Three seasons into Central Park, songwriters Kate Anderson and Elyssa Samsel are thrilled with how much room they’ve been given to explore new genres. Told through the eyes of a busker narrator named Birdie (Josh Gad), the musical series follows Owen Tillerman (Leslie Odom Jr.), the manager of the park, who lives in the park with his journalist wife Paige (Kathryn Hahn) and two children Cole (Tituss Burgess) and Molly (Emmy Raver-Lampman). As they deal with issues across the park, elderly heiress Bitsy (Stanley Tucci) is plotting to turn the park into condominiums. Anderson and Samsel chose the song “Backing Up” for Emmy consideration, performed by Owen (Odom Jr.) as he deals with the possible loss of his family’s memories from a hard drive. As the pair played the song for the show runners, they found it “hit a nerve in a good way.”
‘Central Park’
Deadline: What...
‘Central Park’
Deadline: What...
- 6/13/2023
- by Ryan Fleming
- Deadline Film + TV
Husband-and-wife team Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez are no strangers to writing musical earworms. They’ve won Oscars for “Let It Go” from “Frozen” and “Remember Me” from “Coco” and an Emmy for “Agatha All Along” for “WandaVision.” Now they’re reuniting with friends and family, penning “You Are the Music” for the Apple TV Plus animated comedy “Central Park,” which returns to the streamer March 4.
Songwriters Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson (Kristen’s sister) invited the duo to write a song, and it was an offer they couldn’t turn down. “The family ties to ‘Central Park’ are huge,” says Anderson-Lopez. Rory O’Malley was in the Broadway show “The Book of Mormon” (which Lopez co-wrote and for which he won a Tony Award), and Josh Gad voiced Olaf in Disney’s “Frozen.” The scripts for the new season of “Central Park” came with four empty song slots. “We picked...
Songwriters Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson (Kristen’s sister) invited the duo to write a song, and it was an offer they couldn’t turn down. “The family ties to ‘Central Park’ are huge,” says Anderson-Lopez. Rory O’Malley was in the Broadway show “The Book of Mormon” (which Lopez co-wrote and for which he won a Tony Award), and Josh Gad voiced Olaf in Disney’s “Frozen.” The scripts for the new season of “Central Park” came with four empty song slots. “We picked...
- 3/11/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
“Central Park” creator Josh Gad actually called the election results early during a Zoom call with the show’s composers Kate Anderson and Elyssa Samsel. “I’ll never forget that because we all just cried, and then he was like, ‘No wait, never mind that was a fake news article,’” Samsel says. Gad, who also stars in the series as a busker named Birdie, turned out to be right.
Now in its second season, the Apple TV Plus show follows the Tillerman family as they continue to navigate living in and caring for the world’s most famous park. Molly (Emmy Raver-Lampman replaces Kristen Bell) experiences the trials and tribulations of adolescence, Cole (Tituss Burgess) is challenged by a truly embarrassing moment at school, Paige (Kathryn Hahn) continues to chase down the mayor’s corruption story, and Owen (Leslie Odom Jr.) juggles managing the park, his staff, and his family...
Now in its second season, the Apple TV Plus show follows the Tillerman family as they continue to navigate living in and caring for the world’s most famous park. Molly (Emmy Raver-Lampman replaces Kristen Bell) experiences the trials and tribulations of adolescence, Cole (Tituss Burgess) is challenged by a truly embarrassing moment at school, Paige (Kathryn Hahn) continues to chase down the mayor’s corruption story, and Owen (Leslie Odom Jr.) juggles managing the park, his staff, and his family...
- 7/16/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Leslie Odom Jr. picked up his first Emmy nomination this year: Best Character Voice-Over Performance for playing “Central Park” caretaker Owen Tillerman. If he wins he’ll be three-quarters of the way to Egot because “Hamilton” already got him halfway there. So he and his former “Hamilton” nemesis Lin-Manuel Miranda would both just need an Oscar to wrap it up.
Odom played Aaron Burr in “Hamilton” opposite Miranda as the title character, and they went head-to-head at the Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Musical in 2016. Odom won that prize while Miranda took home a pair of statues for his book and original score. Earlier that same year both men shared the show’s Grammy win for Best Musical Theater Album. So Odom was halfway to his Egot, while Miranda, already an Emmy winner for songwriting by then, just needed an Oscar.
SEEKate Anderson and Elyssa Samsel (‘Central Park...
Odom played Aaron Burr in “Hamilton” opposite Miranda as the title character, and they went head-to-head at the Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Musical in 2016. Odom won that prize while Miranda took home a pair of statues for his book and original score. Earlier that same year both men shared the show’s Grammy win for Best Musical Theater Album. So Odom was halfway to his Egot, while Miranda, already an Emmy winner for songwriting by then, just needed an Oscar.
