About Elliot and Me
The premise: Two brothers have written a 2-man show they are preparing to pitch to legendary Broadway producer Max Stone. It’s a heartfelt story of brotherly love based on the true and powerful bond that has grown through the years. Elliot is a charming, free-spirited ladies' man overflowing with talent and joie de vivre... with a knack for driving Steven crazy. Elliot and Steven both reflect on the volatile ups and downs of their shared experiences – from their raucous “wonder years” growing up in Bayonne, New Jersey; to the painful conflict when Elliot defies the expectations of his traditional middle-class family and drops out of medical school to write pop songs; to Elliot's rise to stardom writing hits for The 5th Dimension, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, and Steven’s starry-eyed admiration for his Hollywood lifestyle; and eventually to their role reversals, when Elliot’s career hits a few bumps in the road and he needs to rely on Steven for help. The 18-song score includes several of Elliot’s hits, including “Got to Be There,” “If You Say My Eyes Are Beautiful,” “I’m My Brother’s Keeper,” and the show-stopping “The Singer.” Elliot & Me is filled with humor, colorful personalities, unexpected situations, and uplifting musical moments.
Sonoma Arts Live
“The world premiere run of Elliot & Me, had to be scuttled due to the pandemic,” says Steven Willensky. “However, necessity is the mother of invention! We were able to safely stage and film a single performance without an audience which gave us a unique opportunity to partner with theaters across the country to share this fully produced version of Elliot & Me with their patrons. One of the first artistic directors I reached out to was Jaime Love, who agreed to view the video. Jaime thought this true, funny, heartfelt musical of brotherly love would be just the antidote for theater-hungry patrons in Sonoma. I am so thrilled to be collaborating with her to bring you this very personal story of Elliot & Me.”
“When Steven approached us,” says Sonoma Arts Live Artistic Director Jaime Love, “I knew I wanted to share this new work with our audience, while we’re all at home waiting for the day that we can gather again.”