Things we once thought were impossible to achieve all began with baby steps. “IMAGINARY BOY: A New American Musical” has the unique and special opportunity to “go public” in Washington, D.C., at the invitation of Senators from both sides of the aisle. The musical is based on the real life bullying experiences of our co-book-writer, Stephen McCall who was not only able to survive the abuse but transform it into something life affirming; unlike many others who were less fortunate.

What Your Support Means to Us

In addition to the sweat-equity of the many volunteers involved in making our baby steps happen, we need to raise money to cover the production costs to take this first significant step. Next steps will include raising funds for a short New York run of IMAGINARY BOY to get our show its “New York stamp” so we can fulfill an invitation to play Bristol in the U.K, which has the highest suicide numbers there; and then send the show throughout Europe, returning here to play schools and venues across the U.S.  We are proud of our new association with Lady Gaga’s Broth This Way Foundation which has kindly offered to produce our IMAGINARY BOY study guide.

Your financial contribution will help us launch our grass roots journey of education and enlightenment, and allow IMAGINARY BOY to be seen by elected officials, foundation reps, and artistic directors of both the D.C. theater and education communities. We are also inviting team members from the Office of The First Lady, as they have announced specific financial support for educational projects dealing with cyber-bullying.

Raising the consciousness of the collective begins with the individual. Children can be taught; awareness can be raised; and bullying can be at the very least diminished if not abolished. Your tax-deductible support could make all the difference. IMAGINARY BOY is presently a non-profit endeavor, under the fiscal sponsorship of Living Lotus Project LLC, whose mission is to foster theatrical projects dealing with abuse. Your donation will enable us:

• • • to mount IMAGINARY BOY as a two-week Equity workshop/ presentation.
  • • to travel roundtrip by bus rental to D.C. for a full day of presentations.
  • • to perform a morning presentation, sponsored by elected officials in the theater at The Library of Congress.
  • • to perform a second presentation for members of The Office of The First Lady.

We believe that however many steps it may take, IMAGINARY BOY will find its way into theatrical and educational communities everywhere, encouraging students and families to have this important conversation about the problem of bullying via Q+A’s. guest speakers, and a personalized study guide, and finding a publisher so schools can perform it for themselves.

Michael and Max used to be friends; neighborhood kids who grew up together in Detroit. But now, in their sophomore year, Max’s single father terrorizes him to the point that Max takes out his fury on kids at school, often bragging about his father’s handgun. His easiest target is Michael, who has recently been exhibiting involuntary ticks, blinks, and barks (“BLINK / IMAGINARY BOY”), for which Max has nicknamed him, “Dog Boy” and threatened to “end him.” 

Michael’s one friend, Curt, is a witty kid who makes Michael laugh, but changes into a complicit bystander whenever Max shows up with his posse to torment Michael (“POWERLESS”).

Max cleverly provokes Michael’s barking classroom outbursts, which oblige his teachers to send Michael to the office, where Mrs. Johnson, the school secretary, tries to soothe Michael’s hurt and anger (“IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU”), and assures Michael the school is aware of Max’s bullying. Meanwhile, with Michael out of the classroom, Max successfully steals Michael’s passwords and changes his Facebook profile, instantly assassinating Michael’s character. In one fell swoop, Michael learns that the Principal’s disciplinary committee has voted to expel him; the pediatrician has diagnosed him with Tourette Syndrome; and students throughout school have spread his altered Facebook page like wildfire. Overwhelmed with thoughts of suicide, Michael runs away to an old favorite alley hiding spot he took comfort in as a kid.

Max comes home after school to learn that the school office has called to schedule a disciplinary meeting about Max’s bullying, igniting a violent rage in Max’s father. Max survives a beating, wrestles away the gun, and narrowly escapes, taking refuge in the same alley hiding place where he comes face-to-face with Michael, who asks if he can “borrow” Max’s gun. Max realizes what he’s done and starts to apologize. Max’s father bursts into the alley, Michael comes out as a decoy, and sends him looking elsewhere. The boys talk and even laugh together, finally parting as renewed friends with plans to start fresh at lunch tomorrow. They go their separate ways, but Max returns home to a sad and tragic end.

EPILOGUE AND FINALE in Present day: A grown up Michael and his young son, “Max,” sing in The Motor City Angels Community Choir (“LEAD WITH LOVE”).