TWIRL! by Jacque Carnahan and Em Radi
TWIRL! is a mother-daughter coming of age story set in the world of competitive baton twirling, based loosely on Em’s family’s history with the sport.
The day is here! Frankie’s cast is finally coming off, and the fiercely independent sixteen year-old tennis star is ready to return to the court. That is, until Frankie and her fix-it-all supermom Kathy discover that Frankie’s arm needs months of physical therapy to fully recover. But not just any old physical therapy - baton twirling! Frankie and Kathy, with the whole Cappella family in tow (“Team High Five”), are whisked into a world of sequins, athletics, team rivals, and production numbers led by the bold, brassy, soon-to-retire baton coach, Miss Yvette. Seduced by Miss Yvette’s flare and charm as Frankie’s arm heals and Kathy balances baton with family life, they surprisingly become a mother-daughter duo of twirling proteges. Falling in love with the sport and Miss Yvette’s competition team (“The Yvettes”), Frankie decides to leave tennis behind and twirl competitively. As Frankie rushes in to join the team, Miss Yvette announces she is sailing away in an early departure to pursue true love. Kathy finds herself dusting off her business and management skills to lead The Yvettes until Scottish baton coach, and sometimes synchronized swimmer, Lachlan can take the reins next year. With the local competition only two months away, the Yvettes must come together with their new teammate and interim leader to win against their rival competitors: The Starlights. After a disastrous showing at the local competition, Frankie and Kathy rally the team with all eyes on the big prize at States. Overcoming anxieties, family tensions, and a rival team sabotage, plus a surprise save-the-day moment from Frankie’s little sister, The Yvettes win the day. With trophy in tow, Frankie and Kathy lead The Yvettes and Team High Five to their next adventure where life is always best together, and even better when you twirl a baton. Sequins sparkle, music blares, and batons fly as everyone comes together, all a part of team TWIRL!
Details:
Genre - Comedy, Contemporary, Classic, Sports, Family, Women-Centered
Musical Styles - Classic, Broadway, Contemporary, Pop
Subjects & Themes - Mother-Daughter relationship, family, chosen family
Cast Size - 13
Cast Requirements - 6 teenage baton twirlers (who are named characters), 1 adult mom baton twirler, two young kids (male around 8 years old, female around 12 years old)
Length - 130 minutes (plus an intermission)
Target Audience - Young women, mothers with daughters, families with teenage daughters, young femme people, women athletes, people who enjoy gymnastics and/or ice skating
Production & Development:
Closed Reading (DGF Music Hall) - August 4th, 2024
Industry Reading (NYC) - November 17th, 2025
This show is in development and looking for workshop opportunities and a first production.
Email Directly or Inquire Below
emradi@musicaltheatrewritingcollective.com
New York, NY
Contact The Team
TWIRL! is currently available for development and first production!
Please inquire if you are interested in reviewing materials, perusing the script, hearing audio recordings, or interested in producing the show!