SEEKate Anderson and Elyssa Samsel (‘Central Park...
- 8/20/2020
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
When Josh Gad needed original songs for a new show, the first people he turned to were the songwriting team of Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson, whom he had met on Disney’s “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.”
The Apple TV Plus animated series “Central Park” follows the Tillermans, a family living in a castle in New York’s Central Park, as they battle investors who threatening to build hotels and condos on the park grounds.
With each episode boasting anywhere from three to six original songs, it was a dream come true for Samsel and Anderson. Not only did they love Gad, but they loved New York City — Samsel in particular connected with his park busker character, Bertie, on a personal level.
Ahead of the show’s season finale, Variety spoke to Samsel and Anderson about writing tunes for the toon.
How did Josh approach you for “Central Park?”
Kate...
The Apple TV Plus animated series “Central Park” follows the Tillermans, a family living in a castle in New York’s Central Park, as they battle investors who threatening to build hotels and condos on the park grounds.
With each episode boasting anywhere from three to six original songs, it was a dream come true for Samsel and Anderson. Not only did they love Gad, but they loved New York City — Samsel in particular connected with his park busker character, Bertie, on a personal level.
Ahead of the show’s season finale, Variety spoke to Samsel and Anderson about writing tunes for the toon.
How did Josh approach you for “Central Park?”
Kate...
- 7/25/2020
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
“The Witcher” is an action-adventure fantasy epic that premiered its first season on Netflix in December. So naturally one of its best chances for an Emmy might be … for songwriting? “Toss a Coin to Your Witcher” (watch the lyric video above) became a viral hit with a number of fan covers and remixes appearing online in the months since. Now that song — which was written by Sonya Belousova, Giona Ostinelli and Jenny Klein — is on the awards ballot for Best Music and Lyrics. O Valley of Plenty, can you spare a nomination?
SEEKate Anderson and Elyssa Samsel (‘Central Park’ songwriters) on being fans of ‘Bob’s Burgers’ even before new show [Exclusive Video Interview]
“The Witcher” is based on a series of novels about the title character, Geralt of Rivia, who hunts demons but is loathed by much of the public. The song is brand new to the series and was introduced to the show in episode two,...
SEEKate Anderson and Elyssa Samsel (‘Central Park’ songwriters) on being fans of ‘Bob’s Burgers’ even before new show [Exclusive Video Interview]
“The Witcher” is based on a series of novels about the title character, Geralt of Rivia, who hunts demons but is loathed by much of the public. The song is brand new to the series and was introduced to the show in episode two,...
- 7/17/2020
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
When Josh Gad approached songwriters, Kate Anderson and Elyssa Samsel, about writing original numbers for his animated show, “Central Park,” he didn’t have to say much to convince them to come on board. Anderson explains, “He said, ‘Do you know the show ‘Bob’s Burgers?’’ And I was like, ‘Are you doing something with Loren Bouchard?’ He said yes and I said, ‘Say no more. We’re in!’ We’ve been dying to work with him, he’s a hero of ours.” Samsel adds that learning about the what the show was actually about and her personal connection to specific aspect only made them more excited to be a part of the project. “He said the main character is going to be a busker and I freaked out because I used to play my violin and busk with my case open in Central Park.”
SEEJosh Gad Interview: ‘Avenue 5’ and...
SEEJosh Gad Interview: ‘Avenue 5’ and...
- 7/2/2020
- by Charles Bright
- Gold Derby
The songwriting credits for the new Apple TV Plus animated series “Central Park” include a veritable who’s who of American female singer-songwriters stepping out of tune-land and into toon-land as guest writers, with Sara Bareilles, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple, Cyndi Lauper and Meghan Trainor among those represented.
None of their voices will be heard on the show— that’s left to a voice cast that includes executive producer Josh Gad, Leslie Odom, Jr., Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Tituss Burgess, Daveed Diggs and Stanley Tucci — but the list of talent the show attracted just as songwriters is bound to draw pop fans’ interest.
Other top-rank names contributing to the songwriting come from the worlds of theater, film and TV composing, including Alan Menken and Tony nominee Glenn Slater. The bulk of the songs, however, comes from the show’s core writers, Kate Anderson & Elyssa Samsel (“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure”) and...
None of their voices will be heard on the show— that’s left to a voice cast that includes executive producer Josh Gad, Leslie Odom, Jr., Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Tituss Burgess, Daveed Diggs and Stanley Tucci — but the list of talent the show attracted just as songwriters is bound to draw pop fans’ interest.
