For the Lack of Laura
Kurt Rosenberg's original musical, For the Lack of Laura, finds its genesis in two different times and places. Kurt’s first inspiration came from a talk he had with his mother when he was a mere lad of 12 years old. He asked her why she chose his father over her previous suitors. His mom said without hesitation, “Your father had the gifts and talents I was looking for.” His mom’s answer stuck with Kurt, as he continued to wonder why we gravitate towards certain individuals over others.
Kurt Rosenberg's original musical,
For the Lack of Laura, finds its genesis in two different times and places. Kurt’s first inspiration came from a talk he had with his mother when he was a mere lad of 12 years old. He asked her why she chose his father over her previous suitors. His mom said without hesitation, “Your father had the gifts and talents I was looking for.” His mom’s answer stuck with Kurt, as he continued to wonder why we gravitate towards certain individuals over others.
The second source originated during Kurt’s teen years, when he transferred into a new high school. Finding himself alone, in a new environment, one gal treated Kurt with kindness and friendship. Her name was Laura. Laura is stunningly beautiful, loads of fun, and a wonderfully talented singer. Kurt never forgot Laura and named his musical’s heroine after her.
The second source originated during Kurt’s teen years, when he transferred into a new high school. Finding himself alone, in a new environment, one gal treated Kurt with kindness and friendship. Her name was Laura. Laura is stunningly beautiful, loads of fun, and a wonderfully talented singer. Kurt never forgot Laura and named his musical’s heroine after her.
Kurt conceived For the Lack of Laura some 26 years ago. In fact, he even had it copyrighted! But, life and family businesses got in the way and the musical went into a long hibernation. When Kurt retired, he decided he would try to revive the musical.
Kurt conceived For the Lack of Laura some 26 years ago. In fact, he even had it copyrighted! But, life and family businesses got in the way and the musical went into a long hibernation. When Kurt retired, he decided he would try to revive the musical.
Kurt set the wheels in motion to bring the musical to the stage, by enlisting Morgan Brothers to produce “Laura”. The play had a week-long run in Galway, Ireland in 2024, followed by the UK Summer Tour 2025. While audiences said they loved the musical, London reviews were mixed. Based on those illuminating critiques, Kurt’s team decided to “roll-up their sleeves” to redevelop, and restructure, the musical.
Kurt set the wheels in motion to bring the musical to the stage, by enlisting Morgan Brothers to produce “Laura”. The play had a week-long run in Galway, Ireland in 2024, followed by the UK Summer Tour 2025. While audiences said they loved the musical, London reviews were mixed. Based on those illuminating critiques, Kurt’s team decided to “roll-up their sleeves” to redevelop, and restructure, the musical.
Meet Chase O’Neill – “For the Lack of Laura’s “ new Co-Bookwriter and Lyricist! Chase is an award-winning playwright & lyricist based in NYC. He has an M.F.A. in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Hartwick College. He also studied at the National Theatre Institute as a playwright at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center.
Selected writing credits: Here There Be Dragons (Off-Broadway & Edinburgh Fringe Festival), A Pinch of the Owl (Hartwick College), The Woods Listen (Human Pincushion Productions), Schooled & Lettered (Ludicrous Displays Theatre Company), and The Caveman (NYU Reading). Chase has been featured on the podcasts DragonTalk: An Official D&D Podcast and The Latest Draft showcasing his writing. Chase currently serves as an playwright-in-residence at Hartwick College.
Meet John Trent Wallace – the new member of “Laura’s” MUSIC-TEAM! John is a versatile composer, arranger, orchestrator and musical director with a passion for creating emotive music that blends a wide range of styles. Known for his distinctive musical voice and collaborative spirit, his musicals include The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Samuel French Ltd), All 4 One (MTI), The Great Sleigh Robbery, and Peter Pan (commissioned for a professional Italian tour).
His choral arrangements of contemporary and original songs are performed by choirs around the world.
As a musical director he has brought energy and depth to diverse productions from Bugsy Malone, Into the Woods, Les Misérables and We Will Rock You. John created the music for Brentwood Theatre’s numerous Christmas productions including The Meg and Mog Show, The Gingerbread Man, Fantastic Mr Fox and James and the Giant Peach.
John’s diverse stage experiences include soloist at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and lead vocalist and keyboard player in a progressive rock band. As a sound engineer for concerts, musicals, choirs, soloists, orchestras, bands and cabaret artists he received the award for Best Sound for We Will Rock You at The Waterford International Festival of Light Opera. You can learn more about John
here.
Meet John Trent Wallace – the new member of “Laura’s” MUSIC-TEAM! John is a versatile composer, arranger, orchestrator and musical director with a passion for creating emotive music that blends a wide range of styles. Known for his distinctive musical voice and collaborative spirit, his musicals include The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Samuel French Ltd), All 4 One (MTI), The Great Sleigh Robbery, and Peter Pan (commissioned for a professional Italian tour).
His choral arrangements of contemporary and original songs are performed by choirs around the world.
As a musical director he has brought energy and depth to diverse productions from Bugsy Malone, Into the Woods, Les Misérables and We Will Rock You. John created the music for Brentwood Theatre’s numerous Christmas productions including The Meg and Mog Show, The Gingerbread Man, Fantastic Mr Fox and James and the Giant Peach.
John’s diverse stage experiences include soloist at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and lead vocalist and keyboard player in a progressive rock band. As a sound engineer for concerts, musicals, choirs, soloists, orchestras, bands and cabaret artists he received the award for Best Sound for We Will Rock You at The Waterford International Festival of Light Opera. You can learn more about John
here.
Meet John Trent Wallace – the new member of “Laura’s” MUSIC-TEAM! John is a versatile composer, arranger, orchestrator and musical director with a passion for creating emotive music that blends a wide range of styles. Known for his distinctive musical voice and collaborative spirit, his musicals include The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Samuel French Ltd), All 4 One (MTI), The Great Sleigh Robbery, and Peter Pan (commissioned for a professional Italian tour).
His choral arrangements of contemporary and original songs are performed by choirs around the world.
As a musical director he has brought energy and depth to diverse productions from Bugsy Malone, Into the Woods, Les Misérables and We Will Rock You. John created the music for Brentwood Theatre’s numerous Christmas productions including The Meg and Mog Show, The Gingerbread Man, Fantastic Mr Fox and James and the Giant Peach.
John’s diverse stage experiences include soloist at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and lead vocalist and keyboard player in a progressive rock band. As a sound engineer for concerts, musicals, choirs, soloists, orchestras, bands and cabaret artists he received the award for Best Sound for We Will Rock You at The Waterford International Festival of Light Opera. You can learn more about John here.
