Tribune describing it as an escapist collection of ’80s hits.
For theaters, the musical offers flexible production requirements, an adaptable cast size and numerous roles, making it suitable for a variety of productions.
“Always Something There…” also gives audiences across generations an opportunity to experience some of the most recognizable songs of the ’80s while connecting them to a contemporary story.
MTI, founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies. The company provides performance rights, scripts, musical materials and theatrical resources to professional, community and school theaters around the world.
With Always Something There… now available for licensing, theaters can bring the show’s mix of nostalgia, humor, music and heartfelt storytelling to their own stages — offering audiences a chance to rewind, replay and relive an era through a fresh theatrical lens.