Gualtieri & Sisco have been writing together since they met at the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop in 2003. Their musical Falling to Earth received a workshop production at Syracuse University New Play Workshop, has been part of The York Theatre’s Developmental Reading Series, and was featured at Nautilus Music-Theater’s Rough Cuts Reading Series. Together, they have also worked on musical adaptations of The Heiress, I’m Afraid, You’re Afraid: 448 Things to Fear and Why, My First Five Husbands (with “Golden Girls” star Rue McClanahan, based on her memoir), and The Wings of the Dove with book writer Michael Zam. Tom and David have also appeared on stage together multiple times in David’s award-winning one-acts, Bait n’ Swish.
In 2018, David and Tom began brainstorming a video project that would bring together their love for musical theatre with their passion for more equity in the industry. The result was Draw the Circle Wide, an interview-style series that features a diverse roster of guest artists sharing their experiences and premiering a new Gualtieri & Sisco song written specifically for them. Season 1 included Ali Stroker (Oklahoma!, Spring Awakening), Jonathan Burke (Inheritance, Choir Boy), Ryann Redmond (Frozen: The Broadway Musical), and Cindy Cheung (Iowa, “13 Reasons Why”). Season 2 included Aisha Jackson (The Great Gatsby), L Morgan Lee (A Strange Loop), Ahmad Maksoud (The Band’s Visit), and André DeShields (Hadestown). Both series can be viewed here.
Gualtieri & Sisco’s work has been heard at Joe’s Pub (After the Storm Benefit), 54 Below (What Are They Singing’ About?, Departures), Second Stage (The Concert: A Celebration of Contemporary Musical Theatre), The York Theatre (NEO 7), and Astoria Performing Arts Center (NYMF’s A New Generation of Song), to name a few.
Beyond their collaborative success, Tom’s That Play: A Solo Macbeth received a Drama Desk nomination for Unique Theatrical Experience. His choral work: That Summer: A Fantasia on Family, premiered with the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus in 2016. David made his Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center debuts in 2015 with his classical art songs and commissioned choral work. For more information about Tom, visit his personal site.
The Heiress
Book by: Tom Gualtieri
Music by: David Sisco
Lyrics by: Tom Gualtieri
A much, romantic, coming of age story set amidst the swirling backdrop of 1850’s New York, The Heiress is the tale of a shy young woman who, despite a strained relationship with her father and the heartbreak of first love, finally realizes her own worth. All the songs written with kind permission of Judy Goetz Sanger, based on the play by Ruth & Augustus Goetz and Washington Square by Henry James.
Falling to Earth
Book by: Tom Gualtieri & David Sisco
Music by: David Sisco
Lyrics by: Tom Gualtieri
This chamber musical retells the story of Pygmalion & Galatea through a skewed, contemporary lens. In ancient Cyprus, Pygmalion is frustrated by interference from both his lusty friend Paphos and a mysterious serving girl. He turns his attention toward his work but soon discovered that his creation has a life and story of her own. When a beautiful but neurotic Venus brings the statue to life, all the characters are forced to let go of their once secure notions of life, love, and self.
Draw the Circle Wide
Until now, Western arts have had a limited view of the “everyman” (a moniker with clear problems of its own). We wanted to expand the everyman to include all genders, abilities, races, and identities. Giving voice to more stories allows audiences to see themselves represented and helps us understand that our thoughts, feelings, and fears are universal.
“Draw the Circle Wide,” a new video series focused on equity in the theatre industry, shines a spotlight on a diverse array of performers, with each episode dedicated to a single, inspiring artist. Gualtieri & Sisco’s interviews with the artists are intercut with the creation process of a song written just for them – a song putting them at the center of the story.
Watch Series 1 and Series 2 here.
The Wings of the Dove
Concept by: Tom Gualtieri, David Sisco, and Michael Zam
Book by: Tom Gualtieri & Michael Zam
Music by: David Sisco
Lyrics by: Tom Gualtieri
This musical adaptation of Henry James’ novel is the story of a love triangle involving Kate Croy and Merton Densher, kept from marriage by class differences, and a young Milly Theale, an orphaned, American heiress. When Kate learns that Milly is dying, she sees an opportunity to free herself and Merton from societal constraints… but at what cost? Set in London and Venice at the beginning of the 20th century, this sweeping story examines class, deception, and the grace of true love.
Stand-Alone Songs
In addition to working on shows, we’ve written a large selection of stand-alone songs that have been sung in concerts around the city. Check out videos from our two shows at 54 Below: What Are They Talking’ About? and Departures for more examples of our work. Our songs are available for to sale here.