Dublin writer’s world premiere marks a personal milestone
Dublin-born writer, composer, and performer Caroline Kay is marking a significant milestone this week with the world premiere of her new musical, Elephant Shoes. Debuting at the Two River Theater on Saturday, June 6, the production represents the culmination of years of transatlantic development and a deeply personal journey for Kay.
Elephant Shoes is described as a romantic musical comedy featuring a book by Ivan Menchell, with music and lyrics by Kay. The production is a co-production between the Two River Theater and Deaf West Theatre, directed and choreographed by Jeff Calhoun.
A New Standard for Accessible Theatre
The musical distinguishes itself through a unique fusion of spoken dialogue, American Sign Language (ASL), and projected text. By integrating these elements, the production aims to be fully accessible to both Deaf and hearing audiences, weaving inclusivity into the core of the storytelling rather than treating it as an afterthought.
The project traces its origins to a chance encounter four or five years ago, when Menchell discovered Kay’s music online while in London for another production. After meeting for lunch, the two began developing the concept, which Kay describes as having once been just “a little seed of an idea.”
Resilience and Creative Collaboration
For Kay, 37, the premiere arrives after a challenging year in which she underwent treatment for breast cancer. Following two surgeries, four months of chemotherapy, and fifteen sessions of radiotherapy, she completed her final treatment just 48 hours before traveling to New Jersey to begin rehearsals.
The production features a creative team including orchestrator Tom Kitt, who is arranging the piano and vocal score for the full company band. Kay has expressed deep gratitude for the support of her parents, Margaret and Donal, who moved into her London apartment to assist her during her recovery and have since relocated to the United States to support her during the show’s run.
Looking Toward the Future
Industry observers have already identified Elephant Shoes as a potential pre-Broadway tryout, a prospect that Kay finds encouraging. While she acknowledges that Broadway and the West End remain long-term aspirations, she is also focused on the possibility of adapting the show for international audiences, including a dream of bringing the production to Ireland and incorporating British Sign Language for a London run.
As the company moves through the final stages of tech rehearsals, Kay remains focused on the present moment. She describes the experience of reaching the world premiere as “a complete dream come true,” providing her with a renewed sense of energy and gratitude as she sees her long-term project finally meet its audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the premise of Elephant Shoes?
It is a romantic musical comedy described as a love letter to connection, longing, and the courage it takes to be understood, featuring a book by Ivan Menchell and music and lyrics by Caroline Kay.
How is the production made accessible to Deaf audiences?
Every word of the production is signed, spoken, and seen, utilizing a blend of spoken dialogue, American Sign Language, and projected text.
Where is the musical currently being performed?
The world premiere is taking place at the Two River Theater in Red Bank, New Jersey, with performances scheduled through June 28, 2026.
How do you think the integration of multiple communication methods will change the way audiences connect with live performances in the future?