In the wake of Duncan Sheik’s passing on September 17, 2023, the acclaimed composer’s last musical, *Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen*, is making its debut Off-Broadway. The production, which kicked off performances shortly after his death, brings to life a project Sheik passionately developed over a period of six years alongside book writer Leah Nanako Winkler.
Winkler shared that their collaboration was ongoing right up until Sheik fell ill, stating, “We were working together, up until he was in the hospital bed. I just know that he was really proud of what we had created.” This personal connection to the project was evident during a press event held on September 21, when producer Tony Marion paid tribute to Sheik, and star Sophia Anne Caruso performed “Immured,” a key song from the show.
The musical is uniquely based on Moyoco Anno’s manga of the same name, which tells the story of a young woman discovering her voice as a writer in early 20th-century Paris. Winkler, who herself was born in Japan and grew up reading manga, was drawn to the material due to its empathetic portrayal of its female characters. Describing it as “not a sad brothel musical,” she noted the opportunity to present a narrative that centres on a woman artist navigating complex relationships.
Winkler and Sheik’s writing process was distinctive and collaborative, beginning with what Sheik referred to as “raw pages.” Winkler would pen scenes infused with her own experiences, which in turn, became a wellspring of inspiration for Sheik’s musical compositions. “He was super funny and demanding and really a very generous collaborator,” Winkler expressed, reflecting on their relationship.
Sophia Anne Caruso, who plays the lead role of Colette, underscored her personal connection to both the character and the late composer. Sheeik sought her out specifically for the role, which has been shaped to reflect her own growth and experiences. “My early involvement in this production came from Duncan asking me to do it, which I answered yes, of course, not knowing what it was at all actually,” she recounted. Caruso emphasised Sheik’s significant influence in the musical, saying, “I think that Duncan can be found everywhere in this piece.”
The show features songs that are deeply rooted in Sheik’s own life experiences and emotions, and Caruso insists these lyrics remain untouched in their authenticity. “These songs are sort of at their rawest,” she remarked, affirming the importance of preserving Sheik’s original words and intentions in the wake of his death.
*Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen* not only marks an innovative bridge between Japanese manga and American musical theatre but also serves as a testament to Sheik’s artistry. The production employs a unique structure that allows female characters to claim their narrative, flipping traditional storytelling on its head. “Why can’t we be the messy artists who make bad decisions?” Winkler posed, advocating for a broader representation of womanhood in artistic expression.
Caruso, returning to musical theatre after a period focused on film and television, described the importance of choosing a project that resonated deeply with her passions. “I wanted to make sure that whatever musical I did, because doing a musical is so taxing, that it really be something that I am deeply, deeply passionate about,” she explained, pinpointing her motivation to join this particular creative effort.
Duncan Sheik, who gained fame with the hit “Barely Breathing” and became widely recognised for *Spring Awakening*, leaves behind a profound legacy. Following his death, the production of *Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen* carries a weight of significance that the team did not anticipate at the outset. Yet, as they perform Sheik’s final score, Caruso believes that Sheik continues to live on through his work. “In this theatre and through this piece, Duncan very much lives,” she stated.
The highly anticipated musical, which is directed and choreographed by Rob Ashford, officially opened on September 25, with performances scheduled to continue through January 2027. Tickets for *Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen* are currently available as audiences come together to celebrate the artistic contributions of a beloved composer.