The incredible story of the Eiffel Tower
Marc Deren - Book and Music
The Eiffel Tower has always fascinated me. For more than 130 years, she has been a symbol of Paris, but also of the scientific and technical advances of the 19th century. The story of her construction is closely linked to the life of her constructor Gustave Eiffel who sees her both as a scientific and artistic work. When I pass by the Eiffel Tower, I love to imagine the excitement of the gigantic 1889 and 1900 World Fairs that gathered people from all grounds (or social classes ?) at a time that will be called much later “Belle Epoque” becoming a myth for which nostalgia grew through the 20th century.
In this musical, I tried to go back in time when the words “Belle Epoque” did not exist, and tell the story of the Eiffel Tower through the feelings and emotions of the people who witnessed her construction.
Marc began writing songs for musical theatre in Frigo, le musical, played in Paris in 2017. His first musical, La Tour de 300 Metres, telling the story of the Eiffel Tower, played in Paris in 2019. He wrote music and lyrics for the musical Les Enfants Von Vampire, and composed music for the movie The Dream Robber. He is currently working on a new historical musical.
Jessica Moss - English Translation
In translating I tried to preserve the literal meaning, but also some of the wordplay, and Marc's unique ability with language. Oftentimes it's not always possible to do things exactly the same way in moving from one language to another, but whenever something stood out to me as special, I tried to get it into the English translation one way or another. It was such a joy to collaborate with two other artists, across three countries, and I always looked forward to our meetings. I hope others enjoy the piece!
Jessica (she/her) writes, performs, and produces. Some of her plays include Funnie (2022 winner of the Leah Ryan's FEWW Prize, O'Neill finalist), Our Play (2023 Lanford Wilson Award), A Girl Lives Alone (SafeWord New Play Contest winner), Cam Baby (Toronto Fringe New Play Winner, Weissberger finalist), Polly Polly (Ed Mirvish Award for Entrepreneurship), Next to Him, We'll Make it Together, and more. Training: Juilliard.
Colton Pometta - Dramaturgy
Colton Pometta is an international stage director based in Manhattan.
In NYC, Colton has directed new plays, musicals, cabarets and solo performances at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Neue Galerie, Cherry Lane, Primary Stages ESPA, 54 Below, Le Poisson Rouge, The Triad and Joe's Pub. International directing credits include the first Spanish adaptation of Adam Gwon’s Ordinary Days in Buenos Aires, Argentina (originally produced in 2019 and revived in 2023), the French premieres of Adam Gwon's Ordinary Days, Carner and Gregor's Island Song, and The Tale of Sally McLaureen at Edinburgh Fringe. Regionally, he has worked at more than 20 union theaters and opera companies across the U.S., and is currently the resident director for Sun Valley Shakespeare.
Colton is also a published librettist and a member of the Dramatists Guild. Class President, a musical he wrote with Derek Gregor and Selda Sahin, is available for licensing through Broadway Licensing.
He is a proud graduate of Circle in the Square Theater School and Interlochen Arts Academy.
