As we open our story, we find a man, Evan, in a basement office of his recently passed-on father. He is alone (his mother is still in the house, but not helping). He is going through his father's belongings and discovering some things... Nothing is quite adding up, but for us, the audience... we are completely in the dark beyond this moment.

#musical #showtunes #story #composer #piano

V1 There’s a toaster in the corner Still smells a bit like bread A laptop on the table Like he never went to bed

Shoes by the door, old habit Keys where they always were I keep expecting him to come down To this basement telling her

PC That he’ll only be a minute… And in that quiet… I see…

C What is all this stuff? This isn’t grief, it’s proof Like the house learned another language

What is all this stuff? For sure not meant for me Everything in this room From a life a didn’t see

V2 Why a box of tangled cables From 1991 An old TV with dials Like it’s waiting for someone

Piles of papers on the floor No order and no names Just laying, breathing in the dark Like it’s begging to explain

PC I thought I knew the the shape of him… Now I’m tracing outlines in the wall

C What is all this stuff? Why does it know my name? Why does every drawer feel loaded, Pointing at me, the same ?

What is all this stuff? It feels a little random There’s a life in here, but it isn’t clear What more there could be.

Br I see a box of old clothes That don’t smell like home A folder, “important” But not phone, bills, or loans

There’s cash here in the desk drawer Like he needed, just in case But why does it feel secret Like he was planning to escape?

C What is all this stuff? Where do I even start? How can I wrap the story of him When I didn't have a part?

What is all this stuff? What’s the purpose here? There’s a past, I know, and more to go Has it only been a year?

O Time to pack you up, dad I’m sure there’s memories to be had…