MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM

or say hello to our most recent cast here.

JAMES SCULLY

Co-Book / Music

James Scully was introduced to his first piano teacher at age six. His musical education was informal, although he did study composition, harmony and counterpoint. He also studied voice at the Bryn Mawr Conservatory of Music outside of Philadelphia. Mr. Scully holds an undergraduate degree from the Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania and has been in the field of real estate for most of his life. Mr. Scully also served as an active duty officer in the US Navy for two years. A pilot himself, and having a lifetime fascination with airplanes, it was natural that Howard Hughes be the subject of a musical he wanted to write. Under the previous title Flight, the musical, now entitled According to Howard, received the prestigious Stanley Drama Award from Wagner College and the Appalachian Playwright's Award in Asheville, NC. 

JENNIFER PAULSON-LEE

Co-Author / Director/Choreographer

Writing credits include Co-author of Frank Wildhorn's revised Wonderland, which is available for license through MTI; and a short film entitled, The Gift, soon to start production which she will also direct. 

Directing credits include: Flyer, the musical (with producer Jim Kierstead); A Time To Be Born; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Amanda Green at the WestBank, Beyond Measure and 2Life. 

Choreography credits include: The Scarlet Pimpernel at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall. Princess Cruises Magic To Do with Stephen Schwartz; Freaky Friday (North Shore); Seussical, A Rockin’ Midsummer Night’s Dream, and others (NewArts.org); Susannah (St. Petersburg Opera); Camelot  (Casa Manana); At Goodspeed Opera House: Dear World (alongside Jerry Herman); A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, Finian’s Rainbow (nominated –Best Choreography – CT Critics Circle), Just So, Houdini, Sweeney Todd, and City of Angels (Dir. Darko Tresnjak); Enter Laughing, the musical (Ass. Dir./Choreographer with Stuart Ross– York Theatre NYC, Bay Street, and the Mark Taper); The Rink, HMS Pinafore, The Consul (Dir. Michael Unger). Pre—B’way workshop of Little Women: the musical; Annie Get Your Gun and The Four Seasons: Vivaldi Concert tour (Lincoln Center). Off B’way: Stars in Your Eyes, The Last Starfighter; Lola, the musical (Composer Craig Safan). Ms. Lee has danced for some of the most celebrated director/choreographers of our time including Jerome Robbins, and Susan Stroman among others. She has worked extensively at universities including Indiana University, Syracuse University, Shenandoah University, Michigan State University, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, as well as NYU's Steinhardt School of Vocal Performance.  Ms. Lee is a Meisner trained actress and holds a BFA in Dance from East Carolina University. 

“I am thrilled to be working with the entire Howard team including Composer and Co-author Jim Scully, Music Supervisor Scott Cady and Lyricist Chad Gorn and our dear friend and colleague, the late Frank Evans. As I narrow in on a 40 year career in musical theatre, working often on developing new works, According to Howard has been yet another incredible journey, this time into the mind of a fascinating biographical and "real-life" person offering inherent challenges not only as a director but also as a writer. With a strong dance, choreography/movement and storytelling background, the excitement to uncover the approach for this larger-than-life, complex human being has been daunting and exhilarating. One of the unexpected benefits has been learning so much about airplane design, aeronautics, engineering and aviation. I am always astonished by what the theatre has to teach us, and all of what we, as creative team members, learn about history and the human condition along the way.” 

FRANK EVANS

Co-Lyrics

Frank Evans (1946-2016) was the lyricist on many musicals. Back Home: The War Brides Musical (music by Christopher Berg, book by Ron Sproat), Dinner at Eight (music by Ben Schaechter, book by Julie Gilbert, based on the play by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman), and earlier versions of According to Howard (also librettist music by James Scully) all had readings at The York Theatre. He was a longtime member of the steering committee of the BMI-Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop and the Artistic Director of the Musical Mondays Theatre Lab.

CHAD GORN

Co-Lyrics

Chad Gorn has been putting words to music and music to words for as long as he can remember. Recent projects include Saving Wonderland (book, music, lyrics), which can be found on audio streaming services on the podcast Braving the Bard and Call Me Velma (book, music, lyrics), the true(ish) story of Belva Gaertner, the inspiration behind Chicago's Velma Kelly. His short musical Stone Brew was featured at the Neighborhood House Play Festival in Philadelphia, and his short play Superbloom was presented at the Broadway Bods Playfest. He would like to thank his wife Carrie for her love and support.