A New Musical

What happens after the confetti falls and you're left standing alone in the spotlight?

You get a thrilling musical drama about a small-town girl, Lara McDowell, who becomes the winner of a nationally televised singing competition, but soon realizes that fame comes with a price.

She gets the fame she always wanted, then discovers that everyone around her now has a stake in deciding who she should become.

What would you do if you found out that with your dream coming true the cost was your identity for everyone else to control?

It is written by the team of AUSTIN J. FOSTER (Book), MATTHEW JORDAN (Music and Lyrics) and JAMES BLOUNT (Lyrics)

James Blount - Lead Producer

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, James Blount's passion for theatre began long before he stepped into the world of producing. For nearly two decades, he immersed himself in the Phoenix theatre community, honing his craft as an actor and gaining firsthand experience in the art of storytelling.

But as his theatrical journey evolved, so did his ambitions. While performing provided a creative outlet, James found himself drawn to something beyond the stage: the opportunity to help shape productions from the ground up. In 2011, he made the decision to pursue theatrical producing, a path that would allow him to explore his creativity in an entirely new way.

That ambition eventually took him to San Diego, California, where, in 2015, he produced two back-to-back productions as part of a Halloween theatre festival in downtown San Diego. These experiences marked an important chapter in his transition from performer to producer.

His journey continued to Huntington Beach, California, where a chance meeting with fellow creative Austin J. Foster would open the door to his next theatrical endeavor. Together, they combined their creative visions and began developing NEXT BIG HIT: A New Musical.

What began as a passion for performing had evolved into a commitment to bringing stories to life—not just from the stage, but from behind the scenes.

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Austin J. Foster - Book

Austin J. Foster was born and raised in southern California, where he currently lives. At the early age of four he was cast in a featured role on the hit Television show Friends. Thanks to the dedication of his parents he spent the next 14 years doing background and featured roles across Television, Movies, and Commercials. Having never given up on his dream of working in the Entertainment industry, he began writing and a new passion was born. He has written a variety of short films, short stories, spec-scripts, and more. Austin has a strong background on the stage as well, having been involved in Theater from a young age, where he spent summers working with the local theaters.

Austin is very excited to bring you the world of Next Big Hit very soon!

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Matthew Jordan - Composer

Matthew Jordan has been creating and loving music since childhood. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in music, and from Utah State University with a certification as a music therapist. Matthew has worked as a music therapist since 2008, and loves to see how music is so powerful in reaching people in ways that nothing else can.

His music has been used nationally on the popular podcast, ScriptNotes, and in various local performances. Besides his work on Next Big Hit, his musical theater projects included Chester and Julia, Aliens Invaded Homecoming, and Facets of Love.

Matthew is most proud of being a husband to his wonderful wife, Sarah, and the father of 8 children.

Matthew Jordan & James Blount- Co-Lyricists

Bringing together their distinct backgrounds in music, performance, and theatrical production, Matthew Jordan and James Blount have joined creative forces as co-lyricists of NEXT BIG HIT: A New Musical.

Matthew, who also serves as the show's composer, brings his experience in musical theatre, songwriting, and music therapy, while James draws upon nearly two decades of theatrical experience as a performer and his subsequent journey into producing.

NEXT BIG HIT marks their first collaboration as lyricists, bringing together two creative perspectives with a shared passion for musical storytelling. Both have thoroughly enjoyed the collaborative process, combining their individual strengths to help bring the show's characters, emotions, and story to life through song.

Together, Matthew and James continue to develop the musical's lyrical voice, contributing to a story that explores ambition, identity, and the price of fame.