LLC
FROM STAGE TO SCREEN
A Timeline of The History of "Pumpkin Spiced Musical"
2016: Staged reading for industry professionals
In 2016, in hopes of putting a team of musical theater professionals together to stage PSM Off-Broadway, Ben held a staged reading in Manhattan, NY. It was attended by various industry professionals, including producers, directors, and theatre owners. Unfortunately, while he found both a producer and an Off-Broadway theatre owner who were interested in staging the musical, it wasn't feasable due to the very high costs involved.
JAMES PARKS
CHANDLER REEVES
PETER ANTHONY
MOORE
BEN & ELIZABETH STIEFEL
KATY BRADY
2017: Live performances
In 2017, Ben staged PSM locally in Brooklyn NY, to three sold out performances. The audiences loved the show, giving him
the impetus to turn PSM into a feature length film.
PETER ANTHONY MOORE
SOFIE W. SMITH
NATALIE PERRY
JAMES PARKS
photos by Napier Lopez
2018-2020: Development of screenplay and music
The years 2018-2020 were spent adapting the stage play into a screenplay, tweaking the storyline and music, casting, and preparing for film production.
2021: Filming the movie
Early in 2021, with cast and crew set, pre-production for filming began. Ben met individually with each actor and film crew member, explaining his vision for the movie and exchanging ideas and concepts. With his co-producer and wife Elizabeth Stiefel, he then set about turning their home into The Sam 'n' Ella Ad Agency, recorded the soundtrack, directed many weeks of rehearsal, all leading to filming in late November.
Soundtrack Recording Sessions
Rehearsal Fun
