“The Love Curriculum” a love story in cabaret style that was written by actor Brian Mulay who has been performing in musical theater since the age of four. The show presents a humorously poignant view of love and desire and how people communicate in different relationships. Performed with an array of talented musicians, dancers, and singers, the show will be performed at NYC’s Dixon Place Theater on April 23 and April 24 at 7:30pm. Tickets are priced at $18. Recently, playwright and performer Brian Mulay spoke about “The Love Curriculum” and his other projects.
Theater
Blasting News (BN): How did you get into musical theatre and cabaret?
Brian Mulay (BM): My mother is a director and cast me in my first musical when I was four years old. I instantly fell in love with performing in front of a live audience and knew I had to pursue it. I got into cabaret in college while studying musical theatre at The University of Michigan. I love the storytelling and personal aspect of cabaret.
BN: How did you think up the idea and the title of “The Love Curriculum”? Is it based on personal experiences?
BM: The show is definitely based on personal experiences. The title arose from a thought that every phase/emotion we experience in our close relationships (whether romantic or not) is like learning a new lesson or chapter while we're in pursuit of love.
We're all stumbling through our own 'love curriculums' but wind up learning the same lessons, just at different times, and often in a different order.
BN: What's your favorite thing about the show and what can audiences expect from it?
BM: My favorite thing about the play is that is combines two things I'm passionate about, musical theatre and cabaret.
Many who share my love of these art forms often feel our lives are underscored by songs that shape and affect the way we think and act. All the songs chosen for this show had a very meaningful impact on my personal love journey. Audiences can expect to reflect on their own journeys as these songs communicate feelings that are common to all of us.
BN: To date, how many shows have you been in and do you have a favorite?
BM: I've actually lost track. I used to keep a list and I know that I had done over 30 shows by the time I entered college. I would guess I've done probably 50 shows or more at this point. This cabaret/show is the first to tell a personal story however. It's hard to pick a favorite but I did love playing Mendel in William Finn's “Falsettoland.”
Shows
BN: So far, what has been the most rewarding thing about being involved in the theatre industry and where do you envision your career being in ten years?
BM: The most rewarding thing has been being able to pass on my passion to others. I taught dance for six years around the NYC area and found it incredibly rewarding to give back to the industry.
In ten years, I would love to see that Mulay Initiatives LLC has grown into a business that supports various theatrical adventures utilizing great talent around NYC.
BN: What is coming up next for you as far as projects are concerned?
BM: Right now the main focus is “The Love Curriculum” but other ideas are constantly floating around in my head. One is a show that explores the four elements of fire, water, air, and earth from a musical perspective.
BN: What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to be a writer/performer?
BM: My advice is to be brave. Fear is the only thing that holds us back from letting our true inner light shine. Shut off the voices of doubt in your head and just put something out there.
