Press

June 28, 2011
Beat by Beat Press Redefines Children’s Musical Theatre Publishing

March, 2010
Inside “Tea with Chachaji” – By Gwen Orell

January, 2010
TDF: Troubled History as Family Theater – By Marc Blankenship 

“Tea with Chachaji” Reviews

“Tea with Chachaji achieves the triple-crown of family theater…Casado’s eclectic score smartly mixes traditional theater songs, Indian-flavored melodies, and touches of rap. I especially enjoyed the tasty arrangements for guitar, keyboards, percussion, and sitar.”
Backstage.com (full review)

“…a tender and moving comedy-drama… Denver Casado has woven Bollywood strains, traditional Indian music, American pop and heartfelt ballads into the score of this hourlong show…”
The New York Times (full review)

“…an intelligent and warm story that spans ages and cultures. TEA WITH CHACHAJI is an emotionally satisfying and intellectually interesting musical about the power of stories…”
NYTheatre.com  (full review)

“Watkins and Casado have teamed up to harness the best of Broadway story structure, complete with fun dance numbers, emotional narrative pieces, and stirring solo lines….the score cleverly integrates Indian motifs and instruments…the intricate modal melodies of India vigorously stirred into the strong stock of (quite excellent) Broadway song writing.”
Theasy.com (full review)

 

“Life on the Mississippi” Reviews

“…Denver Casado’s melodies fit the river life. Capably handled by musical director Daniel Doss’ three-piece piano-and-strings combo, the songs unspool with an easy naturalness, like a journey where one horizon follows another.”
ThePitch.com

“…these musicians create music ranging from comical to tense, teasing to somber in support of scenes depicting boyish horseplay, tender romance, harsh admonishment, and unexpected tragedy…. The action is nimble and paced well, but it is the dialogue and song that provide the most sparks. ”
PresentMagazine.com

“LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI is a nicely turned new musical that honors the early life and writing career of the man who called himself Mark Twain. …it’s a well-acted, handsomely presented show…”
The Kansas City Star

“4 out of 4 stars! New York-based creators Douglas M. Parker (book and lyrics) and Denver Casado (music) give Twain’s autobiographical book, “Life on the Mississippi,” new vitality.”
The Green Bay Gazette

“One of AFT’s best shows – grand, ambitious entertainment that dazzles!”
The Door County Advocate