This post was written prior to the successful run of Good Luck in Space (Oct. 25-27).
Good Luck in Space was first workshopped at MSM in the fall of 2023 as part of the Musical Theatre Lab Series and is now receiving its premiere at MSM at the nearby The Riverside Theater from October 25 to 27.
With a book and lyrics by Greg Kotis and music and lyrics by Mark Hollmann—the team behind the award-winning and long-running satirical musical comedy Urinetown (2001)—the producers describe the plot of this original and highly entertaining new musical as follows:
“It is the year 2224! Women rule the world! The fate of Humanity hangs in the balance as a deadly virus ravages the Earth! An all-female crew of elite astro-soldiers races across the cosmos while battling asteroids and space pirates to rescue a French research scientist who has discovered the cure for, well, everything!”
MEET ISABELLA
MSM Musical Theatre student Isabella Johnson (BM ’27) plays Elizabeth Tilly, the youngest space soldier on the mission. She speaks with us about the production, working with the creative team, and why people should come see this show.
Read our interview with Isabella below.
About Isabella Johnson
Originally from Lake Oswego, Oregon, Isabella Johnson is a sophomore Musical Theatre major at MSM, studying under the tutelage of Claudia Catania. She discovered her love for theatre at a young age, taking part in weekend training programs to summer pre-college intensives—and her passion for theatre continues to grow. At MSM, Isabella is a member of the honor society Alpha Psi Omega and has participated in APO’s annual dance show for the last two years.
Book and Lyrics by Greg Kotis Music and Lyrics by Mark Hollmann
Meghan Finn, Director and Choreographer Eric T. Johnson, Music Director
Hosted Q&A with the creators immediately following the Oct 27 performance
Tickets Required $15 adults, $10 non-MSM students and seniors
The Riverside Theatre 91 Claremont Ave, New York, NY 10027
Isabella: Good Luck In Space is a show set 200 years in the future, where historical gender roles have swapped and women have completely taken over. This futuristic space story revolves around a United States Space Service crew of women, their journey to save the Earth, and all of the obstacles they face along the way. They all want to make the world a better place, but whose way is the right way, and is there only one way?
From past to current lovers, traditional gender roles, historical forces, and hierarchies, all the characters in the show aim to discover what’s true in order to save the world.
Isabella: The show is entertaining, brilliant, and hilarious! Be sure to come for a good laugh and to experience this new world we have created together; the cast truly feels like a family, and we have created an environment where we can come and play every night.
“Good Luck In Space in three words? Trust, discovery, and acceptance” Isabella Johnson (BM ‘27)
“Good Luck In Space in three words? Trust, discovery, and acceptance”
Isabella Johnson (BM ‘27)
Isabella: The character I’m playing is Elizabeth Tilley. She is an ambitious and hardworking young woman determined to reach her goals. Elizabeth is the youngest space soldier on this mission, and it is also her first, so she wants to make sure she does everything right.
Stepping into this character has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity since I have also gotten to help create Elizabeth along the way. Throughout this process, I have drawn traits from past strong, independent women roles I’ve played, and aspects of myself, to create the Elizabeth you will see onstage today. This personalized, melting pot of a character is unique to me and to this show, and I enjoy tapping into her every time I step onstage.
Isabella: Meghan Finn and Eric T. Johnson are brilliant, and this show could not have happened without them. Meghan has such a clear view of the world we are all working to create, so it has allowed us all to eagerly jump on board. The attention to detail and care she puts into every aspect of the show is unmatched and has helped it come to life. Eric T. Johnson has been able to tell a complete story with just the music. The amount of subtext and underlying emotions you can get while listening to the music is unmatched; not only do you hear it, but you feel it, too.
Isabella Johnson (right) in Freshman Pops!, Spring 2024
Isabella: The Musical Theatre program at MSM fosters a supportive environment that’s not only fit for learning and growth but also for family and connection. They encourage individuality and push us to find who we are as performers, not to try to fit us into a mold. We are all so different and special in our own unique ways, and MSM brings that out. As a result, we all root for each other and are excited for each other’s successes.
Isabella: Trust, discovery, and acceptance!
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