Other top-rank names contributing to the songwriting come from the worlds of theater, film and TV composing, including Alan Menken and Tony nominee Glenn Slater. The bulk of the songs, however, comes from the show’s core writers, Kate Anderson & Elyssa Samsel (“Olaf’s Frozen Adventure”) and...
- 5/29/2020
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
On the day her new Off Broadway production Between the Lines was set to open, producer Daryl Roth has announced the musical based on the novel by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer will instead make its debut in Spring 2021.
Most of the planned cast will stay on board for the pandemic-postponed production, including Arielle Jacobs, Morgan Siobhan Green (Be More Chill), Vicki Lewis, Will Burton, Jerusha Cavazos (The Prom), Pierre Marais (Aladdin), John Rapson (Les Misérables), Carrie St. Louis, and Julia Murney (Wicked). Due to scheduling conflicts, Jason Gotay, previously announced as Prince Oliver, will cede the throne to Jake David Smith.
Directed by Jeff Calhoun and choreographed by Paul McGill, Between the Lines features a book by Timothy Allen McDonald and music & lyrics by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson.
Between the Lines follows Delilah, an outsider...
Most of the planned cast will stay on board for the pandemic-postponed production, including Arielle Jacobs, Morgan Siobhan Green (Be More Chill), Vicki Lewis, Will Burton, Jerusha Cavazos (The Prom), Pierre Marais (Aladdin), John Rapson (Les Misérables), Carrie St. Louis, and Julia Murney (Wicked). Due to scheduling conflicts, Jason Gotay, previously announced as Prince Oliver, will cede the throne to Jake David Smith.
Directed by Jeff Calhoun and choreographed by Paul McGill, Between the Lines features a book by Timothy Allen McDonald and music & lyrics by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson.
Between the Lines follows Delilah, an outsider...
- 5/7/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Giacchino is a widely respected film composer, with an Oscar and a Grammy for “Up” and an Emmy for “Lost,” as well as a Grammy for “Ratatouille.” He is stirring up Oscar buzz again with his score for Fox Searchlight’s “Jojo Rabbit,” written and directed by Taika Waititi. Giacchino talked with Variety about the challenges of that film, as well as his expanding workload, including directing an animated “Star Trek” short. He’ll appear Oct. 18 in concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall, and at the “Coco” music event at the Hollywood Bowl on Nov. 8-9.
How tricky was it to catch the tone of “Jojo Rabbit”?
I didn’t want the music to be funny. The bulk of the movie has this huge heart, especially in the character of Jojo himself, and I wanted to make sure I wasn’t adding to the zaniness. I wanted to underline the emotional component.
How tricky was it to catch the tone of “Jojo Rabbit”?
I didn’t want the music to be funny. The bulk of the movie has this huge heart, especially in the character of Jojo himself, and I wanted to make sure I wasn’t adding to the zaniness. I wanted to underline the emotional component.
- 10/18/2019
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
A musical adaptation of Between the Lines, the best-selling novel by mega-selling author Jodi Picoult and daughter Samantha Van Leer, is heading for Off Broadway. Producer Daryl Roth announced today that the new musical will begin performances on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 with an official opening in May 2020 at the Tony Kiser Theater at Second Stage.
Directing will be Jeff Calhoun, a two-time Tony nominee best known for Newsies, Grey Gardens and a slew of other Broadway productions. Lorin Latarro (Waitress) will choreograph.
Between the Lines, featuring a book by Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach) and music & lyrics by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson (Disney Animation’s Olaf’s Frozen Adventure), made its world premiere in a well-received 2017 engagement at Kansas City Rep. A sold-out concert version was presented at New York’s 92nd Street Y last year.
“At the heart of good theatre is a story worth telling,...
Directing will be Jeff Calhoun, a two-time Tony nominee best known for Newsies, Grey Gardens and a slew of other Broadway productions. Lorin Latarro (Waitress) will choreograph.
Between the Lines, featuring a book by Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach) and music & lyrics by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson (Disney Animation’s Olaf’s Frozen Adventure), made its world premiere in a well-received 2017 engagement at Kansas City Rep. A sold-out concert version was presented at New York’s 92nd Street Y last year.
“At the heart of good theatre is a story worth telling,...
- 9/23/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Get into the holiday spirit early, Frozen-style! Snippets of new songs from the upcoming sequel featurette Olaf's Frozen Adventure were released Friday. The special sees Olaf, voiced by returning star Josh Gad, seeking to set new family holiday traditions for Anna and Elsa, who have none. Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel, who reprise their roles as the sisters, sing the duet "When We're Together." The featurette also contains the songs "Ring in the Season," performed by Bell, and "That Time of Year," performed by Gad. The special contains four original songs overall, all written by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson. Olaf's Frozen...
- 9/8/2017
- E! Online
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