EMOJILAND: THE MUSICAL

FROM THE DIRECTOR

In 2018, my New York roommate Ethan was in charge of listening to the submissions for the New York Musical Festival. He told me he had found one among the thousands that really stood out to him called “Emojiland”. When he told me the title, I thought he was crazy. When he played me the first song, I was in love. I have watched this show blossom, seeing its first iteration and then its off-broadway opening, and against all odds it fully charmed me. A musical about Emojis has absolutely no business being this dynamic. Yet it is so successful because its messaging is completely human: “Emojiland” is about a diverse community who loves their home, but when conflict arises they are forced to confront their programmed identities, societal roles, and the meaning of their existence. It gives audiences a childlike permission to invest in these characters, both in their ridiculousness and their hearts. When I saw it sitting front row next to Sid Davis in 2018, we both thought two things: 1. This show would be incredible to do together and 2. Tapestry wasn’t quite ready for it. I take immeasurable pride in watching Tapestry skyrocket over the years to our current ability of tackling this show. I’m so grateful for my Tapestry family, for this spectacular cast of old and new friends, and for Laura Schein trusting us with her brilliant artistic baby. May this show remind us that unity amplifies our strength. 

-David Gow

FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR

For many years, I went to New York each January to study for a few days. While there were all-day work sessions, our evenings were free, and with Broadway just a few blocks away from the church where we gathered, of course we were going to take in at least one show each trip. In January of 2020, David Gow wanted me to see a new up-and-coming musical called, “Emojiland,” which had just opened “off- Broadway.” One of his close friends, Ethan Nienaber, (who has appeared on this stage) was involved in the production. I gathered up my fellow students, and away we went. Fabulous show with an obvious bright future, we chatted that night about how perfect “Emojiland” would be for Tapestry Players.

Fast forward to my trip home, and while waiting at La Guardia, I saw my first masks on other passengers. I knew about the coronavirus - it had been all over the news - but surely it wouldn’t be a big deal HERE. In a matter of days, it was the BIGGEST deal, and in the midst of all our worlds turning upside down, “Emojiland’s” future was not clear, to say the least. I think it’s safe to say that this delightful show is just now being rediscovered after having been sidelined by that Chinese bat.

Here we are in 2026, and our dream of sharing this funny/poignant/pertinent show with you, just as we dreamed 6 years ago in that faraway off-Broadway theater, is coming true. And in a sort of 21st century version of “Fantastic Voyage” (millennials, look it up) we’re all about to enter the world of our phones and the lives of emojis we use every day: free of pronouns, they are bound to fulfill their sole purpose - to DO and BE just as they APPEAR. Construction workers build, police officers protect, clowns…clown. Along the way, they will learn, just as we will, that love does indeed change everything, and their tiny, pixelated existence parallels ours in ways that are shockingly like today’s news. 

Shame on me if I miss the opportunity to thank the brilliant David Gow, whose vision and drive always challenge me to do more, and unfailingly stretch me. And to this fresh-faced, hard working cast whose talent is about to dazzle you, I can’t thank you enough for your 5G energy.  Now, sit back, enjoy, and when you leave, you will concur - it’s just so great to be alive!

-Sid Davis